Cooking Guides

Everyone loves iron skillets. And if you are a lover of good food, you probably own more than one yourself. A cast iron skillet is multipurpose; it can be used for everything, and it is even easy to clean. You can easily make most of your meal using this tool.

For example, you can give your chicken thighs a nice outside brown crisp without burning it, and you even bake those brownies in no time. It is also a cooking vessel when you need to transfer cooking from your gas to the oven.

Knowing some of its usefulness, you definitely do not want to toy with this utensil. Therefore, it is essential to keep it in good condition every time and maintain it properly.

What is a seasoned cast iron skillet?

A seasoned skillet is smooth, shiny, and nonstick. You’ll know it’s time to re-season if food sticks to the surface or if the skillet appears dull or rusted.

Why do I need a cast iron skillet in my kitchen?

Cast iron skillet is one kitchen utensil that is very easy to use. This cooking pan makes a wonderful instrument in the kitchen. You enjoy a properly fried chicken, perfectly made omelet, and cornbread using this tool.

Though it can be used for cooking different meals, it is advisable to only use it for food that needs some fat heating when you first get it. This is to harden the surface to a level where you do not need to bother about seasoning it.

Why do you need to season your iron cast skillet?

First, seasoning your skillet has absolutely nothing to do with using salt and spices. It is a way of introducing a protective and strong coating to your skillet. The coat is formed by heating the skillet in an oven after rubbing oil on it. This is possible because the process of heating fat or polymerization creates a stickiness that bonds the oil to the iron.

Fat is converted into a form of plastic and bonds to the metal to create a nonstick coating for your skillet. A properly seasoned iron cast skillet is an indispensable kitchen utensil that allows you to cook even the stickiest meal. Food like an omelet, the scrambled egg becomes very easy to make without having to scrap your pot.

Another reason why it is a must to season your iron cast skillet is that it forms a protective layer on the skillet and enhances durability. The moment you get a skillet, season it immediately before your first use. And this alone can guarantee you years of usage.

How do I know it is time to re-season my skillet?

After this first seasoning, you can enjoy your skillet for a year or two. This is because cooking with oil or other types of fat on this tool increases the protective coat on it and prevents the first from permanently washing off.

However, this does not guarantee usage forever; as such, the skillet sometimes needs to be pre-seasoned. It is time to re-season your skillet once you notice that it is becoming rusty or sticky. Therefore, once the food starts to stick to the surface of your skillet, do not throw it out; you only need to re-season it to enjoy using it again.

The Easy Guide On Seasoning and Restoring Cast Iron

How to Season a Cast Iron Skillet

Things needed for seasoning are:

• Sponge or stiff brush
• Dish soap
• Aluminum foil
• Paper towels or clean and dry clothes
• Vegetable oil or shortening or any other oil available

Instructions: Step to step guide on how properly season your iron cast skillet

Step 1:  Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

Step 2:  Wash your skillet with soapy and warm water using the stiff brush or sponge provided above.

Note here that you are not to wash your cast iron with soap, but it is ok to do that now since you are about to season it.

Step3:   After washing, rinse the dry skillet with water and dry it using a paper towel or dry cloth.

Step 4:  If you are using shortening, it is time to melt it. If you are not using shortening vegetable oil or any other types of fat, it is good.

Step 5:  Now, pour a little below tablespoon of the vegetable oil or your melted shortening into the cast iron skillet. Remember, you can use any oil you have available.

Step 6:  Use a paper towel or clean cloth again to rub the oil around the whole skillet forming a coat.

Step 7:  After coating the inside, flip the skillet over to coat the outside and bottom part as well

Step 8:  Now, put the prepared aluminum foil on the rack of the oven. Then place the skillet on that aluminum foil facing down, and leave it in for one hour.

Step 9:  After an hour, turn off the oven and leave the skillet inside until it is completely cool. Then remove it from the oven, and your cast iron skillet is seasoned. Repeat the heating process three times to ensure that you form a really protective coating.

After the first heating process, bring out the skillet once it has cooled down and place it back into the oven for another 30 minutes. Do this repeatedly three times, and you are good.

Important tips

• Oil type: Most people prefer using vegetable oil, canola, or corn oil. And some think that flaxseed oil is a good choice. However, flaxseed oil tends to flake off when used, so I will not recommend it. If you are not using any of the mentioned oil, try a little research to know about the suitability of the oil you want to use.
• Greasiness: After coating, ensure to clean off the oil till the skillet is no longer greasy. This is because you do not want excess oil to form hardened particles on the surface of your skillet.
• Heating: Once you put the skillet inside the oven, ensure proper ventilation to prevent the kitchen from getting smoky. I recommend using only the oven for your heating. This is to ensure that heat is evenly distributed to the skillet.

How To Season a Cast Iron Skillet (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Conclusion

A cast iron skillet can be used for a very long time if properly maintained. This is why you have probably seen parents passing down their cast iron to children. In fact, many homes can use one for cooking almost everything and still enjoy it for a long time. You only need to get it right.

Maintaining your skillet starts from seasoning it. Properly seasoning this kitchen tool can enhance its durability. This is why understanding how to season your skillet is as important as buying it. This article saves you time browsing the net or taking the wrong procedure seasoning your cast iron skillet. I hope you find it helpful.

Do you often microwave plastic Tupperware containers to reheat or cook foods? Microwaving food is a common thing but is it safe to microwave Tupperware plastics? Most people conveniently microwave plastic Tupperware. Many brands like Tupperware and Ziploc claim that their plastic container is safe for reheating in the microwave.

Tupperware was invented in 1945. Microwave has been in existence for cooking efficiency since 1946. They make it flexible and easy to store plastic containers which can be refrigerated. A Tupperware container is made of high-quality products, free of Bisphenol A, making heating Tupperware in a microwave safer. But the best thing is to make sure the plastic container has the label “microwave safe” before placing it in a microwave. So also, Ziploc brands are BPA-free.

Is Plastic Tupperware Microwaveable?

Tupperware plastics are microwave safe! It can be microwaved without any worry. The problem with microwaving plastic is that it can result in additives that can be harmful if leached into the food. The chemicals in the containers which can be additive include bisphenol A and phthalates. These chemicals are added to elongate the flexibility and durability of plastic containers. Bisphenol A can leach into food if the food stays for an extended period in the container, while phthalates disrupt hormonal balance if it is leached into the food.

However, Tupperware plastic containers are bisphenol-free. They are convenient and durable. Tupperware containers are also freezer safe. Tupperware products are made to be nontoxic and do not release harmful chemicals into food content. The products have also gone through various tests to make sure the food kept in it is safe. Although, some scientists researched that plastics that are bisphenol-free release other chemicals like phthalates.

Nevertheless, not all Tupperware plastics are safe for microwaving. Tupperware has tested their products to know the ones that are microwave safe. The containers that are safe for microwaving usually have a microwave-safe label. If the Tupperware plastic does not have a tag of “safe” for microwaving, don’t reheat it in the microwave. It could either melt or leach chemicals into the food. So, make sure your plastic container is labelled safe in the microwave before being heated in the microwave.

Is it Safe to Microwave Plastic? A Doctor Explains

Can you Microwave Plastic Tupperware with its lid on?

It’s better to always microwave food with its lid on to avoid splattering of food in the microwave. Putting the lid on while reheating also speeds up the heating and evenly. Plastic Tupperware microwaveable has a lid and seal designed with a steam vent feature. The vent needs to be opened when the sealed plastic container is placed in the microwave.

Thus, the food should be covered but not sealed airtight. If sealed tightly, there’s a risk of dangerous, intense steam when the container is reopened. Leaving the seal on can also burst the seal when it’s hot and spray the food in the oven’s interior.

Things to Know before Microwaving Plastic Tupperware

Tupperware has products that are designed for microwave safety. Nevertheless, there are precautions to take when microwaving plastic Tupperware. Tupperware recommends avoiding microwaving foods that are high in fat or sugar. Those sets of foods can cause damage to the container when very hot. Never forget to pop the vent when heating to avoid the risk of the plastic being burst if it’s too hot.

So also, plastic Tupperware is not made for cooking, so it shouldn’t be used in an oven. Tupperware instructions also state that the food shouldn’t be heated for more than 3 minutes on low, medium heat in a microwave.

If the food requires more than 3 minutes to heat, remove the cover and stir the food. You can then start reheating for less than 3 minutes. Avoid exceeding the filling line when putting your food into the container to avoid spillage into the oven. Also, do not scratch or cut the container to prevent any leakage or smoky smell.

How long can you Microwave Plastic Tupperware

With the potential of chemicals in Tupperware plastic, a microwave-safe plastic Tupperware shouldn’t be reheated continuously in the microwave. The hygiene department monitors the production of the container, and these plastics are thoroughly checked before being approved as a microwave-safe symbol.

The regulatory unit also evaluates how people are likely to eat from the container and how long the container can be microwaved. But it all depends on the food it contains. The food should be fine as long as the container doesn’t exceed its temperature tolerance.

The chemicals that come out of the plastic and how likely they are to reach food are measured by the scientist. The plastic container manufacturer evaluates the extent to which the container is safe for use before being tagged microwave-safe.

For a Tupperware plastic container to be termed safe for microwaving, it has been evaluated for safety without causing any harmful implications. Microwave-safe containers are practically tested for about 240 hours before being stamped safe.

Are all Tupperware Products Microwave-safe?

Yes, all Tupperware products are made to be heated in the microwave. But you should make sure you are using a premium quality Tupperware product. Thus, make you check if it has safety approval before putting it in the microwave. Because even though the plastics are designed to be microwaveable, not all have the tag microwave-safe. It’s better not to place a container that doesn’t come with the safe tag in the microwave to avoid any risk.

Top 10 Things You Should NEVER Put In The Microwave

Conclusion

Tupperware is a brand that has been in existence for many years. Not sure whether to reheat plastic at times can be worrisome. If your container is labelled microwave-safe, it is agreed that your plastic container can be heated without impacting the food.

However, don’t use damaged plastic in the microwave because it might have exceeded the safety ability. Aside from that, it also puts the food at the risk of encountering harmful release. So, it’s safer to throw away old Tupperware plastic containers. Covered food heats up evenly and faster; you should consider using a lid to hasten the reheating process.

You will have success microwaving Tupperware plastics if you follow the precautions of the microwave-safe containers. If you understand the symbol and instructions, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. But if you are not confident with using the microwave-safe, you can transfer your food into a ceramic or glass to avoid using plastic in the microwave.

Pizza is a delicious meal, somewhat cheap, and requires little clean-up. It is a meal almost everyone enjoys. It is best when it is hot and fresh out of the oven. Pizza always comes with a piece of Cardboard. Pizza tastes better when it’s hot, but what if it was already cold before it gets to you. You need to be sure if you can put the pizza box directly in the microwave.

Nevertheless, pizzas aren’t the only food that’s packaged with Cardboard. Some frozen foods are also packaged with Cardboard and sometimes plastics. Most times, people leave their pizzas on the Cardboard while it warms in the oven. But is it safe to leave your pizza on Cardboard while it bakes in an oven? This article tells you whether or not to leave your pizza on the Cardboard in the oven.

Is It Safe to Put Cardboard in an Oven?

Cardboards are combustible materials that can easily catch fire if heated to high temperatures for a long period in the oven. It will ignite at almost 430 degrees F, and it is not advisable to put your pizza directly on a piece of Cardboard in an oven.

However, it is safe to put a cardboard box in an oven, but some rules and procedures need to be followed. You need to maintain lots of safety issues if you want to put your pizza box or bake your pizza in a microwave. But still, there are better ways to heat your pizza outside the cardboard box.

Three Potential Reasons why Cardboard Should not be Placed in an Oven

Some frozen foods are also packed in cardboard or plastic containers. It’s better to always remove all containers before placing the food in an oven or microwave. Plastics melt when heated at a high temperature. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t put Cardboard or plastic in an oven.

Slows Down the Cooking Time

Leaving the cardboard bottom of your pizza will slow down the actual cooking time. Cardboard absorbs heat which will make it take extra time to heat your pizza. The heat can even prevent your pizza from getting crispy.

Thus, some cardboards are designed for baking in the oven, but still, they are not heatproof. So, if paper or Cardboard is not designed to cook in the oven, it is not a good idea to put the product with Cardboard into the oven. It will prevent your pizza from being nice and also slow down your cooking.

The Threat of Burning

The cardboard box can ignite at almost 430 degrees F. If you are trying to bake your pizza around 425 degrees, your pizza is at the risk of it getting burned. If you make your pizza with a Cardboard on it, the Cardboard can ignite and smoke, which will surely ruin the taste of your pizza.

Nevertheless, if you want to cook your pizza with Cardboard on it, you should get a newer oven or microwave. Newer ovens have improved heating elements which leave your pizza getting burned with lesser risk. Before you place your pizza on a Cardboard in a microwave, don’t forget the cardboard ignition point.

Makes Your Food Taste Weird

even if your Cardboard doesn’t ignite in a microwave oven, it can still smoke and spread fumes. The fumes can change the taste of your food.

Some foods come packaged in plastic; these plastics also need to be removed before the food is placed in the oven. It could melt, which will make your food inedible. So, it’s preferable to remove the plastic and Cardboard before it is placed into the microwave oven.

What to Use Instead of Cardboard

If you will be putting a frozen pizza in an oven, you should follow its instructions. Putting a frozen pizza can make the bottom soft and soggy. These are the alternatives to the Cardboard you should consider for cooking in an oven.

• Directly on the oven rack: it is better to cook your pizza directly on a microwave or oven rack. Putting your food directly on the rack is very good for pizza. It gets the best from the bottom and the sides.
• Aluminum foil: you can also wrap the food with aluminum foil at times to put in the oven. The aluminum foil prevents stuff from dropping into the oven and no fire issues. Though, when cooking at high temperatures, aluminum foil is not safe for acidic foods. You can use aluminum foil as an alternative in the oven instead of Cardboard.
• On a pizza stone: pizza stones are made of ceramics which gives a good heating surface. It can also be used to bake some other frozen foods. Pizza stones make your oven-baked food crust and crispy.
• Baking pan: there is a round shaped pizza pan that is specially made for pizzas. It allows your food to be directly heated from the bottom of the oven. It also prevents food from dripping into the oven. You can cook directly on a pan in the oven instead of cardboard.
• On a cookie sheet: a cookie sheet is not as expensive as a baking pan or pizza stone. It gives your pizza a nice flat base surface. Although it might not give your pizza a crispy taste like others, you won’t have to worry about burning.

Four Ways to Reheat in the Oven Without Using Cardboard

• On the grill: the grill is suitable to reheat pizza or other frozen foods without using a cardboard box. Preheat the grill at a medium temperature, then place the food on the grill for a few minutes.
• In a toaster oven: preheat the toaster oven for a few minutes, just like that of the grill. The toaster oven doesn’t have enough space to contain the whole pizza at a time. You can only heat by the slice.
• On the stove: the stove is also a proper way of reheating your frozen foods; you can use a skillet on the stove. Ensure you heat the skillet and cover it with a pan to trap the heat until the food or cheese melts.
• In the microwave: if you want to make use of a microwave to heat your pizza, put a piece of paper towel underneath the pizza. It will help soak up the moisture and prevent it from burning. But make sure you lower the temperature of the microwave to have an even heating.

#Video: Frozen Pizza Baking Tips

Conclusion

You can put cardboard paper in the oven, but there are some certain rules and procedures you just have to follow. cardboards are designed to warm up in the oven for some time but not all cardboard is safe to put in the oven. Cardboards can ignite at a temperature of 420 degrees F.

To be on the safer side, don’t put Cardboard in the oven. Go for a safer alternative like a pizza stone, baking pan, cooking sheet, or even directly on the rack. Your pizza will taste better and crispy with these alternatives, and you will even rest assured it won’t catch fire.

Whether it is for a movie night, watching sports, or a pool party, hotdogs are fool-proof. Plain, with mayo, topped with onions, or jazzed with chili, it does not matter how you serve hotdogs. It is guaranteed to be a big hit! Read on and learn how to cook hotdog in toaster oven! It is easier than what you have thought.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cook Hot dog in Toaster Oven

Most people will prepare hotdog in a grill or pan. However, you can also prepare it in the oven. Within a few minutes, you can have sweet and succulent hotdogs ready to devour. Below, we’ll quickly explore some of the best ways to do this like a pro.

Cooking the Hotdog

1. The first thing to do is to prepare the hotdog. Wait for it to reach room temperature. Use a sharp knife to slice the sides, which allows the steam to escape while also allowing the heat to circulate evenly. This way, you can be sure that all parts of the hotdog are cooked.
2. Preheat your toaster oven. Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare it for cooking the hotdogs.
3. As you wait for the oven to preheat, prepare the tray. Line it with aluminum foil. The latter will prevent the hotdog from sticking on the cooking surface, which will also make the clean-up a breeze. Arrange the hotdogs in such a way that there is enough space. Cramping too many hotdogs in the tray will result in uneven cooking.
4. Set the cooking time. This will depend on the size or thickness of the hotdog. In most cases, you will need to cook them for only three to four minutes per side. Flip the hotdogs for even cooking. Check the hotdogs if they are already cooked. If not, extend the cooking time. Cook them until they are crispy and juicy.
5. Turn off the oven and take off the hotdogs from the tray. Put them directly on a bun if you want to eat them as a sandwich.

How to Cook Hot Dogs

Different Ways of Serving Hotdogs

Now that we talked about the steps of cooking the hotdog in a toaster oven, this section walks you through some of the best ways to serve it.

Serve it Plain

If you want the flavor of the hotdog to stand out, then your best bet is to serve it without any garnish or dressing. This is popular amongst kids. You can serve it in a bun or in a stick.

Wrap it With Bacon

Take your hotdog to the next level by wrapping it with bacon before popping in the toaster oven. Wrap one long slice of bacon on the hotdog. This will add grease and flavor to the hotdog, but some might find it overpowering. Not to mention, you might want to avoid it if you are on a diet.

Slather with Your Favorite Condiments

A simple way to jazz up your hotdogs is to serve it with different condiments. Ketchup, mayo, and mustard are some of the most common. You can use a variety of commercially-available prepared sauces depending on the specific flavors that you would like to stand out. Make it sweet, spicy, or tangy to meet your preferences.

Add Texture in Every Bite

Another way to make it more mouthwatering is to add ingredients that will not only enhance flavor but also add texture. Some of the good examples of such include onion, pickles, tomato, cabbage, lettuce, and jalapenos.

Cut in Fun Shapes

Especially if you are serving the hotdog to kids, it is a good idea to cut it into fun shapes. Do this before putting them in the toaster oven. Experiment with different designs, such as octopus, spider, zigzag, snake, and palm tree, among others. All that you need is a knife to shape the hotdog the way you want it to look like.

4 Levels of Hot Dogs: Amateur to Food Scientist

Tips and Tricks When Cooking Hotdog in a Toaster Oven

To conclude this guide, we’ll leave you with some tips for preparing delicious hotdogs.

Pick the Right Hotdog

To the uninitiated, all hotdogs look the same. However, they are different in many ways. Pick the right hotdog and it is easy to impress your family and friends. Do not choose large hotdogs as they often have a lot of fats. You might also want to steer clear from salty hotdogs. It is best to choose ones with no added nitrates or uncured. If possible, go for organic and low-sodium, although not all of you are probably that health-conscious.

Choose the Right Bun

Aside from the quality of the hotdog, the bun to use is another crucial consideration. It should be large enough to fit your hotdog. Pick an oblong-shaped roll that has a crispy crust and a juicy interior. Many people like baking the crust for a while. Use the right knife to slice it, which will also avoid crumbs. Like with the hotdog, the buns must be fresh!

Do Not Overcook the Hotdogs

It is easy to overcook hotdogs if you do not keep an eye on them. Aside from being burnt, the casing can burst. It will not only have a dark and unappealing color, but it will also be tough, dry, and disgusting. So, make sure to cook it at the right time. Check the hotdogs often and see if it needs more cooking.

Thaw the Hotdogs

If you are in a hurry, it is tempting to cook hotdogs straight out of the freezer, but that should not be the case. Instead, you should wait for it to thaw or at least reach room temperature. This will make sure that it is evenly cooked. Putting a frozen hotdog in the toaster will result in having a warn interior and cold or frozen interior.

The Biggest Mistakes Everyone Makes When Cooking Hot Dogs

When it comes to Indian cuisines, you get nothing except the flavor extravaganza. The Indian lexicon of dishes from spicy phaals to crimson vindaloos is a product of the masterful combination of heat and spice.

It’s difficult not to come across the chicken tikka masala and butter chicken, as it’s on almost every Indian restaurant menu. Both dishes share the same look, with an orange tinge and smokiness.

However, not everyone can differentiate between the two popular Indian dishes, and most people will argue there’s no difference.

So, in this post, we’ll talk about the difference between butter chicken and tikka masala.

Butter Chicken vs. Tikka Masala – A Quick Overview

Butter Chicken

This is originally called “murgh makhani,” and it has been one of the many curry-based cuisines from Indian. These dishes are not only served in India but also in the rest of the world and have a decent flavor, subtle variation and method of preparation, which depends on the specific region where you have it.

This delectable dish is made by marinating chopped, small pieces of chicken in a flavorful mix of curry spices, garlic, and ginger. Afterward, it’s cooked in a butter-based sauce and creamy tomato.

Tikka Masala

Some people regard the tikka masala as an Indian version of the American pizza without the crispy crust. Similar to the butter chicken, this cuisine is also curry-based. The only difference is the chopped chickens are grilled initially before smothering the piece in a sumptuous tomato-based sauce.

While you might believe that this dish originated from Indian, tikka masala was created in Britain by Bangladeshi chefs running most of the Indian restaurants in the 1960s. However, other sources report that this dish originated in an Indian restaurant in Glasgow.

The European Union acknowledged this dish’s root in Britain by proposing a “Protected Designation of Origin.” However, regardless of where this delectable cuisine is made, it’s inspired by the sub-continent flavors.

With this in mind, one thing that stays true about this popular dish is its amazing deliciousness. The chicken is marinated in chili pepper, ginger, garlic, and a variety of other savory masala ingredients before grilling it and immersing it in a curry-based sauce.

Chicken Tikka Masala | Gordon Ramsay

Butter Chicken vs. Tikka Masala – The Difference

Now that you know the origins and what these two dishes are, let’s discuss the difference between both chicken recipes.

In this section, we’ll highlight the key difference which makes these recipes distinct.

Invention

This is what really differentiates these two mouth-watering dishes. While both cuisines were created by top chefs experimenting on cooked chicken, they differ in terms of recipes.

For butter chicken, unsold tandoori chicken is the main ingredient, while the tikka masala is a result of improving the chicken tikka dish.

In addition, where these dishes were invented differs. The butter chicken was created in India, while the other was invented by an Indian chef in the United Kingdom.

Appearance

As said earlier, these delicacies appear the same with an orange tinge. This is because they have their chicken meat covered in a rich, flavorful sauce. However, the butter chicken tends to have a lighter orangish sauce.

On the flip, the tikka masala features a reddish and rich-looking sauce. Their similar appearance is a result of common ingredients used to create these gourmet dishes.

Ingredients

Butter is the main ingredient for whipping up the butter chicken, while the other relies on tomatoes. Don’t get it mixed up; the first dish also includes tomatoes. As a matter of fact, both delicacies share a host of ingredients like ginger, pepper, garlic, masala, garam, tomato paste, onion, cream, yogurt, and chicken.

However, the amount of these ingredients used in making each cuisine varies. For instance, the tikka masala has more tomatoes and pepper, while the other uses more cream, turmeric, cumin and butter.

Taste

Butter chicken uses cream and butter more generously, unlike tikka masala that requires no butter and small amounts of cream. The first dish uses a small amount of tomato, and the other requires a lot of it.

Thus, butter chicken is a tad creamier, while the second delicacy has a tomato-based taste.

What are the similarities?

These two dishes share notable similarities, which includes:

• Indian origins: both delicacies feature Indian cuisine and culture. Also, the dishes were invented by Indian chefs in Indian restaurants.
• Curry-based cuisine: there are many types of curry cuisines across the world, and both butter chicken and tikka masala are two Indian varieties.
• Same ingredients: as stated earlier, these two delicacies share some ingredients like yogurt, garlic, ginger, cream, tomato paste, and some species. Also, the key ingredient for both delicacies is chicken. While they might share the same ingredients, the amount used in whipping up these dishes differs.

Butter Chicken Ingredient Profile

• Sliced chicken thighs
• Plain yogurt
• Chilli powder
• Salt
• Garam masala
• Tumeric
• ground cumin
• Ground coriander
• Garlic cloves
• Ginger
• Ghee, lard, or butter
• Canola oil
• Onion
• Canned tomatoes
• Heavy cream

Tikka Masala Ingredient Profile

For the marinade:

• Sliced chicken thighs
• Plain yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Paprika
• Chili powder
• Garam masala
• ground cumin
• Salt
• Ginger
• Garlic clove
• For the curry:
• Canola oil
• Onion
• Ginger
• Garlic cloves
• Garam masala
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Ground coriander
• Turmeric
• Cumin
• Canned tomato sauce
• Water
• Heavy cream

Butter chicken or Tikka masala – which is best

It has always been a debate about which of the two gourmet dishes is the better Indian curry. It’s challenging to rank them or say which one should be the undisputed curry champion. Both delicacies are incredibly delicious in a unique way, and the choice always boils down to your taste buddy and your love for spicy foods.

Although the two delicacies appear similar, upon tasting them, you should be able to tell the difference. The ingredient used to whip them up determines their flavor profile. You get a mildly sweet flavor with butter chicken due to its butter-based cutting of the curry spices’ intensity.

On the other hand, the tikka masala packs a punch. The wide range of spices used in this cuisine complements one another, which delivers extravagant flavors.

It’s no new fact that chicken is used in both dishes, and only one of them includes butter in the recipe. Here’s a new one: the butter chicken can be made with either boneless chicken or ones with bones left in. On the contrary, tikka masala is best made with boneless chicken for the best results.

Regardless of your decision, you’ll be enjoying a borderline addictive and remarkably delicious cuisine.

Conclusion

Tikka masala and butter chicken are two common and easily recognizable Indian cuisines. Now that you’re aware of the differences in taste, ingredients, invention and appearance, it should be easier for you to figure out what dish is in front of you. Hopefully, you shouldn’t be torn apart when trying to decide what to order between butter chicken vs. tikka masala.