Vegan Tikka Masala (4 Variations!)

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❤️ Why you’ll love it

This vegan tikka masala recipe is a favorite of mine for many reasons. The rich, tomato, and cream-based sauce, combined with the aromatic spices, make it a flavorful and comforting dish.

Using oyster mushrooms as the “chicken” substitute not only makes this recipe a great option for vegans and vegetarians but also adds a charcoal flavor and a meaty texture, especially when roasted in the oven.

It is the ultimate recipe since you can use cauliflower, tofu, or even chickpeas for this recipe.

🧾 Key ingredients

This vegan tikka masala is a delicious and hearty dish that is made with simple, plant-based ingredients that are readily available in your local grocery store.

Spices such as garam masala, ground cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. These are the key to infusing the ingredients with the traditional tikka masala flavor.

Onions, garlic, and ginger create the aromatic base for your tikka masala sauce. They add depth of flavor for an authentic flavor.

Full-fat coconut cream and sieved tomato puree are the keys to the rich and creamy consistency of the sauce. The coconut cream adds a lusciously creamy texture while the tomato puree adds a tangy sweetness that balances the spices perfectly.

Oyster mushrooms are ideal for that meaty flavor and the perfect texture. I will also share how to use cauliflower, tofu, or chickpeas for this recipe.

🛒 You can find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

🥘 Equipment

For this vegan tikka masala recipe, a good quality blender is essential for achieving the smooth, creamy texture of the tikka masala sauce. I recommend using a high-powered blender, as it will effortlessly blend all the ingredients, including the onion, garlic, and ginger, to a silky consistency.

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Preparing the ingredients

STEP 1
Start by preparing the marinade for the tikka masala. In a small bowl, combine the tikka masala spice blend, cumin, turmeric, salt, cayenne pepper, and vegetable oil.

STEP 2
Next, peel and chop the onion. Then, peel and mince the garlic and ginger.

Roasting the mushrooms

STEP 1
Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth. Cut off the end of the stem and shred the mushrooms into large pieces.

STEP 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded mushrooms with the marinade. Make sure the marinade coats the mushrooms evenly.

STEP 3
Place the mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and bake the mushrooms for 20-30 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Making the vegan tikka masala

STEP 1
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add oil and the chopped onion. Sauté for about two minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan. Stir and sauté for another two minutes.

STEP 2
Then, add one tablespoon of oil, the tikka masala spice blend, turmeric, ground coriander seeds, and cumin. Stir well and fry these spices for about two minutes.

STEP 3
Add sieved tomato puree to the pan and bring it to a boil.

STEP 4
Now, it’s time to add the main ingredients. You can use roasted mushrooms, tofu, cauliflower, or canned chickpeas. Stir well to coat them with the sauce.

STEP 5
Add the coconut milk to the pan and bring the sauce to a boil.

💡 Expert tip

The key to this vegan tikka masala recipe is the preparation of the tikka masala sauce. When you sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger, take your time to let the spices cook. This process allows the flavors to develop and infuse the sauce, giving you a rich and aromatic base for your dish.

🔄 Variations

You can easily replace mushrooms with extra firm tofu. This will give your vegan tikka masala a different texture and a boost of plant-based protein.

Another great alternative is chickpeas. They are delicious and also high in protein and fiber. Simply drain a can of chickpeas and add them to the sauce along with the other vegetables.

If you are looking for a milder option, consider using cauliflower. This will give your tikka masala a unique texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor

🥣 Serving ideas

This vegan tikka masala is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

The classic combination would be serving it with some basmati rice and vegan naan bread. I have a super easy vegan gluten-free naan recipe in my Express Vegan cookbook, which is a perfect match for this dish.

It also goes great with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or a cucumber and tomato salad is an excellent choice. The fresh, crisp vegetables complement the rich, flavorful sauce of the tikka masala.

You can also add some toppings to your tikka masala for an extra burst of flavor. Chopped scallions, green onions, parsley, or cilantro are great options.

❄️ Storing tips

Storing the vegan tikka masala is a great idea, as the flavors tend to intensify over time, making it even more delicious.

To store, allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

If you want to freeze it, it is best to do so without the tofu. The tofu’s texture can become quite crumbly and unappetizing when frozen and then thawed. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

You can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it is heated through.

🤔 FAQs

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