easy vegan tofu vindaloo recipe with homemade sauce

If you wish to include a fast and simple method of incorporating a delectable plant-based protein to your dishes, then Indian tofu curry is the ideal dish for you. This vegan dish is filled with flavor and is a superb way to substitute your regular meat-based dishes.If you like tofu, there are other vegan recipes with tofu that we like to make, such as Sticky tofu, air fried crispy tofu nuggets, tofu ramen, Tofu pulao, tofu chipotle bowl,Tofu pad thai. Firm tofu resembles paneer a lot unlike the soft crumbly tofu. Hence, it can be used to turn many vegetarian dishes to vegan, if you are using oil to temper.

Some people might actually confuse it for paneer, but the below image of the Indian tofu curry recipe, is not paneer 🙂 Tofu has grown on me slowly. It is just like cottage cheese, neutral in taste and takes up the flavor of the spices used. Thus, it helps you to make a new dish each time. Tofu is great for protein and low in calories. It is also soft so young kids and older generation can actually enjoy it. I love making vegan tofu curry recipes especially Japanese golden curry recipe, it is fully of flavor and umami!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Substitutions
• Variations
• Vegan tofu vindaloo
• Food safety

How to make tofu curry?

As a first step, you will need to obtain some firm tofu, which can be found in many grocery stores. Divide the tofu into small cubes and either fry in a pan or bake until the exterior has a crispy texture. Subsequently, put the tofu to the side and make the curry sauce.

Generally, a combination of spices, vegetables, and coconut milk(optional) form the basis of a tofu curry sauce. Some common ingredients include onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, curry powder and chili powder. Gently fry the onions and garlic until they are tender, then incorporate the spices and tomatoes and keep cooking until everything is fragrant and soft. It is optional to add coconut milk, allowing everything to simmer for several minutes until the consistency of the sauce is thickened.

Once the curry sauce with tofu is made, add the tofu cubes and let the mixture simmer for a few additional minutes. The tofu can be combined with curry sauce and rice to create a satisfying and tasty meal.

Ingredients

You need to prepare the paste for the vindaloo curry base.

Vindaloo curry base

• garlic cloves
• ginger
• Dry whole chillies or chilli power
• curry powder
• paprika
• vinegar
• Water

Other ingredients

• Cubed tofu
• olive oil
• Red onion
• Capsicum

Please refer to recipe card below for quantity and ratios

Instructions

For tofu vindaloo paste

1. Soak the chillies in water for at least 30 minutes
2. Add all ingredients to a bowl
3. Add the soaked chilles
4. Grind into a smooth paste

For tofu vindaloo curry

1. Heat oil in a pan and add chopped ginger, garlic to it. Add chopped onions with little salt and mix well.

2. Cook the onions until they are nice and brown. Now, add vindaloo paste to it along with some salt.

3. Cook for 8-10 minutes, until you can see little oil coming over the gravy. Add the tofu pieces to the pot and mix them slowly.

4. Now, add water and allow to come to boil and cook over medium heat.

5. let cook for few minutes and adjust the water as per your taste.

Serving suggestion

Serve this Indian tofu curry hot with basmati rice or vegan naan. You could also serve it with some bao buns and make a takeaway lunch.

Substitutions

You can also make this curry in an instant pot. Add a teaspoon of garam masala and a dash of lemon juice if you like it as spicy curried tofu.

Variations

Coconut Tofu Curry: You can add coconut milk to the curry from the above recipe to make it more smooth and flavorful. You may use both light or full fat coconut milk as per your choice.
Spinach Tofu Curry: Add a bunch a chopped spinach leaves at the end of the cook in the above recipe.
Chickpea Tofu Curry: Add a can/1cup of cooked chickpeas instead of peas in the above recipe.

Food safety

• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
• Never leave cooking food unattended.
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
• Always have a good ventilation when cooking on a stove.