Tofu Tikka Masala 

Ingredients

For the Tofu Marinade

  • 16 oz firm tofu

  • ½ cup Greek-style yogurt

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

  • 2 cloves garlic, grated

  • 1 tsp garam masala or curry powder

  • 1 tsp ground coriander

  • ½ tsp ground cumin

  • ½ tsp turmeric

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

For the Masala Sauce

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 medium onions, chopped

  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

  • 2 cloves garlic, grated

  • 2 tsp ground coriander

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp garam masala

  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

  • 2 cups tomato purée

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 2 twists freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 cups water

  • ½ cup heavy cream (or non-dairy cream for vegan option)

  • 2 tsp sugar (optional)

  • Lemon wedges, chopped cilantro, yogurt, and rice or naan, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Marinate the Tofu

    • In a large bowl, mix together the marinade:
      Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, ginger, garlic, garam masala, coriander, cumin, turmeric, salt, and red pepper flakes.

    • Pat dry the tofu and break into bite-sized pieces.

    • Coat the tofu pieces evenly in the marinade.

  3. Bake the Tofu

    • Spread the marinated tofu on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.

    • Bake for 30 minutes, until golden and slightly chewy. No need to flip.

  4. Make the Masala Sauce

    • While the tofu is baking, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

    • Sauté chopped onions for about 5 minutes, until translucent.

    • Add ginger, garlic, coriander, cumin, garam masala, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

    • Stir in tomato purée, salt, and black pepper. Simmer on medium-low heat for 5 minutes.

    • Add water and cream, then simmer for another 10 minutes.

  5. Combine & Simmer

    • Stir the baked tofu into the masala sauce.

    • Add sugar if using, and simmer until the sauce thickens to your liking.

    • Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, sweetness, or acidity) as needed.

  6. Serve

    • Serve hot with basmati or saffron rice, naan, or both!

    • Garnish with chopped cilantro, lemon wedges, yogurt, or pickled red onions for extra flavor.