Vegan Tandoori Tofu (GF) - Rhian's Recipes (2024)

Last updated - ; Published - By Rhian Williams 6 Comments

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ThisVegan Tandoori Tofu is:

  • super easy to make
  • spicy and fragrant
  • perfect for grilling!

Vegan Tandoori Tofu (GF) - Rhian's Recipes (1)

I always used to get Tandoori Chicken at Indian restaurants, and so was keen to make a delicious vegan version of this dish. And I was so happy with the results: this Vegan Tandoori Tofu is smoky, sweet, tangy and spicy and packed with all the amazing flavours of the traditional dish.

Vegan Tandoori Tofu (GF) - Rhian's Recipes (2)

If you're worried about the tofu part, I can assure you that this dish is anything but bland, thanks to the flavour-packed marinade, which is made using:

  • cool, creamy coconut yogurt
  • tangy lemon juice
  • sticky agave syrup
  • fragrant garlic and ginger
  • sweet, nutty desiccated coconut
  • smoky paprika
  • cheerful turmeric
  • earthy cumin
  • kaleidoscopic curry powder

This means this Tandoori Tofu is not only dairy-free, but also naturally gluten-free and refined sugar free too. If you're not into agave syrup, you can substitute it with any other sweetener, such as maple syrup.

But if you're still worried about using tofu, this dish works equally well using chickpeas instead of tofu!

Vegan Tandoori Tofu (GF) - Rhian's Recipes (3)

Once you've left your tofu to marinade, all that's left to do is to pan-fry it. It's also great for BBQs and grilling, and you can put the tofu cubes on skewers if you like.

This Vegan Tandoori Tofu works as a great appetiser on its own, but also goes so well with lots of other dishes, such as:

  • Yellow Turmeric Rice
  • Potato Pea Curry
  • Chickpea Kedgeree
  • Mango Daikon Radish Salad
  • Papaya Mint Lime Salad

Vegan Tandoori Tofu (GF) - Rhian's Recipes (4)

For more tofu recipes suitable for grilling, check out my:

  • Tofu Satay Skewers
  • Tofu Yakitori Skewers

And for a bigger range of different types of tofu recipes, you may find this round-up useful:

14 Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Tofu Recipes

If you try out this recipe or anything else from my blog,I’d really love to hear anyfeedback! Please give it a rating, leave a comment, or tag a photo #rhiansrecipes onInstagram! Thank you.

Helpful tools to make this Vegan Tandoori Tofu:

glass mixing bowl

Vegan Tandoori Tofu (GF) - Rhian's Recipes (5)

Vegan Tandoori Tofu (GF)

ThisVegan Tandoori Tofu is super easy to make, spicy and fragrant and perfect for grilling!

4.09 from 12 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indian

Keyword: vegan grilling recipe, vegan tandoori tofu

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 29 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 78kcal

Author: Rhian Williams

Ingredients

For the marinade:

  • 1 tablespoon coconut yogurt (or any other plant-based yogurt)
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1 teaspoon agave syrup (or sub any other sweetener)
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • 2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder, to taste
  • Salt + pepper, to taste

For the tofu:

  • 400 g (14oz) firm tofu
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil (or sub olive, rapeseed or vegetable)

To serve (optional):

  • Fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped

Instructions

  • Mix together all the ingredients for the marinade in a large bowl

  • Pat tofu dry with a paper towel and cut into small cubes

  • Place the tofu cubes in the bowl with the marinade, making sure that every piece is covered in equal amounts of sauce (you can either cook this tofu immediately or covered and put in the fridge to leave to marinate for up to 12 hours)

  • To cook the tofu, heat up the oil in a large wide-bottomed frying pan and add the tofu once hot

  • Fry the tofu for about 7 minutes on each side, or until crispy, golden brown and slightly caramelised

  • Sprinkle with chopped coriander to serve, if desired

Notes

This Tandoori Tofu also works well cooked on a BBQ or grill. You can put the tofu cubes on skewers, and if using wooden skewers make sure to soak them in water first before cooking.

Here are some serving suggestions for this Tandoori Tofu:

  • Yellow Turmeric Rice
  • Potato Pea Curry
  • Chickpea Kedgeree
  • Mango Daikon Radish Salad
  • Papaya Mint Lime Salad

Nutrition Facts

Vegan Tandoori Tofu (GF)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 78

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Made the recipe?Tag @rhiansrecipes on instagram and use the hashtag #rhiansrecipes!

Disclosure: This posts contains affiliate links to Amazon. If you purchase any of these products, a small percentage will come to me with no extra cost to you! This income will go towards the running of this blog – thank you.

More Recipes

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  • Gluten-Free Vegan Orange Poppy Seed Muffins

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Anonymous

    Vegan Tandoori Tofu (GF) - Rhian's Recipes (10)
    What a fantastic recipe (and an all-round fantastic blog!), thanks Rhian!

    Reply

    • Rhian Williams

      Thank you!

  2. sara

    Vegan Tandoori Tofu (GF) - Rhian's Recipes (11)
    Lovely! 🙂 🙂

    Reply

    • Rhian Williams

      Thank you so much!

  3. Isabella

    Vegan Tandoori Tofu (GF) - Rhian's Recipes (12)
    I made this tonight with Jasmine rice and put it in lettuce cups. So delicious! I doubled the marinade BTW. My bf loved it too.

    Reply

    • Rhian Williams

      Thank you so much, so glad you liked it!

Vegan Tandoori Tofu (GF) - Rhian's Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is tofu vegan and gluten free? ›

Yes, plain tofu is generally considered to be safe for those with gluten intolerances to eat, as the beancurd contains no glutenous grains. However, flavoured tofu such as sweet chilli or smoky tofu may not be suitable, as it may be marinated with soy sauce which is not gluten-free.

What is tandoori tofu made of? ›

Tandoori tofu is tender, juicy and wonderfully firm with the gorgeous flavours of the marinade complementing it beautifully. Our signature marinade is made from vegan curd infused with Indian spices like khaskhas and kasoori methi and a touch of mustard oil. Need we say more?

Can a person with celiac disease eat tofu? ›

Those living with celiac disease must refrain from consuming foods containing gluten, wheat, barley and rye, but can enjoy meat and poultry, fish and seafood, tofu, dairy, fruits, vegetables, beans, legumes, nuts, and more.

Why is soy not gluten-free? ›

Most soy sauces contain gluten

The sauce is typically made by combining soy and crushed wheat and allowing the two to ferment for several days in a salty brine containing mold cultures (2). Therefore, most soy sauces contain gluten from the wheat. However, one variety called tamari is often naturally gluten-free.

What do you eat with tandoori tofu? ›

A tandoori-inspired spice rub and smokiness from the grill flavor these tofu “steaks.” While you're there, grill some vegetables, too, to serve alongside. Serve with: Grilled eggplant and cherry tomato skewers and brown basmati rice.

Is tofu healthy than chicken? ›

And while chicken breast is also slightly lower in fat, tofu comes out on top in this category because it contains all monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, aka the “good” kind; whereas chicken contains a little bit of saturated fat and cholesterol, which tofu is free of.

Why do Asians use tofu? ›

Much of tofu's early use in East Asia was as a vegetarian substitute for meat and fish by Buddhist monks, especially those following Zen Buddhism. The earliest Japanese document concerning tofu refers to the dish being served as an offering at the Kasuga Shrine in Nara in 1183.

Can a vegan eat tofu? ›

If you're starting your journey into a plant-based diet or if you're looking for a good meat substitute, tofu is completely vegan friendly. Tofu products are actually a staple soy-based part of a vegetarian and vegan diet. Tofu is vegetarian because it is derived from soy proteins.

Is tofu completely vegan? ›

Basic tofu is a completely vegan product.

It is made from soybeans (i.e. plants) and set using non-animal coagulants such as calcium sulphate or magnesium chloride. With a firm texture and a capacity to take on other flavours, it is a popular ingredient in vegan and vegetarian cooking around the globe.

Is tofu 100% vegan? ›

Tofu is dairy-free, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, and vegan, so it is popular with people who have specialized diets. Often used as a meat substitute, tofu is high in protein but low in fat, sodium, and carbohydrates. Tofu is extremely versatile.

Is tofu a vegan diet? ›

As this process contains no animal byproducts, neither does tofu, meaning tofu itself completely vegan. Tofu has very little flavor on its own but acts as a great carrier for flavors so it works as a versatile addition to or meat substitution for many great vegan meals.

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