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Bowl of Vegan Chicken Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice and Naan.

Vegan Chicken Tikka Masala

I've made this recipe for Vegan Chicken Tikka Masala more times than I can remember. This and my Vegan Cheese Stuffed Naan are a match made in heaven and one of my favorite cozy dinners to make when I'm craving take out. 
5 from 7 votes
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Liv King

Ingredients
 

Vegan Chicken:

  • 1 Block of Extra Firm Tofu or Vegan Chicken see above
  • 5 oz Container of Unsweetened Vegan Yogurt
  • 1-2 Garlic Clove minced
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger minced
  • 1 teaspoon Garam Masala
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon Salt

Tikka Masala:

  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
  • 1 Medium Sized Onion minced
  • 2-3 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoons Fresh Ginger minced
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
  • 1 tablespoon Garam Masala
  • 2 teaspoons Coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Chili Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Salt more or less to taste
  • 1 cup Water or Vegetable Broth
  • 15 oz Can Tomato Sauce
  • 1 can Full-Fat Coconut Milk
  • ½ - 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional
  • Basmati Rice for serving
  • Cilantro for serving
  • Lime Wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Press the tofu for at least 30 minutes to remove excess water. 
  • Whisk together vegan yogurt, garlic, ginger, garam masala, turmeric, and salt. Toss in pressed extra firm tofu that has been cut in to bite sized chunks or cubes or alternatively use vegan chicken and mix well. Marinate overnight. 
  • Heat a large saucepan on medium high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Add the marinated tofu and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove from pan and set aside. 
  • Add 2 tablespoons of oil to a medium sized pot and add the chopped onion. Cook the onion until soft and starting to brown and then add in the minced ginger and garlic. Cook for another 2 minutes or until fragrant. 
  • Next, add the tomato paste, garam masala, coriander, cumin, chili powder, turmeric, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Mix well and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Mix frequently and be careful not to burn.
  • Deglaze the pan with the tomato sauce and water/vegetable broth.
  • Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer the sauce for 20 minutes.
  • Stir in the can of coconut milk and cooked tofu. Simmer for another 15 minutes.
  • Taste and add red pepper flakes and more salt if needed.
  • Serve Tikka Masala over basmati rice and top with fresh cilantro and squeeze of lime. Enjoy! 

Notes

I marinated the tofu in the seasoned yogurt overnight but if you're doing it same day make sure you give it minimum 1 hour to develop some flavors. If you're skipping the marinade, coat the tofu in cornstarch and seasonings and crisp it up in the pan and add to the sauce after you've simmered it for the total time. So basically, do whatever you want to your protein and just make the sauce cause that's the real magic here. 
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