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

Home » Recipes » Main Dishes » Curries » Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu)

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

Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu Recipe) - Running on Real Food (2)

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.

Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu Recipe) - Running on Real Food (3)

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.

Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu Recipe) - Running on Real Food (4)

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.

Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu Recipe) - Running on Real Food (5)

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.

Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu Recipe) - Running on Real Food (6)

Step 4: Toast the spices.

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

Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu Recipe) - Running on Real Food (7)

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.

Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu Recipe) - Running on Real Food (8)

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

Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu Recipe) - Running on Real Food (9)

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

Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu Recipe) - Running on Real Food (10)

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.

Vegan Butter Chicken (Butter Tofu Recipe) - Running on Real Food (11)

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?
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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!

Print

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

Easy Vegan Butter Chicken

★★★★★4.8 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
Print Recipe

Save Recipe

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

Keywords: vegan butter chicken, butter tofu

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

Curries Fall Freezer-Friendly Gluten-Free Grain-Free Indian-Inspired Less than 30 Minutes Low-Carb Main Dishes Recipes Soups and Stews Winter

posted by Deryn Macey on December 14, 2019

149 Comments / Leave a Comment »

« Previous PostRaw Vegan Maple Pecan Pie

Next Post »Vegan Curried Lentils and Quinoa

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

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

What is the ratio of vegan butter to regular butter? ›

1. Plant-Based Butter Alternatives. 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.

Can you substitute vegan butter for regular butter in baking? ›

It's a 1:1 swap! If a recipe calls for 227 g (or 1 c) of dairy butter, you can use the same amount of vegan butter as an equal swap. Remember, though, that for baking, you want a higher-fat vegan butter.

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.

Which is healthier vegan butter or regular butter? ›

Conclusion. Vegan butter is a healthy and sustainable alternative to traditional butter made from dairy ingredients. It offers many health benefits, including cholesterol-free and lower calories and saturated fat.

Does vegan butter taste the same as normal butter? ›

Neither vegan butter tastes like dairy butter.

When deeply browned, as in pie crust or some cookies, Earth Balance baked goods can taste slightly burned. This may be due to Earth Balance's canola and/or soy oils, both of which can produce “off” notes for some people when heated to a high enough temperature.

Which oil tastes most like butter? ›

Mac Nut Oil is more stable and much healthier than canola, olive or coconut oil with a richer buttery flavor and high in mono-saturated fats.

What is the best non-dairy substitute for butter? ›

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.

Which vegan butter is best for baking? ›

Comprehensive Brand Guide
  • Violife Plant Butter.
  • Miyoko's Creamery European Style Cultured Vegan Butter.
  • Miyoko's Creamery Spreadable Cultured Vegan Butter (Made with Oat Milk)
  • Simple Truth Organic Plant Based Buttery Spread.
  • Good & Gather Organic Non-Dairy Butter.
  • I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!
May 1, 2024

What is the closest nut to a cashew? ›

Almonds are the most similar to cashews. They can be used in trail mix, granola, vegan cheese recipes, cream sauces, and made into milk. What is the best way to replace cashews in vegan cream sauces? If you're going for a nut-free alternative, try silken tofu or cauliflower for a cream sauce.

Which is better peanut almond or cashew butter? ›

Cashew butter contains about half the sugar of peanut butter and it frequently contains less additives. Although almond butter comes out the clear winner in this competition, peanut butter and cashew butter tie for a close second place. Any nut butter is a health-food warrior compared to real butter or oil.

What does cashew cream replace? ›

Cashew cream is a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream and coconut milk. It's made by soaking then blending raw cashews with water until smooth. It can be used to add creaminess to pastas and soups, make ganache for desserts, or as a thick and creamy base for salad dressings or overnight oats.

What is the vegan version of chicken? ›

Vegan chicken is more sustainable, and healthier, and it's made primarily from plant-based products. These include vital wheat gluten, soy protein, pea protein, tofu, and jackfruit, which are rich in protein, calcium, fiber, and sodium—making the substitutes a perfect supplement for real meat.

What's vegan butter made from? ›

Naturali vegan butter is made using a mixture of rapeseed, coconut, shea butter and almond, and unlike a lot of other spreads, it is palm oil free. It has a very mild almond taste, and an extremely similar texture to dairy butters.

What is the sauce in butter chicken made of? ›

Butter chicken sauce is made of sauteed onions, tomato puree, and lots of spices. It's finished at the end with a smattering of heavy cream and some fenugreek leaves.

How do you measure vegan butter? ›

Get a large, transparent 4 cup capacity measuring cup. Fill the measuring cup with exactly two cups of cold water. Note that the 2 cup water line is your reference for zero cups of margarine. Scoop out your margarine and put it in the water filled measuring cup.

What is the ratio of butter substitute? ›

A good rule of thumb for this substitution: Replace about ¾ of the butter in a recipe with olive, canola, or vegetable oil (if the recipe calls for 1 cup butter, use ¾ cup oil). If the recipe calls for melted butter, though, you can swap the ingredients in equal amounts — there's no need to adjust your ratios.

Does vegan butter separate? ›

According to VT contributor Chef Andy Zambrano, vegan butter is more likely to separate if left out for a while. “Because regular butter has fatty proteins from the milk, it'll hold longer. But if you eat vegan butter within the hour, you can make it work,” he says.

How much butter do I substitute? ›

Depending on the type of oil, it can add complex flavor and welcome moisture to your baked goods. A good rule of thumb is to replace about 3/4 of the butter in a recipe with olive, canola, or vegetable oil. (If the recipe calls for 1 cup butter, use ¾ cup oil.)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Gregorio Kreiger

Last Updated:

Views: 6233

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (57 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Gregorio Kreiger

Birthday: 1994-12-18

Address: 89212 Tracey Ramp, Sunside, MT 08453-0951

Phone: +9014805370218

Job: Customer Designer

Hobby: Mountain biking, Orienteering, Hiking, Sewing, Backpacking, Mushroom hunting, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.