Tofu tikka masala Recipe | Cook Click N Devour!!! (2024)

Tofu tikka masala is a delicious vegan curry that tastes delish with naan, jeera rice, roti or paratha.

This is vegan version of super popular British and Indian tikka masala recipe. Here we are using tofu instead of meat or vegetarian options like paneer.

Try this recipe out, so much better than takeout and so worth your time! Check braised tofu, tofu stir fry, basil tofu for more tofu recipes.

Here is an easy to make yet delicious and robust treat for curry lovers. This tofu tikka masala recipe is a vegan tikka masala for all those who do not eat meat or dairy like paneer.

Do try this easy recipe out and enjoy!

Best Vegan Tikka Masala Recipe Ever !

Today I am sharing this long overdue recipe of tofu tikka masala recipes with you guys. When I shared this vegetarian tikka masala with vegetables, few of wanted a vegan recipe. So I tweaked by super delicious paneer tikka masala and arrived at this.

I have been cooking with tofu a lot lately. The extra firm tofu that I am purchasing is a really good and I love using it noodles and stir fries.

Last week I had a block of tofu sitting for a while and thought of making an Indian curry instead of the stir fry that I usually make.

I was thinking tofu masala in the same lines of paneer butter masala but then I also had a good stash of cashew yogurt, so made this super tasty masala.

It turned out so so good that I had to make it again yesterday to test the proportions and also to get few photos, so that I can share it with you guys. Yep I always test the recipe twice if not more before sharing here 🙂

Now coming to this vegan tikka masala with tofu it has got all the elements you look for in a good curry 🙂 It is moreish, has that perfect balance of spices, hearty, satiating, good with that bowl of rice or naan and outright delicious.

Of course it is easy to make too, though it takes some time to make. While I would not say this is your typical weeknight dinner, this is so worth your time when you want something special.

Also if you are so used to that tikka masala from restaurants or take outs, please try this recipe out and you will love this homemade curry even more 🙂

Just keep all the ingredients ready and follow the step by step recipe, it is easy and not complicated as it looks

Serve piping hot with that fluffy naan or soft paratha or fragrant jeera rice for a super hearty dinner. This also tastes great with brown rice or basmati rice.

This Tofu Tikka Masala Is

Vegan and gluten free

Straightforward recipe

Simple ingredients

so much better than takeouts

great with naan, rice.

Ingredients Needed.

This recipe is divided into two steps.

• Preparing the tofu marinade for tikka
• then making the masala curry

For the marinade you will need

Tofu- Use extra firm tofu for this recipe. Pressed firm tofu holds the shape well and also tastes very delicious. Before using in the recipe, press the tofu well between two heavy objects or using a tofu press for 20-30 minutes.

Yogurt– For this vegan recipe I have used cashew yogurt. You can also use soy yogurt or even coconut yogurt. Make sure you are using plain ones without any flavor. If you prefer you can use thick homemade yogurt as well.

Spice powders for marinade– For this marinade you will need these spice powders- red chili powder, roasted cumin powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder and ginger garlic paste.

To make the tikka masala curry you will need

Tomatoes– tomatoes form the base of this curry. I have used the tomato puree from fresh tomatoes. You can also use canned tomatoes or crushed tomatoes from a can.

Onions- unlike finely chopped onions used in most Indian curries, we need cubed onions for this recipe. They add a wonderful crunch to this curry.

Bell peppers– Capsicum or bell peppers are optional but highly recommended. They add a nice color pop, flavor and tastes delicious in this curry.

Cashew paste– A small amount of cashew paste is added for the richness and nutty taste. You can replace with almond paste if you prefer.

Coconut milk- We are using coconut milk for flavor, texture and rich taste. Instead you can add any non dairy cream or even fresh cream for vegetarian version.

I have also used a dash of coconut cream for serving.

Spice powders- The regular spice powders used for Indian curries- red chili powder, garam masala powder, ground turmeric, coriander powder. You can also add a teaspoon cayenne pepper and curry powder if you like.

How To Make Tofu Tikka Masala Recipe

Remove the block of tofu from the refrigerator and press it for 20 to 30 minutes using a tofu press or two heavy objects. Cut the tofu into bite size cubes.

Add 3 tablespoons cashew yogurt in a large bowl. Next add the spice powders namely garam masala powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, minced ginger and garlic and salt.

Add the cut tofu.

Mix and toss well. Refrigerate the marinated tofu for an hour. You can also refrigerate for 4 hours or even overnight.

After an hour, we can make the tikka.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a heavy pan or skillet. You can use any vegetable oil or olive oil.

Place the marinated tofu cubes in the hot oil one by one.

Cook for 5-6 minutes in medium heat or until the tofu chars well. Remove to a plate.

To make the tofu masala curry heat oil in a pan. I have used peanut oil but you can use any vegetable oil, canola oil or light olive oil too Add cumin seeds, minced fresh ginger garlic, finely chopped green chilies. Saute for a minute.

Add the cubed onions and bell pepper. Saute for a minute.

Now add the pureed tomato. Mix and cool for 2 minutes. You can also add 1 tablespoon tomato paste for deep color and flavor.

Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, curry powder if using, coriander powder. Saute and cook for 4-5 minutes or until the tomatoes are completely cooked.

Add 1 cup water and simmer for a minute.

Now add the cashew paste and coconut milk. Add salt to taste. Simmer the masala for 3-4 minutes.

Add the fried tofu. Mix and simmer for a minute.

Finally add kasuri methi and mix well. remove from flame.

See Also

Salt and Pepper Broccoli Recipe

Serve tofu tikka masala warm with jeera rice, basmati rice, brown rice or roti.

Oven Method.

For this recipe, I have made the tikka in a pan on stovetop. You can refer the step by step pictures. If you prefer to make it in oven here are the steps.

Prepare the yogurt marinade as mentioned in the recipe. Toss the cubed tofu and mix gently. Refrigerate for 1-4 hours.

Preheat oven at 400 F or 200 C.

Grease a large baking sheet and arrange the marinated tofu as single layer. Bake or grill for 12-15 minutes. Use it in the recipe and proceed with making the masala.

Tips To Make The Recipe

Tofu marinade– make the tofu marinade well in advance if the time permits. I like to let the tofu cubes marinade in spiced yogurt for good 4 hours.

While it needs to marinade for a minimum of an hour, you can let it sit overnight too.

Use fresh yogurt- use fresh yogurt that is thick, creamy and non sour for marinade. If it is not thick, the marinade will not coat the tofu well.

Use Kashmiri red chilli powder for a deep red color. Kashmiri chilli powder lends a wonderful deep red color but it is not very spicy. You can also use paprika or cayenne pepper.

To get the vibrant color as you get in restaurants you can add a small amount of tomato paste along with tomato puree. You can also add a pinch of red food color but I do not recommend it.

Let the curry cook really well– To get the intense flavor and taste, let the curry cook really well in medium flame. It is very important step in this recipe. After adding the tomato puree and other ingredients, make sure to saute and cook in medium heat until the tomatoes are well cooked and oil releases from the sides.

Cooking the tomato curry really well yields a bold robust flavor to this tikka masala.

Simmer the masala for 4-5 minutes after adding the coconut milk. Simmering the curry develops the flavor. But after adding the tofu do not simmer for long.

More Curry Recipes

Palak paneer

veg makhanwala

tofu corn curry

Spinach chickpea curry

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