Vegan Butter Chicken (2024)

A simple version of the popular Indian dish, made completely vegan! The tofu for Vegan Butter Chicken is prepared in a unique way that couldn’t be easier and somehow makes it taste a lot like chicken.

Vegan Butter Chicken (1)

Butter chicken is one of the most popular Indian dishes around, with it’s mildly spiced creamy tomato sauce, and packed full of flavor. It’s usually made with dairy cream, and of course with chicken. I’ve created the most delicious vegan version, and I’m so excited to share it with you today!

The “chicken” is actually tofu, but it’s not any old tofu. No, the tofu is prepared in a unique way in the oven that makes it perfectly chewy. It actually tastes very similar to chicken, especially once drenched in the creamy sauce.

Vegan Butter Chicken (2)

Garam Masala

The only ingredient you might not be familiar with is garam masala. It’s a great spice mix to have on hand. I use it in Vegetable Korma, and other dishes, too. It’s a blend of several Indian spices and adds an incredible amount of flavor to your recipes. A lot of regular grocery stores carry it, or find it at an Indian market. You can also order it online.

Vegan Butter Chicken (3)

How do you make Vegan Butter Chicken?

This recipe only takes about 30 minutes to make. The one catch is that you probably need to press your tofu, if you have the water packed variety. You can skip pressing if you buy the super firm tofu, not packed in water but in a clear vacuum seal pack.

Press the tofu for 20-30 minutes, if needed. Then, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the tofu into about 6 slices, as shown below, then rip each slice into smaller pieces, but still fairly large chunks. Tear gently, and don’t make the pieces too small.

Next, place the torn tofu pieces in a large ziplock type bag along with the olive oil, cornstarch and salt. Seal the bag, and shake to gently coat the pieces. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.

Vegan Butter Chicken (4)

Leave room so they are not touching each other. If your pans are small, you might need two. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the pieces are golden brown and crispy. There is no need to flip the pieces, so baking is very hands off. While the tofu is baking, make the creamy sauce.

Vegan Butter Chicken (5)

For the sauce, melt the vegan butter in a large skillet or pot. Add the onion, and saute for 3-4 minutes. Then add the ginger and garlic and cook 1 minute more. Now add the spices, salt, tomato paste and coconut milk. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Bring to a boil, then simmer the sauce for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Once the tofu is done baking, add it to the sauce and stir to coat the pieces. Serve over rice, with Easy Vegan Naan, and sprinkled with fresh chopped cilantro. Enjoy!

Vegan Butter Chicken (6)

If you liked this recipe, you might enjoy these as well:

  • Easy Vegan Naan
  • Quick and Easy Vegetable Korma
  • Chickpea and Eggplant Curry
  • Easy Vegan Curry

Vegan Butter Chicken (7)

Vegan Butter Chicken (8)

4.98 stars (206 ratings)

Vegan Butter Chicken

A simple version of the popular Indian dish, made completely vegan! Tofu is prepared in a unique way that couldn't be easier and somehow makes it taste a lot like chicken.

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 25 minutes mins

Tofu pressing time: 20 minutes mins

Total: 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

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Ingredients

For the tofu:

  • 2 (16 oz) blocks extra-firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter (or olive oil)
  • 1 large onion, diced small
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 ounces tomato paste
  • 1 (13.5 oz) canned full fat coconut milk

For serving:

  • 4 cups cooked white or brown rice
  • chopped cilantro
  • Easy Vegan Naan

Instructions

  • Press the tofu:Wrap the block of tofu in paper towels. Place a plate or pan on top of the wrapped tofu, and put a couple of heavy books on top of that. Let the tofu press for 20 minutes. (You can skip this step if you get the super firm variety)

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • Slice the tofu into about 6 slices (see photos in post above for reference). Now, rip each slice into medium-large pieces. You can also simply cut them into cubes, if you prefer, but ripping gives the tofu a great texture for this dish.

  • Add the tofu pieces to a large ziplock bag, along with the olive oil, cornstarch and salt. Close the bag, and shake gently to coat. Arrange the tofu evenly on the prepared pan, and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and crispy.

  • While the tofu bakes, prepare the sauce: Melt the 2 tablespoons of vegan butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Saute the onion for 3-4 minutes in the butter, then add the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the spices, salt, tomato paste and coconut milk. Stir until smooth and combined, then simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently.

  • When the tofu is done baking, add it to the sauce and stir to coat the pieces. Serve over rice with Easy Vegan Naan. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  1. This would also be really good with roasted cauliflower in place of the tofu.
  2. You could certainly substitute light coconut milk if desired, but the sauce won't be as rich and creamy.
  3. For oil free, omit the olive oil and vegan butter. Use water for sauteing instead.
  4. Calories are for 1/6th of the tofu and sauce, not added rice or naan.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 382kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Sodium: 615mg | Potassium: 348mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 429IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 214mg | Iron: 3mg

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Author: Nora Taylor

Did you make this recipe?Mention @nora_cooks_vegan_ or tag #noracooks!

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About Nora

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Posted In: 30 Minute Recipes, Cuisine, Dinner, Gluten Free, High Protein, Indian-Inspired, Main Dish, Meal Prep, Meal Type, Method, Nut Free, Popular Posts, Special Dietary Needs, Tofu, Vegan Ingredients

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Vegan Butter Chicken (2024)

FAQs

What is a substitute for tomato paste in butter chicken? ›

How to Substitute Tomato Sauce or Puree for Tomato Paste. You don't have to dash out to the store if you're out of tomato paste; tomato sauce and tomato puree are both an excellent substitute. For every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste needed, use 3 tablespoons of tomato puree or sauce.

What are the ingredients in KFI vegan butter chicken? ›

Ingredients. water, tomato paste, coconut cream, sugar, garlic, ginger, salt, modified corn starch, spices, canola oil, dry fenugreek leaves, olive oil.

How do you thicken butter chicken without flour? ›

You can thicken a liquid using a corn starch slurry or a roux, two very popular methods of making a sauce or gravy. Both work by allowing starch and fat to work together in the presence of heat to encapsulate water. There are some differences between them that are important to understand.

What is a vegan substitute for butter? ›

In baking, you can use vegan butter, applesauce, dairy-free yogurt, coconut oil, coconut butter, olive oil, nut butter, mashed banana and mashed avocado. In cooking, you can use olive oil, coconut oil, vegetable stock, or avocado oil to replace butter.

Why is vegan chicken so good? ›

Vegan chicken matches up the taste of real chicken because of the substitutes used in preparing it without many health and environmental risks compared to traditional chicken. Some substitutes used to prepare vegan chicken include; Soy protein, vital wheat gluten, textured vegetable protein, and pea protein.

What is closest to butter chicken? ›

Tikka masala became popular in America as butter chicken after Indian restaurants began serving it with a side of white rice instead of basmati. The dish doesn't always include chicken, but it's called chicken-tikka or chicken-curry when it does.

What can I substitute for butter in a sauce recipe? ›

Recipes for sauces often call for butter toward the end of cooking to thicken things up a bit and for added richness. Heavy whipping cream, creme fraiche, or sour cream can work in its place. Add a little bit at a time until your sauce reaches the desired thickness.

Can I use ketchup instead of tomato puree? ›

Ketchup has a tomato base, but also contains vinegar, sugar, and other spices. I would only use this when you have absolutely no other replacements to use, since ketchup has a pretty distinct flavor and may actually change the flavor profile of your dish drastically.

What is inside vegan chicken? ›

Although components vary, certain materials are commonly used in meat and meat-free chicken products. These include water, wheat flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and other spices. The main difference is that plant-based chicken is usually made from soy protein and wheat gluten instead of animal flesh.

What is vegan butter made? ›

Vegan butter is a non-dairy butter substitute made from plant-based ingredients. It is typically made from a blend of vegetable oils such as coconut, palm, or soybean and other natural ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and even algae. This makes it a great alternative for those who: Follow a vegan diet.

Does plant-based butter have soy? ›

Flora Unsalted Plant Butter is made from plant-based oils and it's ready for cooking and baking. Go ahead, make chewy cookies, fluffy cakes, and creamy sauces. It's non-GMO, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, soy-free, and free of artificial flavors and preservatives.

Why is my butter chicken chewy? ›

You're not cooking the chicken right

Butter chicken tastes good only when the chicken is cooked right. If it's hard and rubbery, it will obviously be difficult to chew and spoil your entire experience of relishing the dish. Always cook the chicken on a low-medium flame to prevent it from becoming hard.

Does coconut milk thicken curry? ›

For a rich and creamy curry, coconut milk or cream can be a fantastic thickening agent. They not only add creaminess but also a delightful tropical flavour. Simply pour in some coconut milk or cream and let it simmer until your sauce reaches the desired consistency.

What is the healthiest sauce thickener? ›

Meet the Starches
  • Kuzu (Kudzu) For thousands of years, the Chinese and Japanese have cooked with Kuzu, which comes from the roots of the Kuzu or Kudzu plant, because of its medicinal properties. ...
  • Sweet Rice Flour. ...
  • Arrowroot. ...
  • Cornstarch. ...
  • Tapioca. ...
  • Agar. ...
  • Xantham Gum.

What ingredient is in vegan butter? ›

Vegan Butter Recipe with Cashew
  • 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight.
  • 1/2 cup refined coconut oil, melted.
  • 1/4 cup water.
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Mar 29, 2023

What is vegan chicken made of? ›

Although components vary, certain materials are commonly used in meat and meat-free chicken products. These include water, wheat flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and other spices. The main difference is that plant-based chicken is usually made from soy protein and wheat gluten instead of animal flesh.

What is vegan curry chicken made of? ›

You can use any vegan protein source you prefer, such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, or chickpeas. Crushed tomatoes — You can substitute with tomato puree or canned diced tomatoes. Coconut milk — For an extra creamy curry, use full-fat coconut milk.

What are vegan chicken tenders made of? ›

Ingredients: Water, wheat flour, vegetable oil (corn, canola and/or sunflower), soy protein isolate, wheat gluten, rice flour.

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