Vegan Tikka Masala is so easy to make and best served with vegan naan. Featuring “chicken-style” tofu and a perfectly spiced, creamy sauce, this popular dish just got the best vegan makeover!
I used the same method here for baking tofu “chicken style” as I did for Vegan Butter Chicken, one of my most popular recipes! I love this method of cooking tofu; it has a unique texture and delicious flavor. When paired with a spicy, creamy masala sauce it is simply incredible.
Consider making a batch of Easy Vegan Naan to soak up the flavor-packed sauce!
How to make Vegan Tikka Masala
Here are the main steps, in photos, to making this tasty dish. The recipe is written in full at the bottom of this post if you’d rather skip the photos.
- Press your tofu, then slice it into 6 pieces. Tear the tofu into bite sized pieces, place in a large ziplock bag along with the olive oil, cornstarch and salt, and shake until coated. (1)
- Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes until golden and a bit crispy. There is no need to flip it halfway, which I love! (2)
- While the tofu bakes, make the sauce. Saute an onion in olive oil for a few minutes, then add the ginger and garlic and cook 1 more minute. Add the spices and salt. (3)
- Add the tomato sauce. (4)
- Stir in the coconut milk. Simmer for about 10 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add the additional 1/4 cup water. (5)
- Once the tofu is done baking, simply add it to the sauce. (6)
Serve with rice and chopped fresh cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!
Want more Vegan Indian inspired recipes?
Vegan Tikka Masala
Vegan Tikka Masala is so easy to make and best serve with vegan naan. Featuring "chicken-style" tofu and a perfectly spiced, creamy sauce, this popular dish just got the best vegan makeover!
Ingredients
For the tofu
- 2 (16-ounce) blocks extra-firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the masala sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 14 ounces tomato sauce
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can full fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup water, as needed to thin the sauce
For serving
- 4 cups cooked rice, white or brown
- chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Wrap the blocks of tofu in paper towels. Place a plate or pan on top of the wrapped tofu, and put a couple of heavy books on top of that. Let the tofu press for 20 minutes. (You can skip this step if you get the super firm variety)
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice the tofu into about 6 slices (see photos in post above for reference). Now, rip each slice into medium-large pieces. You can also simply cut them into cubes, if you prefer, but ripping gives the tofu a great "chicken-style" texture for this dish.
- Add the tofu pieces to a large ziplock bag, along with the olive oil, cornstarch and salt. Close the bag, and shake gently to coat. Arrange the tofu evenly on the prepared pan, and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- While the tofu bakes, prepare the sauce: Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Saute the onion for 3-4 minutes, then add the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the spices, salt, tomato sauce and coconut milk. Stir until smooth and combined, then simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
- If the sauce is too thick, add the 1/4 cup of water to thin. When the tofu is done baking, add it to the sauce and stir to coat the pieces.
- Serve hot with rice and chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
Notes
- Nutritional information is an estimate only and includes rice.
- For a tofu-less option, try using 2 cans of drained/rinsed chickpeas instead. OR substitute soy curls or vegan chicken pieces. Roasted cauliflower would also be a great choice!
- Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. This dish freezes well.
- To make this recipe easier and faster: buy super firm tofu that doesn't need pressing, and use pre-grated ginger and chopped garlic from a jar. You can even buy pre-cooked frozen rice!
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 393kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 938mg | Potassium: 320mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 321IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 223mg | Iron: 3mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @nora_cooks_vegan_ or tag #noracooks!
My five year old gives this recipe 5 stars! The whole family really enjoyed this one. I can already tell we will be coming back to it. Flavorful and comes together easily. Pairs perfectly with basmati rice (don’t forget the bay leaf).
Hi Sebastion. How fun that your 5 year old got in on the recipe rating! I’m glad your family enjoyed the recipe! It’s one of our favorites as well! Thanks for the glowing 5 star review and feedback! Wishing you lots of happy cooking!
When you say tomato sauce, is that tinned chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, or like a shop bought tomato pasta sauce kind of thing?
Hi Cara. I’m talking about pureed canned tomatoes. No chunks, but smooth. Just tomatoes, water and maybe salt. Hope that helps!
I’ve used this recipe a few times and enjoyed. Recently, its saved me with my picky toddler! We have it about once a week and its the only time I don’t have to fight her to get her to eat – she will finish a whole bowl and sometimes go for seconds!
How wonderful your toddler loves the recipe! I know a toddler’s palate can be challenging, so finding something they like is exciting! Thanks for sharing your great review and feedback! I’m glad you are both enjoying the recipe! Happy cooking!
Great recipe! My daughter just dubbed it her favorite dish EVER!
This is my daughter’s favourite – a bowl always goes with her when she has visited! Unless her brother has got there first… double quantities are always needed. Thanks Nora.
I was in a hurry and made this with a jar of tiki masala sauce. Ready in 5”. Probably not as good as home made but still good when rushed for a meal.Thank you1
You bet, Lynne. I’m glad you enjoyed the meal! I hope you get to try out the full recipe soon! Wishing you happy cooking!