Tandoori Tofu Tikka Masala (Express Version)
Cooking Time
Prep Time
Difficulty
Cuisine
Tandoori Tofu Tikka Masala is a deliciously spicy and aromatic dish that combines the best of Indian cuisine in a vegan version. Featuring marinated and grilled tofu, and a creamy sauce made from coconut milk and tomatoes, this dish promises to delight everyone’s taste buds.
Maison Marmite is proud to offer you two versions of this exquisite recipe. The “Express” version we present here will take just an hour for preparation and cooking, in addition to marinating time. We also have a “Gourmet” version for those looking to embark on a more elaborate culinary adventure, with an expanded list of ingredients and a slightly longer preparation time. Rest assured, neither of the two versions is difficult to make.
For this “Express” version, if you are really pressed for time or prefer ready-made options, you can absolutely go for store-bought tandoori paste. Nevertheless, Maison Marmite offers an easy and quick recipe for homemade tandoori paste that adds a personal and authentic touch to your dish.
The different steps for this recipe are straightforward: after marinating, the tofu cubes are grilled until golden and crispy. Then, they are mixed into a creamy sauce consisting of coconut milk, crushed tomatoes, and spices. That’s all.
A practical detail: this recipe uses 200 ml of coconut milk for the marinade and 200 ml for the sauce. This is perfectly calculated to match a 400 ml can of coconut milk. Thus, no waste and optimal use of ingredients.
Whether you are a novice in Indian cuisine or a regular, this Tandoori Tofu Tikka Masala is the ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen. Serve it with basmati rice or naan bread for a complete gastronomic experience!
Tandoori Tofu Tikka Masala (Express Version)
Equipment
- an oven
Ingredients
For the homemade tandoori paste:
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger or grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or crushed
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil or olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the tandoori tofu:
- 400 g firm tofu cubed
- 200 ml canned coconut milk
- 4 tablespoons homemade tandoori paste
For the Tikka Masala sauce:
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 piece of ginger about 2 cm grated
- 400 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 200 ml canned coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon Garam Masala powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Extras:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or olive or sunflower oil for cooking
- Fresh coriander for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Tofu Marinade
- Mix all the ingredients for the tandoori paste (spices, lemon juice, and oil) in a small bowl until a smooth paste is formed. Set aside.
- Make sure the tofu block is well-drained and pressed to remove excess moisture before marinating. This will allow the tofu to absorb more flavors from the marinade. Cut the firm tofu into cubes and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the coconut milk and homemade tandoori paste. Add the tofu cubes and ensure they are well-coated. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Cooking the Tofu
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Remove the tofu cubes from the marinade; you can leave a little marinade on the tofu cubes. Save the remaining marinade in the bowl for the Tikka Masala sauce.
- Arrange the marinated tofu cubes on the baking sheet, making sure they do not overlap. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the cubes halfway through, until they are golden and slightly crispy on the outside.
- While the tofu is in the oven, you can start preparing the Tikka Masala sauce.
Tikka Masala Sauce Preparation
- In a large pot, heat the coconut oil (or olive or sunflower oil). Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until tender.
- Add the crushed tomatoes, coconut milk, Garam Masala, turmeric, and paprika.
- Also, incorporate the reserved tofu marinade.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes.
Final Step
- Once your Tikka Masala sauce is ready, add in the cooked tandoori tofu cubes. Mix well to ensure the tofu is well-coated with the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
- Serve the Tandoori Tofu Tikka Masala garnished with coriander leaves and accompanied by rice or naan bread.
A recipe proposed by Maison Marmite
