GOAN CUISINE - Butter Chicken Masala | Indian Curry Base & Marinade | 230g

The butter chicken shortcut that still tastes like you tried

Australia's favourite Indian curry, minus the twenty-jar spice hunt. Goan Cuisine builds their Butter Chicken Masala on rich, ripe tomato and their own garam masala blend, so you get that aromatic, velvet-smooth restaurant finish straight from the jar. It's a curry base and a marinade in one — brilliant for a fast weeknight cook, generous enough for a lazy Sunday feed.

The flavour

It opens sweet and savoury on ripe tomato and slow-cooked onion, then a warm garam masala backbone rolls through the middle — the kind of gentle, fragrant spice that fills the kitchen. The finish is soft and a little tangy from ginger, tamarind and vinegar, landing on that signature buttery, velvety note. Aromatic rather than fiery.

How to cook with it

• Brown chicken thigh, stir the jar through, add a splash of cream or coconut milk and simmer 15–20 minutes for classic butter chicken.
• Keep it fully plant-based: simmer with sweet potato, mushroom and red lentils for a genuinely excellent vegan curry.
• Use it as a marinade — coat chicken and rest a few hours, then grill or bake for a tandoori-style char.
• Fold a couple of spoons through cooked rice, or spoon it over baked eggs, for a fast masala hit.

In the jar

A deep red-orange, pourable sauce with a smooth body and little flecks of spice — thick enough to cling to chicken and coat rice without watering down the pan.

Ingredients & Dietary

Ingredients: Tomatoes, Onions, Spices, Canola Oil (Non-GMO), Garlic, Sugar, Vinegar, Salt, Ginger, Tamarind.

Dietary: No animal-derived ingredients in the base, so it suits vegan and vegetarian cooks (add cream or butter only if you want the classic dairy finish). The brand lists this range as gluten free. Made in Australia. Always check the physical label for allergens and the full ingredient statement.

The Rub Smuggler's Verdict

The Smuggler's take: this is the jar that makes a weeknight butter chicken taste like a backstreet in Goa. Brown your thighs so they catch a bit of colour before the sauce goes in — that's where the depth hides. Then finish the plate with a spoon of Mango Chutney and a sharp little hit of Lime Pickle, and you've got the full spread — no customs declaration required.

FAQ

Is the Butter Chicken Masala gluten free?
The brand lists the Goan Cuisine range as gluten free. As always, check the physical label for the current statement.

Is it vegan?
The base has no animal-derived ingredients, so it suits vegan and vegetarian cooking. Add cream or butter only if you want the traditional dairy finish.

How do I use it?
As a curry base — brown your protein, stir through the jar and simmer — or as a marinade before grilling or baking.

How spicy is it?
Mild and aromatic rather than hot, so it's a crowd-pleaser for the whole table.