Aromatic and packed with flavors, this tandoori tofu is the vegan take on the classic Indian tandoori chicken. Featuring tofu cubes marinated in a rich spice blend, even non-vegans will be impressed by this dish.
We are huge fans of Indian food. Some of our other favorites include tofu curry, green pea masala, and vegetable vindaloo.
Growing up in Malaysia, I have my fair share of mamak (Indian Muslim) food, and one of my go-to orders used to be tandoori chicken and naan.
After becoming a vegetarian, I have been attempting to recreate this comfort food of mine using tofu. And I must say, after multiple tries, this plant-based version turns out better than I expected!
It is great served with Indian flatbread, including naan and vegan chapati. We also like pairing it with chickpea pulao or rice cooker biryani, alongside vegetable sides like my cabbage curry.
🤔What is tandoori
Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish made by marinating chicken in yogurt and spices (including chili powder, turmeric, and coriander), then cooking it in a clay tandoor oven over a charcoal fire.
Tofu will be used as a substitute for chicken in this recipe.
Realistically, most modern kitchens do not have a tandoor; therefore, we will bake them in the oven instead.
💚Why you will love tandoori tofu
- Aromatic with all the flavors of the classic tandoori chicken
- A lighter, healthier option compared to Indian takeout
- Fairly simple to prepare with minimal prep work
- Great served with rice, noodles, Indian flatbreads like naan and plain paratha, and vegetable sides, including my Indian vegetable stir-fry and cabbage Manchurian.
🌶What you will need
- Tofu - Use extra-firm or super-firm tofu. If using firm tofu, press beforehand (either using a tofu press or by stacking something heavy on top).
- Yogurt - Any unflavored plant-based yogurt will work.
- Chili powder - Use Kashmiri chili powder if you can get it, but it can be substituted with regular chili powder.
- Garam masala - A popular Indian spice blend; you can find it in most groceries or Asian markets.
🔪How to make tandoori tofu
Step 1: Combine all ingredients needed for the marinade.
Step 2: Toss the tofu cubes in the marinade and let them marinate for 30-60 minutes.
Step 3: Arrange tofu in a single layer on a baking tray.
Step 4: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crusty. Serve with flatbread and enjoy while warm.
🍳Other ways to cook tofu
Air fryer - Cook for 8-10 minutes at 200 °C/400 °F, or until the tofu cubes are golden.
✔Helpful tips
- Marinating tofu overnight - For more flavorful tandoori tofu, marinate it in the fridge overnight.
- Adjust the spice level - For a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder added. Also, make sure to use mild chili powder.
- Broil your tofu - To give tandoori tofu a smoky touch, broil it for 3-5 minutes, until dark brown spots appear.
- Other ways to serve tandoori tofu - They are great as a filling for wraps and tacos. You can also use them as a high-protein add-in for salads, including my protein pasta salad and Indian quinoa salad.
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❄️Storing leftovers
Storing - Leftover tandoori tofu can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Freezing is not recommended, as tofu may release water upon thawing, making it soggy.
Reheating - Heat the tofu cubes in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes, until hot and crispy.
📖 Recipe
Tandoori Tofu (vegan tandoori)
Equipment
- tofu press (to press tofu before using)
Ingredients
- 1 14 oz block extra firm tofu drained, pressed, and cubed*
For tandoori marinade
- ¼ cup vegan yogurt unflavored and unsweetened
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1-2 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder or regular chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine together all ingredients needed for the marinade. Stir to mix, adding a splash of water if the mixture is too thick.
- Place tofu in a large bowl, and pour in the marinade. Toss until tofu cubes are well coated. Let it marinade for 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
- At the last 10 minutes of marinating tofu, preheat your oven to 200C/400F if you plan to bake them.
Cooking tofu
- Oven - Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Then, turn your boiler on low, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until dark spots start to appear.Air fryer – Cook for 8-10 minutes at 200C/400F, or until tofu cubes are slightly browned.Pan-frying – Heat a tablespoon of oil in a non-stick pan over medium high heat. Place tofu in, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until most sides are golden and crusty.
Notes
- Marinating tofu overnight - For more flavorful tandoori tofu, marinate it in the fridge overnight.
- Adjust the spice level - For a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili powder added. Also, make sure to use mild chili powder.
- Broil your tofu - To give tandoori tofu a smoky touch, broil it for 3-5 minutes, until dark brown spots appear.
Save this recipe!
Email yourself a link to this page and come back later.
Also get a FREE high-protein vegan recipe eBook + weekly new recipes! Unsubscribe anytime.
Nutrition
Nutrition info calculated is just a rough estimate and is provided as a courtesy. Bear in mind that value will vary based on variables like specific brand or type of product used. To obtain the most accurate representation, it is highly recommended that you calculate it on your own with the actual amount and type of ingredient used.
Jack says
I used the air-dry method and they turned out really well! Thanks for sharing.