Buffet-Style Mixed Grill with Indian Tandoori Marinade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An assortment of grilled meats and vegetables marinated in a vibrant tandoori spice blend, perfect for an interactive family feast. This indian-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 35 minutes blends boneless chicken thighs, lamb cubes, medium bell peppers into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Indian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk 1 cup plain yogurt with 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 1 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Cut 1 lb boneless chicken thighs and 1 lb lamb cubes into bite-sized pieces. Add the meats to the marinade, stirring well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Step 3: Slice 2 medium bell peppers and 1 large red onion into 1-inch chunks and thread alternately with marinated meat pieces onto skewers.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes until the meat is cooked through and edges are charred slightly.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves and serve hot with naan or basmati rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Buffet-Style Mixed Grill with Indian Tandoori Marinade take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Buffet-Style Mixed Grill with Indian Tandoori Marinade?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Buffet-Style Mixed Grill with Indian Tandoori Marinade?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Buffet-Style Mixed Grill with Indian Tandoori Marinade for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Buffet-Style Mixed Grill with Indian Tandoori Marinade?

Indian bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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