Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu Recipe) - Running on Real Food (2024)

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posted: 12/14/19 — updated: 08/10/23 by Deryn Macey Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Jump to Recipe·4.8 from 57 reviews

This vegan butter chicken is easy to make and features tofu in place of chicken for delicious plant-based version of the popular Indian dish.

Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu Recipe) - Running on Real Food (1)

Table of Contents

About Butter Tofu

This butter tofu “chicken” recipe features tofu in a rich and creamy tomato and cashew-based sauce with spices like turmeric, cumin and cinnamon. You’ll need just 30 minutes to prepare it.

The recipe is simple with no preparation for the tofu, though you could bake or pan-fry it separately to give it a meaty texture. We’ll cover how to do that below.

The dish is rich, creamy, high in protein and packed with flavour and nutrition. The creaminess comes from blending raw cashews with plant-based milk, making the perfect dairy-free replacement for heavy cream.

You’ll love this recipe any night of the week for a satisfying and comforting meal but it’s great for entertaining too, especially if you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions. The final dish is not spicy, so it’s suitable for the whole family too. Serve with rice and naan and it’s sure to be a hit!

Recipe Highlights

  • Vegetarian and vegan (dairy-free).
  • Gluten-free.
  • Ready in 30 minutes.
  • Easy to make.
  • Creamy, luxirious tomato butter sauce.
  • Perfect served with rice and/or naan.
  • Stores and reheats well.

Ingredient Notes

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The ingredient list might seem a bit long but most of it is spices, so don’t be intimidated! Here are a fews notes on the ingredients and substitutions you can make:

  • Cashews: You’ll need raw cashews with no added oil or salt to make the cream. You can substitute coconut cream or thick coconut milk if you like.
  • Coconut Oil: Use coconut oil to saute or substitute water or broth for an oil-free recipe.
  • Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are best for flavour here.
  • Onion: You can use white onion, yellow onion or shallot.
  • Spice Blend: You’ll need a mild chili powder, ground turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin and cinnamon. It’s best to use all of these in the amounts listed for the best flavour profile.
  • Maple Syrup: Just a little sweetener to balance the acidity. You can substitute brown sugar or coconut sugar.
  • Diced Tomatoes: You’ll need a large can of diced tomatoes and will use the whole can, including the juices. For a smoother sauce, you can also use crushed tomato.
  • Tofu: Use firm or extra-firm tofu or substitute plant-based chicken, cauliflower or chickpeas.

How to Make Butter Tofu

Step 1: Press the tofu and soak the cashews.

This step is technically optional so feel free to skip it if you just want to get into the recipe. However, if you do not have a high-speed blender, I would recommend soaking the cashews in boiled water for at least 30 minutes up to overnight.

If you’re soaking the cashews, place in a bowl and cover with boiled water. Let sit for 20-30 minutes then drain.

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To press the tofu, use a tofu press or wrap it in a dish cloth and place a heavy object like a skillet on it for 20-30 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes.

Quick Note: I did not do any tofu preparation for this recipe but if you’d like to add texture and crispiness, you can pan-fry or bake the tofu before adding to the sauce at the end.

To pan-fry the tofu, use this cashew tofu stir fry recipe, to bake the tofu, use this peanut tofu bowl recipe.

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Step 2: Make the cashew cream.

Add the drained cashews and milk to a high-speed blender and blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. I used almond milk for an extra-creamy consistency but you can also just use water.

You may need more than 1/2 cup of liquid. We’re looking for a heavy cream consistency.

Quick Tip: To substitute coconut milk, replace the cashews and milk with about 1-1.5 cups of full-fat coconut milk. Coconut milk is not traditionally used in butter chicken but it can be used if you can’t do cashews.

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Step 3: Cook the onion, garlic and ginger.

Heat the coconut oil, or another cooking oil of choice, in a large skillet over medium heat. When you’re ready, add the onion, garlic and ginger and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring often.

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Step 4: Toast the spices.

Add all of the spices to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast, stirring constantly.

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Step 5: Finish the sauce.

Add the maple syrup and canned diced or crushed tomato to the pan. Add the cubed tofu and pour in the cashew cream.

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Simmer the butter chicken for about 10 minutes over medium-low heat.

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Serve your delicious butter tofu over your favourite rice and topped with fresh cilantro.

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Variations

  1. To use cauliflower instead of tofu, roast 1 small head of cauliflower in 2 tsp olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper until tender and golden then mix it into the sauce when you would have added the tofu.
  2. To use chickpeas instead of tofu, drain and rinse a 19 oz can of chickpeas then add it at the end and stir until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe soy-free?

Yes. To make this recipe without tofu, substitute 1 19 oz. can or about 2.5 cups of cooked chickpeas for the tofu.

Can I use coconut milk instead of cashews?

Yes. To use coconut milk instead of cashew cream, substitute 1 cup of full-fat coconut milk for the cashews and milk.

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Serving Tips

  • Butter tofu can be enjoyed on its own but it’s best served over fresh jasmine or basmati rice. Brown rice works too!
  • It’s delicious served with fresh naan or roti for dipping.
  • Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.

Storing Instructions

  • Let cool before storing.
  • Butter tofu stores well in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.

More Curries to Try

Here are some more Indian-inspired recipes you’ll love:

  • Best Red Lentil Coconut Dahl
  • Vegetable Korma
  • Vegan Panang Curry with Tofu
  • Butternut Squash Curry
  • Sweet Potato Lentil Curry

Did you make this butter tofu?
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I’d love to hear about it! Click here to leave a review and don’t forget to post a pic to social and tag @runningonrealfood so I can check it out!

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Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu Recipe) - Running on Real Food (12)

Easy Vegan Butter Chicken

5 Stars4 Stars3 Stars2 Stars1 Star4.8 from 57 reviews

  • Author: Deryn Macey
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegan
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Description

This incredible vegan butter chicken features tofu in a silky cashew tomato sauce and is delicious served over rice.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Press Tofu (Optional): Press the tofu for 20-30 minutes. You can either wrap the block of tofu in a dish cloth and place a heavy object on it or use a tofu press. This step is optional but helps to squeeze out excess liquid so the tofu can absorb more flavour.
  2. Soak Cashews: While the tofu is soaking, add the cashews to a bowl and cover with boiled water. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes. This can also be done ahead of time and soaked as long as overnight.
  3. Blend Cashew Cream: Drain the cashews to a high-speed blender with the plant-based milk. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. You may need more than 1/2 cup liquid. We’re looking for a heavy creamy consistency. You should be able to pour it from the blender, so adjust accordindly.
  4. Saute Aromatics: Heat the coconut oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the ginger, garlic and onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened.
  5. Toast Spices: Add all of the ground spices: chili powder, turmeric, coriander, cumin and cinnamon. Stir constantly for another 1-2 minutes to “toast” the spices.
  6. Add Liquids and Tofu: Add the diced tomatoes, maple syrup, cubed tofu and cashew cream mixture from the blender. Mix well and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes over medium-low heat.
  7. Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed. Serve over rice and topped with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

If you have a high-speed blender like a Vitamix or Blendtec, you can skip soaking the cashews but I’d still recommend at least a quick soak for the creamiest result. If you do not have a powerful blender, I’d recommend soaking them for at least 30 minutes in boiled water up to overnight to achieve a smoother texture. The cashew and milk mixture can be substituted with 1 cup full-fat coconut milk.

To keep this recipe simple, there is not preparation for the tofu. If you’d like to bake or pan-fry the tofu for more texture, break into small chunks after pressing and toss with 1 tbsp cornstarch, salt and pepper. Either pan-fry in a bit of oil over medium-high heat until crispy on all sides or bake spread out on a baking sheet at 400 F for 25-30 minutes until brown and crispy.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 307
  • Sugar: 7.5 g
  • Sodium: 377 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 15 g

This recipe as originally published January 19, 2015. It was updated December 2019 with new photos and text.

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posted by Deryn Macey on December 14, 2019

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149 comments on “Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu)”

  1. J October 8, 2023 @ 1:48 pm Reply

    This is my first time trying this dish and it turned out so well! I threw my cubed tofu in the air fryer to add a little texture before adding to the dish. I will definitly make this again. Thanks for posting.

  2. Elizabeth July 15, 2023 @ 7:52 pm Reply

    Great recipe! The coconut oil is what makes this dish especially amazing. SO much flavor! Thank you for sharing.

  3. Linda Nelson March 11, 2023 @ 6:32 pm Reply

    I’ve made this recipe many times. My daughter requests it regularly claiming she can’t make it like I do. She and her Hubby love it.

Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu Recipe) - Running on Real Food (2024)

FAQs

Does plant butter bake like regular butter? ›

Foods and baked goods that call for traditional butter can turn out great when you use plant-based butter instead,” he says. “We make everything from shortbread cookies to biscotti to omelets with plant-based butter and get the same kind of taste and texture that you expect.” Use a 1:1 ratio.

What to add instead of cashews in butter chicken? ›

Nut-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy or prefer to avoid cashews, you can substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a creamy texture and added richness. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add a variety of vegetables to the dish to enhance its nutritional value and flavors.

Can you make cakes with plant-based butter? ›

Vegan Butter is Still Butter

It is my personal opinion that vegan butter:1) works much the same as traditional dairy butter, when it is worked properly; 2) gives excellent texture to baked goods, when you use a high-fat vegan butter; and 3) lends excellent color and flavor.

Can you use plant butter in cookies? ›

For thinner cookies with crispier edges, melt the Country Crock® Plant Butter and combine it with the sugars in a large mixing bowl. For slightly thicker chewier cookies, combine cold plant butter with sugars in a large mixing bowl or bowl of a stand mixer and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

What are the pros and cons of plant butter? ›

Pros: Can typically be used as a one-to-one ratio swap for butter, has a similar taste and consistency to butter, and can be used for baking and cooking and as a topping. Cons: Some plant-based butter substitutes (not WayFare's!) may have ingredients that can trigger allergies, like nuts, soy, or gluten.

Which is healthier, butter or plant butter? ›

Plant Butter vs Butter

In terms of nutritional value, plant-based butter has some positives in that they contain less cholesterol than normal butter, but are just as dense calorically. Plant butter also contains more coloring and artificial flavoring than dairy butter.

Why add cashews to butter chicken? ›

In many recipes for butter chicken, copious amounts of butter and heavy cream supply richness, but we do as we were taught in India and use cashews pureed with a small amount of water until smooth. The nut puree adds creaminess without making the dish heavy.

Can I use coconut milk instead of cashew cream? ›

Canned coconut milk is a lot thinner than cashew cream but it is a great alternative to cashew cream. If you're making a recipe that calls for a creamy sauce, try using canned coconut milk or coconut cream. Coconut milk is great in curries, soups, stews, and pasta sauces.

What is the closest nut to a cashew? ›

If one doesn't have allergies to other nuts, various tree nuts like almonds, macadamia nuts, and pistachios can substitute for cashews. Each offers distinct flavors and textures: Almonds: Blend well for milks and butters. Macadamia nuts: Provide a creamy consistency suitable for desserts.

What do vegan bakers use instead of butter? ›

Coconut oil is a delicious vegan alternative to butter as it behaves similarly to butter compared to other oils. It solidifies when cool and melts at room temperature, making it very versatile. If you use unrefined coconut oil, you can expect a more distinctive taste, but refined coconut oil is basically flavourless.

How to bake with vegan butter? ›

​​Like dairy butter, vegan butter should be softened for creaming with sugar or melted for incorporation into batters and doughs. If there's an abundance of water, then vegan butter might separate out into watery lumps when warm, which makes it a bad choice for baking and also not good for frostings.

Does plant-based butter bake the same as regular butter? ›

In recipes where they're the only vegan substitute, both vegan butters will produce baked goods with texture similar to that of dairy butter, with flavor being the main difference. When substituting additional vegan ingredients (mainly eggs), the recipe may not turn out the same, texture-wise, as originally intended.

Is country crock plant butter vegan? ›

Could Country Crock Plant Butter be considered vegan? All of Country Crock's Plant Butters are vegan and dairy-free due to the exclusive use of plant-based ingredients.

Can you bake with miyoko's butter? ›

Our butter is perfect for baking.

Does plant butter taste the same as regular butter? ›

One catch: vegan butter doesn't taste exactly like butter, so if you are using lots of it in your recipe, like you would for a pie crust, it will still taste good, but it probably won't taste exactly the same.

What is a plant-based butter substitute for baking? ›

What are good vegan butter substitutes? 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.

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