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Creamy Tofu Tikka Masala Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 22 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Creamy Tofu Tikka Masala features marinated tofu baked to golden perfection and simmered in a rich, spiced tomato cream sauce, offering a flavorful and comforting plant-based twist on a classic Indian favorite.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Tofu Marinade

  • 16 ounces (500 grams) firm or extra firm tofu
  • 1/2 cup (120 grams) greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 inch (2 cm) ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala or curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or chili powder

For the Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 cups (500 grams) tomato puree or passata
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 twists of black pepper
  • 2 cups (1/2 liter) water
  • 1/2 cup (120 grams) heavy cream or non-dairy cream, cashew cream, or coconut milk
  • 2 teaspoons sugar (optional)

For Serving

  • Lemon juice (for serving)
  • Cilantro (for serving)
  • Yogurt (for serving)
  • Roti, naan, or basmati rice (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Marinate the Tofu
    Create the tofu marinade by mixing together ½ cup of Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 inch of grated ginger, 2 grated cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon of garam masala (or curry powder), 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, ½ teaspoon of ground cumin, ½ teaspoon of turmeric, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or chili powder) in a bowl.

    Pat 16 ounces (500 grams) of firm or extra firm tofu dry and pull it apart into bite-sized pieces.

    Coat the tofu pieces thoroughly in the marinade.

  2. Bake the Marinated Tofu
    Arrange the marinated tofu pieces on a baking tray, ensuring they do not overlap.

    Place the tray in a preheated oven and bake the tofu for 30 minutes, or until they are golden and slightly crisp on the edges.

  3. Sauté Aromatics for the Sauce
    While the tofu is baking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or avocado/vegetable oil) in a pan over medium heat.

    Add 2 medium chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become translucent.

    To the onions, add 1 inch of grated ginger, 2 grated cloves of garlic, 2 teaspoons of ground coriander, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of garam masala, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

    Sauté for an additional minute or until the mixture is fragrant.

  4. Cook and Thicken the Sauce
    Pour in 2 cups (500 grams) of tomato puree (or passata) into the pan with the aromatic mixture.

    Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 twists of black pepper.

    Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes or until it thickens slightly.

    Add 2 cups (½ liter) of water to the sauce and continue to simmer for an additional 10 minutes to develop the flavors.

  5. Finish the Sauce and Combine with Tofu
    Stir in ½ cup (120 grams) of heavy cream (or use non-dairy cream, cashew cream, or coconut milk) into the sauce to make it rich and creamy.

    Add the baked tofu to the sauce and cook until you reach your desired consistency.

    Taste the sauce and adjust for salt, chili, and cream as necessary.

    If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, add a touch of sugar to balance the spices.

  6. Serve and Enjoy
    Once the Tofu Tikka Masala has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat.

    Serve hot accompanied by a squeeze of lemon juice and garnished with fresh cilantro.

    You can also serve it with yogurt, roti, naan, or basmati rice for a complete meal.


Notes

  • You can use non-dairy yogurt and creams such as cashew cream or coconut milk for a vegan version.
  • Adjust the spice levels to your taste by modifying the red pepper flakes or chili powder.
  • Ensure tofu pieces do not overlap on the baking tray for even baking and crispness.