Name: Vegan Tikka Masala
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil (or ¼ cup water if oil-free); 1 medium onion, diced; 1" to 2" piece fresh ginger, grated or minced; 4 to 5 cloves garlic, finely minced; 3 tsp Flavrbombs Tasty Tandoori spice blend OR use the below blend of spices ⬇️; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp garam masala (sub curry powder); ¾ tsp ground coriander; ¾ tsp ground turmeric; ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (sub hot Indian chilli powder); freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 cups tomato sauce (or 1 cup tomato paste diluted in water to make 2 cups); 1 can full fat coconut milk

This 6-ingredient Vegan Tikka Masala is a lusciously delicious weeknight staple that only takes 20 minutes to prepare! Creamy, rich and perfectly spiced, you can enjoy it over rice and with your favourite plant-based protein.

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Watch this YouTube video on how to make Vegan Tikka Masala, plus two other 20-minute meals!

Ingredients & Inspiration

Indian food is among my favourite cuisines and I usually make some sort of Indian-inspired recipe at least once a week. This Vegan Tikka Masala is one of my favourite easy Indian-inspired recipes ever, because it’s so simple, yet so tasty.

The word ‘tikka’ refers to chicken that’s been marinated in a spicy yogurt, but since we’re doing this recipe all plant-based, you can use any other plant-based protein of your choice instead. I personally love making quick and crispy air-fried tofu, but a can of chickpeas is also a great swap!

‘Masala’ refers to the rich and creamy tomato-based sauce that is infused with lots of smoky, fragrant spices. It’s like a warm, spicy, creamy hug! Below are all the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

Spices

garam masala
ground cumin
ground turmeric
ground coriander
cayenne pepper
kosher salt

Everything Else

olive oil
onion
garlic
fresh ginger
tomato sauce
canned coconut milk

How to Make Vegan Tikka Masala

This Vegan Tikka Masala only takes 20 minutes or less to whip up on the stove, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family. If you’re cooking for more than 4 people, this recipe can easily be doubled!

In a large sauté pan warm the oil over medium heat, then cook the onion for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the spices and toast in the pan for 1 minute.
Stir in the tomato paste and coconut milk and bring to a rapid simmer, about 6 minutes. Allow the colour to develop into a deep orange-red.
Add in your plant-based protein of choice, like air fried tofu, a can of chickpeas, or tempeh. Heat through, serve and enjoy over rice!

Tikka Tickle My Tastebuds

Next time you’re in need of a super easy meal that’s low on effort, light on the wallet and heavy on the deliciousness, make this Vegan Tikka Masala! It’ll 100% rank in your top 10 go-to meals for busy evenings, pinky promise. 😉

If you enjoyed this recipe you might also like my Vegan Pad Thai, Lemony Tomato Beans or Vegan Butter Chicken (Chickpeas)!

Lastly, if you made any of these recipes and decide to share them on Facebook or Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @SteamyVegan and use hashtag #SteamyVegan! I seriously love seeing what you’re cooking up! Plus make sure to check me out on YouTube — I have HUNDREDS of videos to give you limitless plant-based inspiration!

Janelle Carss