Vegan Tofu Tikka Masala
Tikka masala is one of those deeply satisfying, sauce-forward dishes that can feel out of reach when you're cooking without meat or dairy — but this version proves otherwise. Extra-firm tofu gets pressed, marinated in a spiced dairy-free yogurt mixture, then broiled until the edges char and firm up, giving you that smoky, slightly crisp bite that makes the dish so craveable. The masala sauce is built low and slow with onion, garlic, fresh ginger, and a generous spice blend, then blended silky smooth before full-fat coconut milk is stirred in for richness. Every swap here is intentional — nothing is missing, just reimagined with plant-based ingredients that genuinely deliver. The whole thing comes together in about an hour and serves four, making it a solid weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests who may not even realize it's entirely plant-based. Spoon it over fluffy basmati rice and finish with fresh cilantro, and you've got a bowl that's bold, warming, and completely satisfying from the first bite to the last.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the tofu marinade
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu
- ½ cup dairy free yogurt
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
For the masala sauce
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tsp sugar
- salt and pepper, to taste
For serving
- cooked basmati rice, for serving
- fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Press the tofu block between two clean kitchen towels or paper towels, weighted with a heavy pan, for 20–30 minutes until noticeably drier. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the dairy free yogurt, 1 tbsp neutral oil, lemon juice, 1 tsp garam masala, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp coriander, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp salt. Add the tofu cubes and toss gently until evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
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