Vegan Tofu Tikka Masala

5 from 11 votes

This vegan tikka masala has all the flavors of traditional tikka masala without animal products.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Diet: Vegan

Allergen: Dairy free, Gluten free

Difficulty: Easy

Servings:

Calories: 340kcal

Start by pressing the tofu with a tofu press to remove excess moisture. Alternatively, you can place the block of tofu on a plate lined with paper towels and top it with another paper towel.
16 oz tofu
Place a heavy object, like a cast iron, over the top and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to draw out the moisture.
Once pressed, cut them into cubes and marinate them with spice powder and vegan yogurt for 30 minutes.
1 tsp tikka masala powder, ¼ cup yogurt, 1 tsp ginger and garlic paste, pinch of salt
Air fry the tofu for 12 minutes at 380F. This is similar to the steps in the tandoori tofu tikka recipe. Set aside the tandoori tofu.
Place a large pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
3 tsp olive oil
As the oil heats up, add chopped ginger, garlic, and onions, and sauté until golden brown.
1 onion, 1 tsp ginger, 2 garlic cloves
Add tomato paste and 4 tablespoon of water and mix well. Add the dry spice mix, and salt, and mix well. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
2 tsp tikka masala powder, ½ tsp kashmiri red chili powder, ¼ tsp turmeric powder, 2 tbsp tomato paste, salt to taste
Add canned coconut milk and stir well.
1 can coconut milk
Add the cooked tandoori tofu cubes and cook for 5 minutes or until the curry is thick.
Add crushed Kasuri methi and stir.
1 tsp kasuri methi
Garnish the vegan tikka masala with fresh cilantro and serve it hot over cooked rice, phulka roti, or naan bread.
2 tbsp cilantro

You can also add vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms to make them healthier and more colorful.
If you want the curry to be spicier, adjust the quantity of spice powder or add extra chili powder.
If the dish turns too spicy, add a teaspoon of lemon juice to temper it down.
For a thicker consistency, you need to simmer for a few minutes.
Kasuri methi adds a nice flavor and aroma to the dish. So do not skip this ingredient.
Using cashew cream is an alternative to coconut milk.
If you do not have tikka masala powder, try using garam masala powder and a proportionate amount of garlic, ginger, cumin powder, and paprika.