How to Make Delicious Tandoori Momos Without a Tandoor

Tandoori momos are a smoky, spicy twist on the classic steamed Momo, coated in a flavorful marinade and cooked until slightly charred and juicy. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor, this version can easily be recreated at home using an oven, tawa, or air fryer.

Ingredients

For the momo filling

• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1/4 cup finely chopped capsicum
• 2-3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 tsp oil

For the dough

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Water as needed
• A pinch of salt

For tandoori marinade

• 1/2 cup thick curd (hung yogurt preferred)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Optional: chaat masala for extra tang

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Mix flour, salt, and water to form a soft dough. Cover and let it rest for 20–30 minutes so it becomes smooth and easy to roll.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Heat oil in a pan and lightly sauté garlic. Add cabbage, carrot, and capsicum. Cook for 2-3 minutes so they stay slightly crunchy. Add soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it cool.

Step 3: Shape the Momos

Roll the dough into small circles. Place a spoon of filling in the center and fold into half-moon shapes or pleated dumplings. Seal tightly so they don’t open while cooking.

Step 4: Steam the Momos

Steam the momos for 8-10 minutes until the outer layer becomes soft and translucent. Let them cool slightly before marinating.

Step 5: Prepare Tandoori Marinade

Mix curd with all spices, lemon juice, and oil. The marinade should be thick so it coats the momos properly.

Step 6: Coat the Momos

Gently dip steamed momos into the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Rest for 15–20 minutes for deeper flavor absorption.

Step 7: Cook the Tandoori Style

Option 1: Oven

• Preheat to 200°C
• Place momos on a tray
• Bake for 12-15 minutes, turning once

Option 2: Tawa

• Heat a non-stick pan
• Lightly roast with oil until charred spots appear

Option 3: Air Fryer
Air fry at 180°C for 10–12 minutes

Step 8: Serve Hot

Serve with green chutney, mayonnaise, or spicy red sauce. A squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of chaat masala enhances the street-style flavor.

Tip: For extra smoky flavor, place a small piece of hot coal in a bowl inside the cooked momos, add a drop of ghee, and cover for 2 minutes. This gives a restaurant-style tandoor aroma at home.

Crispy outside, juicy inside, and bursting with spice, homemade tandoori momos are perfect for evening snacks or weekend treats.