Tandoori Cod Tikka (Tandoori Machli)
Thick cod chunks in a quick tandoori coat, grilled until the edges blister while the fish stays soft and flaky.
Made with Tandoori marinade. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time30 mins plus marinating
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.99 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Toss the cod with the lemon juice and salt in a bowl. Leave for 10 minutes only, as acid softens fish quickly.
10 min - 2
Add your ready made tandoori marinade (see the base recipe) and turn gently so you do not break the fish. Leave for 30 minutes in the fridge, and no longer than 1 hour.
30 min - 3
Heat the grill to its highest setting. Thread the fish onto oiled skewers, or lay it on an oiled foil tray.
- 4
Grill 8 cm from the heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once carefully, until the edges are charred and the fish flakes easily with no translucent middle.
9 min - 5
Pile the onion rings and coriander on a plate, add the fish and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips
- Use thick cod or haddock loin. Thin fillets fall apart on skewers and overcook.
- Marinate fish for no more than an hour, because the lemon and yoghurt make it mushy if left longer.
- Oil the skewers or tray well so the fish releases cleanly.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten fresh. Leftover fish keeps for 1 day in the fridge, cooled within 1 hour, and should be reheated until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Can I use another fish?
Yes. Haddock, halibut, monkfish or salmon all work. Salmon cooks in 6 to 8 minutes, and monkfish takes slightly longer.
Can I use frozen cod?
Yes. Thaw it fully in the fridge overnight, then pat it very dry before marinating or the coat will slide off.
Is this gluten free?
Yes, provided your garam masala is a gluten free one. The fish and marinade are otherwise naturally gluten free.
More made with tandoori marinade
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.