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Vegan Butter Chicken

Vegan butter chicken in bowl with white rice, lemon slices
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Vegan Butter Chicken is a creamy, plant-based twist on the classic, featuring tender tofu or chickpeas simmered in a rich, spiced tomato and coconut milk sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it’s packed with flavor and easy to make!

Ingredients

Scale

For Tofu 

  • 1 (16 oz) blocks extra-firm tofu
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1/2 salt

Vegan Butter Chicken Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
  • 1 small onion, diced (or half a red onion)
  • 3 tablespoons ginger (chopped)
  • 6 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon chilli powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
  • 14 oz coconut milk, full fat from the can
  • 1 can, 28 ounces of crushed tomato

Instructions

  • Marinate the Tofu: In a bowl, mix cornstarch, chili powder, salt, and ground pepper. Toss the tofu cubes in this mixture and let them sit for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
  • Cook the Tofu: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated tofu cubes. Cook them, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the edges. Then, set them aside.
  • Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Cook the chopped onions until they’re soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the crushed tomatoes or tomato puree and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, letting them break down and allowing the water to evaporate. Stir in the garam masala, chili powder, ground black pepper, curry powder, ground turmeric, ground coriander, and ground cumin. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the coconut milk and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
  • Add Tofu to Sauce: Add the cooked tofu cubes to the sauce and stir well to coat them evenly. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors.
  • Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve your vegan butter chicken over fluffy basmati rice, and enjoy!

Equipment

Find it online: https://magentastreaks.com/recipes/vegan-butter-chicken/