Tandoori masala vs garam masala; what is the difference between these two popular Indian spice mixes, and which one should you use? The crucial differences between the two lie in the specific spices used to make them and the way they’re used. One is used as a marinade during the cooking process, while the other serves as a garnish meant to enhance the existing flavors in any given dish. Keep reading for more information on each kind of masala and how you can pick the best one for you.
Is tandoori masala the same as garam masala?
No, tandoor masala is not the same as garam masala. Even so, when you think about tandoori masala vs garam masala, there are some similarities between the two.
They are both Indian spice blends commonly used in Indian cuisine
Tandoori masala and garam masala are both spice mixes used primarily in Indian cooking. They contain spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and mace which are typical of such dishes.
While the spices used in these mixes are used globally separately, these precise mixes aren’t very common outside of South Asian cuisine restaurants and foods.
While the two spice mixes have different tastes and smells, they do have some common ingredients. These include the following blend of spices:
- Coriander seeds
- Black cardamom
- Green cardamom
- Black peppercorns
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
- Mace
- Nutmeg
Each of these spices can be found in varying quantities in both garam masala and tandoori masala. The tandoori masala vs garam masala differences lies in the remaining ingredients.
What is the difference between tandoori masala and garam masala?
There are quite a few differences between these two spice mixes, which is why they can never be used interchangeably. You can make tandoori mix with garam masala but that requires the addition of some supplementary spices.
As they are, the two are completely different and serve very different purposes.
Tandoori masala vs garam masala; here are some important things you need to know before deciding which spice mix goes in your food.
Garam masala is added as a garnish to cooked meals
Garam masala is added at the end of curries, fruit bowls, etc. It adds a bitter earthy flavor to whichever food it is added to. This spice mix acts as a flavor enhancer, especially when added to dishes like fruit bowls where the slight bitterness brings the fruits’ sweetness into the spotlight.
It is used in moderation.
Tandoori masala is used as a marinade in the cooking process
Tandoori masala is an excellent marinade for chicken dishes. The spices compliment grilled vegetables and are a great base for gravies and curries.
This spice mix is used in excess to make sure that its flavors penetrate the vegetables and meat being marinated. It has a tangy taste.
Tandoori Masala has a versatile global usage
Tandoori masala isn’t just used in Indian dishes. While that’s where the masala mix is typically used, it also happens to be a crucial ingredient in several yogurt dips, lamb, and yogurt recipes.
Garam Masala can be made with old leftover spice mixes
Make garam masala by grinding broken bits of whole spices leftover in your masala box in 3 quick steps:
- Heat the whole spices on low heat for 5 minutes
- Set the spice mix aside to cool
- Grind until a medium-coarse texture is acquired
The two spice mixes have different ingredients
Another important point of note in the garam masala vs tandoori masala discussion is that the two have different spice blends.
Here’s a list of each ingredient used in garam vs tandoori masala:
| Garam Masala | Tandoori Masala |
| 1. Black cardamom 2. Black peppercorns 3. Cinnamon stick 4. Cloves 5. Coriander seeds 6. Green cardamom 7. Mace 8. Nutmeg 9. Bay leaves | 1. Black cardamom 2. Black peppercorns 3. Cinnamon stick 4. Cloves 5. Coriander seeds 6. Green cardamom 7. Mace 8. Nutmeg 9. Chili powder 10. Cumin seeds 11. Garlic powder 12. Ginger powder 13. Ground turmeric 14. Kasoori methi 15. Nutmeg powder 16. Paprika |
As you can see, the main difference between garam masala and tandoori masala is that garam masala has bay leaves whereas tandoori masala has:
- Chili powder
- Cumin seeds
- Garlic powder
- Ginger powder
- Ground turmeric
- Kasoori methi
- Nutmeg powder
- Paprika
This means that you can easily add these ingredients to garam masala and use it as tandoori masala. More on this cool fact later.
Can I use tandoori masala instead of garam masala?
No, you can not use tandoori masala instead of garam masala. It has a lot of ingredients that aren’t present in garam masala. Since you can’t remove them from the powdered mix, you can’t turn the tandoori mix into garam masala.
Can I substitute garam masala for tandoori masala?
No, you can not substitute one spice mix for another. But you can make tandoori masala from garam masala by adding:
- Chili powder
- Cumin seeds
- Garlic powder
- Ginger powder
- Ground turmeric
- Kasoori methi
- Nutmeg powder
- Paprika
Read more about garam masala in the article garam masala vs tikka masala.
How to make tandoori masala from garam masala?
Make tandoori masala from garam masala by adding the following spices:
- Chili powder
- Cumin seeds
- Garlic powder
- Ginger powder
- Ground turmeric
- Kasoori methi
- Nutmeg powder
- Paprika
The specific quantities required depend entirely on how much tandoori masala you want to make and how much garam masala you already have.
How spicy is garam masala?
Garam masala is quite mild. The only hot element is black pepper (mentioned as black peppercorns in the ingredient list). As you know, black pepper isn’t particularly spicy. If you add too much of it, you may taste a slightly bitter element, but that’s it.
Dishes with garam masala typically get their spice from hot peppers and chili masala.
What is tandoori masala used for?
Tandoori masala is used to marinate chicken and vegetables before cooking them. The spices give them a beautiful flavor and prepare them to be cooked. The spices used in this particular mix go especially well with grilled vegetables and yogurt.
What makes tandoori masala red?
Tandoori masala isn’t red on its own. However, tandoori chicken is red. This is because of tomato puree, paprika, and red food dye used in its preparation.
Making your own garam masala
Ingredients
The spice blend for a typical garam masala mix includes the following:
- 50g Coriander seeds
- 12g Black cardamom
- 10g Green cardamom
- 10g Black peppercorns
- 10g Cloves
- 10g Cinnamon
- 15 Bay leaves
- 5g Mace
- 5g Nutmeg
The Method
Start by heating all the spices except the coriander seeds and bay leaves on a low flame for 5 minutes.
Then roast the coriander seeds on low flame for 4 minutes.
Cut the bay leaves and add them to the rest of the spices.
Roast all the spices together for a couple of minutes on a low flame.
Remove everything from the pan and place them on a plate to cool down.
Once they’ve cooled, add your spices to a spice grinder and grind till a medium-coarse texture is attained.
Store your ground spices in an airtight container until you need to use them.
Note: you can use a manual grinder, coffee bean grinder, or a magic bullet.
Learn more about how garam masala compares to other Indian spices in our article on madras curry powder vs garam masala. Curry powder is similar to ras el hanout, but they aren’t the same. So you should also read up on garam masala vs ras el hanout in case you want to substitute one for the other.
