Curry House BIR Tikka
Chicken Tikka or Lamb Tikka is a cornerstone of British Indian Restaurant (BIR) cuisine. It’s a dish that graces nearly every menu, often served sizzling on a platter, the tender, marinated chicken offering a satisfying balance of smoky char and creamy richness. But what exactly is BIR Tikka, and what makes it so uniquely delicious? Let’s delve into the secrets behind this beloved dish.
More Than Just Marinated Chicken Or Lamb:
While the basic premise of Tikka involves marinating and grilling chicken or lamb, the BIR version boasts distinct characteristics. The “BIR” acronym stands for British Indian Restaurant, and it signifies a particular style of cooking developed in restaurants across the UK, often adapting traditional Indian techniques to suit local palates and ingredients. The complex layers of taste provide a mouthwatering explosion with the dish served as a starter, main course or with the sauce, as a curry dish.
Here’s what sets BIR Tikka apart:
- The Marinade: A Symphony of Flavours:Â The marinade is the heart and soul of Tikka. While recipes vary, a typical BIR marinade will include a potent blend of spices, often starting with ginger, garlic, mixed powder, Patak’s pastes and garam masala. Yogurt, sometimes with the addition of cream, provides a tenderizing effect and contributes to the characteristic creamy texture. Red food colouring is often added to Lamb and orange food colouring to chicken to enhance the vibrant colour, a hallmark of the BIR aesthetic.
- Pre-Cooking for Perfection: A key differentiator is the pre-cooking process. The chicken or lamb is typically marinated for several hours, sometimes even overnight, allowing the flavours to penetrate deeply. It’s then part-cooked in a tandoor oven or under a broiler, achieving a slightly firm texture and a beautiful char.
- The Second Act: The Final Grill: This is where the magic happens. The pre-cooked chicken is then grilled again, often with onions and peppers, allowing the flavours to meld and develop further. This second grilling ensures that the chicken or lamb is perfectly cooked through and boasts a delightful smoky flavour.
- The Secret Sauce Masala Sauce:Â BIR restaurants go the extra mile by serving their Chicken or Lamb Tikka with a creamy, tomato-based sauce. This sauce, is referred to as a “Tikka Masala” which adds another layer of flavour and richness, complementing the smoky chicken or lamb beautifully.
It is claimed that this dish and saucet originated in a restaurant in Glasgow, Scotland. This version recounts how a British Pakistani chef, Ali Ahmed Aslam, proprietor of a restaurant in Glasgow, invented the dish by improvising a sauce made from a tin of condensed tomato soup, and spices.
Why is BIR Tikka so Popular?
The enduring popularity of BIR Tikka dishes can be attributed to several factors:
- Flavour Bomb:Â The complex blend of spices, the creamy yogurt, and the smoky charred characteristics creates a truly unforgettable and universally appealing flavour profile.
- Tender Texture: The marinating and pre-cooking process results in incredibly tender and juicy chicken or lamb.
- Visual Appeal: The vibrant color and sizzling presentation make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Versatility: Chicken or Lamb Tikka can be enjoyed on its own, as part of a mixed grill, or used as the base for other dishes like Chicken or Lamb Tikka Masala.
Bring the BIR Experience Home:
While venturing out to your local BIR restaurant is undoubtedly a treat, you can also recreate this delicious dish at home as a starter, main course or as a masala curry. Many BIR style recipes are available online, and experimenting with different spice combinations can be a fun way to personalize your own BIR Tikka.
You can also cook your own exactly the same as the recipes used in the restaurants or takeaways with our real BIR recipes:
See: Chicken Tikka Recipe Card – Indian Restaurant Recipes
and Lamb Tikka Recipe Card – Indian Restaurant Recipes
or order our eBook British Indian Restaurant (BIR) Recipes Revealed
So, the next time you order Chicken Tikka or Lamb Tikka at your favorite British Indian Restaurant, remember the care and technique that goes into creating this iconic dish. From the carefully balanced marinade to the pre-cooking and final grilling, it’s a testament to the ingenuity and adaptation that defines BIR cuisine. And who knows, maybe you’ll be inspired to try making your own!
