Easy 30-minute Vegan chicken Tikka Masala recipe

Deeply flavored and ultra creamy vegan chicken tikka masala – this creamy chicken Tikka Masala is luscious and rich and full of meaty thick tofu slices. We’re talking incredible flavors, silky rich sauce, meaty textures, amazing spices, and veggies ladled into a bowl of fragrant coziness. And all of this is made in only 30 minutes! 

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Welcome to the most creamy, thick, medium-spicy, weeknight-manageable, make-on-repeat-because-I’m-craving-more vegan gluten-free Tikka masala. It is everything you want traditional tikka masala to be: packed with flavor, with just enough browned bits on your tofu ‘chicken’ and veggies, full of tender, meaty, and silky flavors, tangy but also rich, with that signature bronze-orange tikka masala color. Scoop it up over hot rice with a shower of fresh cilantro and you are ready to dive into a bowl of the best vegan chicken tikka masala ever. 

Ways To Make Chicken Tikka Masala

This recipe is written to be done on the stovetop, but you could make my easy vegan tikka masala recipe in the Instant Pot or a slow cooker for a more hands-off approach. I prefer the traditional stovetop version, but all ways are very delicious. Tikka masala is a versatile Indian Cuisine stable dish. 

Check out the notes section of the recipe below for specific instructions for both!

In this easy vegan chicken Tikka Masala recipe article we’re covering

• Ingredients for making vegan chicken tikka masala 
• Tips and tricks for making the best creamy vegan chicken tikka
• How to make vegan gluten-free chicken tikka masala 
• Sides to serve with tikka masala 
• Homemade garam masala paste ingredients and cooking instructions 
• How to press tofu 
• Easy way to fry tofu golden and crispy 
• FAQs 

What is tikka masala

Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish that consists of marinated pieces of meat (traditionally chicken) that are grilled and then simmered in a creamy tomato-based sauce. The sauce is typically flavored with a variety of spices including cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and paprika, which give it its signature flavor and bright orange color.

There are many variations of Tikka Masala recipes, including vegetarian and vegan versions that use ingredients like tofu, chickpeas for making a delicious chickpea tikka masala, or vegetables instead of meat. It’s a wonderful recipe that’s often served with jasmine rice or naan bread and can be found on the menus of many Indian restaurants around the world.

Key Ingredients for making vegan chicken tikka masala

• Extra virgin olive oil – I like to use extra virgin olive oil to add a hint of spicy freshness to the dish. Any other type of vegetable oil like avocado oil, coconut oil, or sesame oil will also work just as well.
• 1 pack of firm tofu, sliced (or extra firm tofu) – Use a firm tofu or extra firm tofu to get that meaty chicken-like texture. Alternatively, you can substitute the tofu with tempeh or even chickpeas. Tip: For extra golden crispy tofu strips you can coat them in olive oil, soy sauce, and tapioca starch before frying.
• 1 tablespoon garam masala paste or curry paste – masala paste is a delicious flavorful paste that adds extra flavor to the sauce. It’s made with a wide variety of seasonings like cumin seeds etc and gives the sauce its deep rich color and flavor. You may be able to get it at a well-assorted grocery store or health food stores. Alternatively, you can get it from Amazon, or simply replace it with your favorite curry paste.
• 1 large onion, chopped finely – Any type of onion will work; red onion, green onions, yellow onions, or your preference. Simply dice the fresh onions and you’re ready to make vegan tikka!

Ingredients that adds all the flavors!

• 3 cloves of garlic, minced – traditionally vegetarian tikka masala calls for fresh garlic finely minced or grated. If you don’t have fresh garlic in the kitchen you can substitute it with a few teaspoons of garlic powder.
• 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
• 1 can of coconut milk, or your plant milk of choice – the coconut milk gives the creamy curry sauce a better texture, full of rich silky deliciousness. Alternatively, you can replace coconut milk with your preferred plant milk like soy milk, almond milk, or cashew milk.
• 1 tablespoon of tomato paste – a tablespoon of tomato paste or tomato puree gives the creamy tomato sauce extra depth of flavor.
• Seasoning – 1 tablespoon of garam masala, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of paprika, Salt and pepper to taste
• Herbs – Cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Drain the tofu, then pat it dry with a paper towel. Cut the tofu into slices and fry them on a non-stick pan with a tablespoon of garam masala paste or curry paste. Fry until golden and crispy and set aside.

2. In a large pan, sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.

3. Add the tomato paste and the spices (garam masala, turmeric, and paprika) to the pan. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the coconut milk to the pan and stir 

5. Add the fried tofu slices to the pan and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the flavors have melded together.

6. Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

7. Once done, serve the tikka masala over rice and garnish with cilantro.

And there you have it, a delicious and creamy vegan chicken tikka masala!

5 best side dishes to serve with vegan chicken masala

Here are five delicious dishes or sides that would go well with vegan chicken tikka masala:

1. Naan bread: A classic Indian staple, naan bread is perfect for dipping in the creamy sauce of your tikka masala.

2. Basmati rice: A fragrant white rice that pairs well with the bold flavors of the tikka masala. You can also add a few spices to the rice, such as cardamom pods or cinnamon sticks, for extra flavor.

3. Roasted vegetables: Roasting vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and eggplant can add a nice contrast of texture and flavor to the dish.

4. Raita: A cooling yogurt-based dip that can help balance out the heat of the tikka masala. To make it vegan, you can use a non-dairy yogurt alternative.

5. Samosas: A crispy pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas, samosas are a great snack or appetizer that would complement the flavors of the tikka masala nicely.

Chef’s tips and tricks for making vegan chicken tikka masala

Here are some tips and tricks that can help you make the perfect vegan chicken tikka masala:

1. Marinate the tofu: If you have time, marinate the tofu in some spices and yogurt alternatives (or coconut milk) for a few hours before baking or frying them. This can help infuse them with more flavor. I especially like to make a marinade with smoked paprika, salt, olive oil, and herbs.

2. Toast the spices: Toasting the spices (such as garam masala, turmeric, and paprika) in a dry pan before adding them to the dish can help bring out their flavors and aromas.

3. Use full-fat coconut milk: Using full-fat coconut milk instead of the light version can help make the sauce creamier and richer in flavor. For a non-coconut milk alternative, you can use soy cream and soy milk to make a creamy rich sauce. Other great non-dairy alternatives are oat milk or cream, cashew milk or cashew cream, and rice milk. If you’re using rice milk the sauce will need to be thickened with 1-2 tablespoons tapioca flour.

4. Add acidity: A small amount of acidity, such as lemon juice or vinegar, can help balance out the richness of the sauce.

5. Play with the heat: Depending on your preferences, you can adjust the heat of the dish by adding more or less chili powder or red pepper flakes.

6. Let it rest: Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after cooking can help the flavors meld together even more and make for a more cohesive dish.

How to make Homemade Garam Masala

Homemade vegan garam masala paste is a great way to add authentic flavor to your curry dishes. Here’s a simple recipe for a basic vegan garam masala paste:

Homemade garam masala paste Key Ingredients:

• 2-3 garlic cloves
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1-2 red chili peppers, seeds removed
• 2-inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon of ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

How to make homemade garam masala paste

1. Put the garlic, shallot, red chili peppers, and ginger in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.

2. Now, add all your spices (coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, and turmeric) to your food processor and pulse until everything is combined.

3. While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil until the mixture forms a smooth paste.

4. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.

5. You can store the paste in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week,

How to press tofu and make it extra crispy for the best meaty texture

Here’s a simple recipe for pressing and frying tofu. You can fry or bake the tofu, but I like the way the tofu becomes extra golden and crispy when it’s fried. (Note: for this easy vegan chicken tikka masala you can also add the tofu slices as is without frying first. It will make the tofu very juicy and tender just like the meat on the chicken legs).

1. Start by draining the tofu and then pressing it to remove any excess water. You can do this by wrapping the tofu in a clean towel or paper towel and placing something heavy (like a cast iron skillet or a stack of books) on top. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour.

2. When you have pressed the tofu, cut it into bite-sized pieces or strips.

3. In a large bowl, mix together some cornstarch, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you’d like to use.

4. Coat the tofu pieces in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess.

5. Heat some oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu pieces in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, until crispy and golden brown.

6. Once the tofu is cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

And that’s it! You are ready to enjoy your delicious, crispy fried tofu. You can serve it as a side dish, added to salads or sandwiches, or used as a protein source in stir-fries

Delicious vegan substitutes for chicken

There are many great vegan substitutes for chicken that you can use to make delicious and satisfying meals. Here are some options:

1. Tofu: Tofu is a versatile and popular plant-based protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. It makes a great tofu tikka masala recipe because it has a neutral taste that can be easily transformed with marinades or seasonings, and its texture can be adjusted to mimic chicken by pressing it or freezing it. Alternatively, you can replace tofu with soy curls for that original recipe texture in a quick shortcut approach.

2. Seitan: Seitan is a protein-rich food made from wheat gluten that has a meaty texture and can be used in place of chicken in many recipes. It’s also high in protein and low in fat.

3. Jackfruit: Jackfruit is a fruit that has a texture similar to pulled pork when cooked. It’s a great vegan substitute for chicken in recipes like tacos or sandwiches.

4. Chickpeas: Chickpeas are versatile legumes that can be used in many different dishes, from salads to stews to curries. They can be mashed to create a chicken-like texture or used whole for added protein and texture.

5. Mushrooms: Mushrooms have a meaty texture and umami flavor that make them a great vegan substitute for chicken in dishes like stroganoff or pot pie. Tikka Masala is an ideal dish for adding mushrooms like shiitake, king oyster mushrooms, or your preferred mushrooms. The deep umami flavor enhances the curry dish and satisfies the taste buds.

How to make your Vegan Tikka Masala more spicy

If you want to make your vegetarian version tikka masala more spicy, there are several ways to make this tasty recipe spicier. Here are a few easy recipe options:

1. Increase the amount of chili powder: Chili powder is the main spice that adds heat to tikka masala. If you want to make it spicier, you can increase the amount of chili powder used in the recipe.

2. Add fresh chili peppers: Adding fresh chili peppers (like jalapeño or Thai chili peppers) to your tikka masala is a great way to add more heat. You can chop them finely and add them to the sauce while it’s simmering or use them as a garnish.

3. Use a spicier curry powder: If you’re using a pre-made curry powder blend, try switching to a spicier variety or adding extra spices to the blend, like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to add extra heat to your tikka sauce.

4. Add hot sauce: If you want to add heat without altering the flavor of the tikka masala too much, try adding a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the dish.

5. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste: You can also adjust the seasoning of the dish according to your personal preferences. Taste your tikka masala at different stages of cooking to make sure the spices don’t become too hot.

Vegan tikka masala toppings

Tikka Masala is a creamy and flavorful Indian dish that can be made vegan with a few easy substitutions. Here are some delicious vegan toppings you can add to your tikka masala:

1. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and eggplant are a great addition to tikka masala. They add flavor and texture to the dish while also providing some extra nutrition.

2. Tofu: Adding tofu to your tikka masala is a great way to add some protein to the dish. You can either sauté the tofu separately and add it to the dish, or marinate it in the tikka masala sauce before cooking.

3. Cashews: Adding some toasted cashews to your tikka masala can add some crunch and nuttiness to the dish.

4. Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright and herbaceous flavor to tikka masala. You can sprinkle some chopped cilantro on top of the dish before serving.

5. Vegan Yogurt: If you miss the creaminess of traditional tikka masala, you can use vegan yogurt as a substitute. It adds a tangy flavor that complements the spices in the dish.

Health benefits of Curry

Curry is a blend of spices that are commonly used in Indian and Southeast Asian cuisine. The health benefits of curry depend on the specific ingredients used in the blend, but here are a few potential benefits:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties: Many of the spices used in curry (such as turmeric, ginger, and cumin) have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.

2. Antioxidants: Curry spices are also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body against damage from harmful molecules called free radicals.

3. Improved digestion: Some of the spices used in curry (such as cumin, coriander, and ginger) have been shown to help improve digestion and reduce symptoms of bloating and gas.

4. Lowered cholesterol: Some studies suggest that eating curry regularly may help lower cholesterol levels, thanks to the cholesterol-lowering effects of some of the spices used in the blend.

5. Potential cancer prevention: Some of the spices used in curry (such as turmeric) have been shown to have anti-cancer properties and may help prevent the development of certain types of cancer.

It’s worth noting that the health benefits of curry will vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used

Frequently asked questions and answers about vegan chicken tikka masala

FAQs – all the vegan chicken tikka masala details you need!

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