What is the Difference Between Tikka and Tikka Masala?

The main difference between tikka and tikka masala lies in the preparation and the sauce.

• Tikka: This typically refers to small pieces of meat, such as chicken or lamb, that have been marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture and then grilled or roasted. Chicken tikka is often served as an appetizer and is similar to grilled or barbecued chicken with spices, served dry.
• Tikka Masala: This is a dish made by cooking chunks of tikka (the marinated meat) in a spicy, tomato-based sauce. The sauce is creamy, spiced, and contains tomatoes, and may also include other ingredients like coconut cream, paprika powder, and turmeric. Tikka masala is a complete meal, often served with rice or roti, and is considered spicier and hotter than regular tikka.

In summary, tikka is the marinated and grilled or roasted meat, while tikka masala is a dish made by cooking the tikka in a spicy, tomato-based sauce.

Comparative Table: Tikka vs Tikka Masala

Here is a table comparing the differences between Tikka and Tikka Masala:

Tikka is a dish composed of boneless pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled on a skewer. Tikka Masala, on the other hand, is a curry dish with a creamy tomato-based sauce. While both dishes use the same marinated chicken, they have distinct flavors and preparation methods.