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Tofu Vindaloo – pan-seared tofu in a tangy Kashmiri chili garlic vinegar sauce! Make this vegan spin on a restaurant-style Indian dish as an easy weeknight dinner. Glutenfree Nutfree.soyfree option
Tofu Vindaloo! Forget take-out – this is a delicious spicy Vindaloothat you can make right at home. Seared, golden pan-fried tofu with crispy edges simmered in a vibrant and tangy gravy together with Indian spices! What could be better?
Instead of meat, this dish is made with tofu. The tofu is surprisingly reminiscent of paneer – a pressed Indian cheese you often see in Indian curries, and with its mild taste, it works beautifully against the flavorful vindaloo gravy. How’s that for diving in head-first?
Vindaloo is a Portuguese influenced Indian(Goan) dish. Vindaloo means meat marinated in wine, over the years the sauce has adapted to use vinegar. it doesn’t necessarily contain aloo(potato) . The simplest recipe uses just some meat and a chili and vinegar based marinade. The recipes and heat vary and additions like onion, tomato or potato help tone down some of the heat. We use tofu in this version but you can easily use a vegan chicken or pork substitute.
I like serving this thick sauced vindaloo with rice or naan or flatbread and something mild. A dollop of cashew cream or yogurt helps with the heat.
Why will you love this recipe!
- Vindaloo is an amazingly flavored sauce
- Although it uses some special chilies, they are available on Amazon or in Indian stores
- its Glutenfree and Nutfree
- Can be easily made without soy
- it needs just 1 pan!
MORE INDIAN COMFORT FOOD
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- Butter Tofu-GF
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5 from 10 votes
Tofu Vindaloo
Tofu Vindaloo - pan-seared tofu in a tangy Kashmiri chili garlic vinegar sauce! Make this vegan spin on a restaurant-style Indian Vindaloo as an easy weeknight dinner. Glutenfree Nutfree, Soyfree option
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time35 minutes mins
Total Time45 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: vegan vindaloo, vegetable vindaloo, vindaloo recipe
Servings: 4
Calories: 175kcal
Author: Vegan Richa
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Ingredients
For the vindaloo paste:
- 2 large dried Kashmiri chilies soaked in hot water for 15 minutes, use 3 - 4 if medium size
- 6-8 cloves garlic
- 2 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 inch ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons coriander seeds or ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper corns use 1/4 teaspoon for less heat (or use freshly ground black pepper)
- 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or Indian red chili powder
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar Or malt vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups (354.88 ml) water
For the tofu:
- 14 ounce (396.89 g) firm or extra firm tofu pressed for at least 15 minutes then cubed
- 1.5 teaspoon Kashmiri chili powder or paprika
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons (20 g) corn starch or tapioca or arrowroot starch
For the sauce:
- 2-3 teaspoons oil
- 1 1/2 cups (240 g) finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt or more as needed
- cilantro and non dairy yogurt or cashew cream for garnish
Instructions
Vindaloo paste: Drain the soaking chilies and add to blender. Add the rest of the ingredients to the blender and blend until the spices are broken down and the chilies have broken down into a somewhat smooth mix. Then set aside.
For the tofu: Add the cubed tofu to bowl. Sprinkle in the rest of the ingredients and toss well to coat evenly.
Heat the skillet over medium heat with 2 teaspoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu to the skillet and cook until most of the edges are golden.
Then remove the tofu from the skillet into a bowl.(Alternatively, You can bake the tofu at 400 deg F for 20 mins )
Add another teaspoon of oil and add the onion and a good pinch of salt and cook until the onion is golden. Add splashes of water if the onion is starting to crisp too quickly, to help it cook evenly, get golden and stay moist.
Then add in the blended vindaloo paste and bring to a good boil. Add the tofu and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Simmer for 10 minutes over medium-low heat. (For crispier tofu, fold it in the last minute of simmering)
Taste and adjust salt and flavor. Add more water for saucier consistency if you like. Switch off heat then let it sit for another 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro and some non-dairy yogurt or cashew cream. Serve with rice , naan or flatbread. Store refrigerated for upto 3 days.
Notes
- Kashmiri chilies substitute:If you cannot find Kashmiri chilis, you can use any moderately hot or mild dried red chilies such as guajillo or California red or a mix of guajillo and dried Indian red chilies (these are hot). Although I would suggest you get some for this recipe for the true flavor. I’ll be using them in more recipes.
- Kashmiri Chili Powder sub: Use a mix of sweet paprika and cayenne
- Heat: this sauce is hot because of the black pepper and cayenne. Kashmiri chilies are mild. To adjust heat reduce the cayenne and black pepper
- Soy-free: Use my chickpea tofu, or vegan chicken subs such as soycurls, or some veggies such as cauliflower, zucchini, or use chickpeas. Soak soycurls in hot broth for 10 mins, then drain and use.
- Oilfree: omit the oil from the tofu marinade. Bake the tofu for 20 mins. Sauté the onion in broth.
- To make vegetable vindaloo: Use 2.5 cups chopped vegetables such as cauliflower, potato, sweet potato, squash, green beans, parsnip etc. Toss in the marinade ingredients under tofu. Add 1-2 tsp more chili powder. Bake at 400 deg F for 30 mins then add to the sauce.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Tofu Vindaloo
Amount Per Serving
Calories 175Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 306mg13%
Potassium 220mg6%
Carbohydrates 17g6%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 11g22%
Vitamin A 221IU4%
Vitamin C 39mg47%
Calcium 167mg17%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Did you make this recipe?Please do leave a comment and rating below.. Tag me on Instagram @veganricha
Ingredients:
- firm or extra firm tofu is what works best – make sure to press it for at least 15 minutes
- For the vindaloo paste we blend Kashmiri chilis that are soaked in hot water for 15 minutes
- vindaloo spices include chili, cinnamon, ginger, cumin seeds, coriander seeds or ground coriander along with black peppercorn!
- apple cider vinegar or white vinegar adds the signature tang to the gravy
- before frying, the tofu is coated with a small amount of cornstarch and chili or paprika to create crispy edges
- sauteed onions: the base of any Indian gravy gravy
- cilantro and yogurt or cashew cream for garnish
Tips:
- Servings this dish with a dollop of cashew cream or yogurt really helps with the spiciness
- Kashmiri chilies substitute:If you cannot find Kashmiri chilis, you can use any moderately hot or mild dried red chilies such as guajillo or California red. Although I would suggest you get some for this recipe for the true flavor. I’ll be using them in more recipes.
- Kashmiri Chili Powder: Use a mix of sweet paprika and cayenne
- Heat: this sauce is hot because of the black pepper and cayenne. Kashmiri chilies are mild. To adjust heat reduce the cayenne and black pepper
- Soy-free: Use my chickoea tofu, or vegan chicken subs such as soycurls, or some veggies such as cauliflower, zucchini, or use chickpeas. Soak soycurls in hot broth for 10 mins, then drain and use
- Oilfree: omit the oil from the tofu marinade. Bake the tofu for 20 mins. Sauté the onion in broth
How to make Tofu Vindaloo
Vindaloo paste: Drain the soaking chilies and add to blender.
Add the rest of the ingredients to the blender and blend until the whole spices are broken down and the chilies have broken down as well. Then set aside.
For the tofu: Add the cubed tofu to bowl. Sprinkle in the rest of the ingredients and toss well to coat evenly.
Heat the skillet over medium heat with 2 teaspoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu to the skillet and cook until most of the edges are golden.
Then remove the tofu from the skillet into a bowl.(Alternatively, You can bake the tofu at 400 deg F for 20 mins )
Add another teaspoon of oil and add the onion and a good pinch of salt and cook until the onion is golden. Add splashes of water if the onion is starting to crisp too quickly, to help it cook evenly, get golden and still stay moist.
Then add in the blended paste and bring to a good boil. Add the tofu and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Simmer for 10 minutes over medium-low heat.
Taste and adjust salt and flavor. Switch off heat then let it sit for another 5-10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with cilantro and some non-dairy yogurt or cashew cream. Serve with rice or flatbread.
What to Serve with vindaloo?
Serve this tofu vindaloo with a side of rice, Naan or flatbread(regular or glutenfree).
With a hot and flavorful main such as this, addd milder veggie sides such as okra onion stir fry, cabbage, potatoes, cauliflower and potatoes, corn and greens or other spices seasonal veggie.
Storage
Store refrigerated in a closed container for upto 3 days. Freeze for upto 2 months
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Sarah
Love this! Made this recipe for 2 and found it the perfect portion. It had great flavours and a good amount of heat (although I used fresh chilies). I added fennel seeds and cardamom and toasted the whole spices. I also added cashews to the onions which was lovely. Would second that serving it with yogurt is just the best!Reply
Vegan Richa Support
So happy to hear!
Julia
Tofu turned out perfect, although I made this way too spicy (subbed kashmiri chili powder for the actual chilis). Adding the coconut yogurt at the end helped, and we will definitely make this again!Reply
Vegan Richa Support
Glad it worked out!
Reply
Christine Mash
Hi
I enjoy all your recipes, however i do not use onion and garlic in my cooking. How can i make this dish without garlic and onion. I am planning to make some thanksgiving dish and looking for recipes.Reply
Richa
Use 1/8 tsp asafetida(hing) in the sauce instead of garlic. Add 1/2 tsp fenugreek leaves to the tofu instead of garlic. Use a mix of zucchini and fennel or just zucchini sliced up instead of onion.
Reply
Shawn
This stuff was bland. Needs about 10 times the kashmir chilis as well as either tamarind or tomatoes.
Reply
Richa
Tomato isn’t used in vindaloo. You can add some if you like. And use more Kashmiri chilies to preference. I used really large chilies and they made a lot of the sauce. Maybe you also needed more salt. Salt brings out the flavor and heat.
Reply
Cheryl
Hi, I only have powdered Kashmiri. How much would I use instead of the whole dried pepper when making the paste?
ThanksReply
Richa
Try 1.5 to 2 tablespoons . 1.5 for less heat
Reply
Handy
I’ve made this a few times and it is nice, thanks. The yogurt or cashew cream with vinegar on top really rounds it out.
One thing I don’t get though is that when I put the tofu in the liquidy sauce, all of the cornstarch melts off so it does not maintain any crispness. 2 tbsp with the other ingredients makes for quite a thick layer which all melts into the gravy. Is this intentional? I think next time I’ll try skipping the cornstarch and just sautéing or baking the tofu until a little crunchy.Reply
Richa
Crispy it on the oven and add it in in the last minute of simmering to keep that crisp.
Reply
Moo
lovely recipe.FYI another site has ripped of your recipe and pictures
Reply
Richa
Thanks for letting me know! I’ll file a copyright
Reply
Kara
This was amazing, definitely adding it to my meal rotation! My Sri Lankan husband cooked it for me and he loved it as well.Reply
Vegan Richa Support
yum!! glad you liked it
Reply
Chris
Sorry might be being dumb here but for the vindaloo paste do we blend it all along with the 1 1/2 cups (354.88 ml) of water? I’ve just done that and it’s very watery, not a paste?
Also, my Kashmiri chillis don’t say large or medium, roughly how long id large or medium?
Thank you!
ChrisReply
Richa
Yes it is watery mix and it thickens in cooking
Reply
John
Fantastic recipe! It was definitely worth the extra trip to get the kasmiri chilis et al 🙂Reply
Richa
So awesome that you picked those up!!
Reply
Amy
Curious why you tend to use red onions vs yellow in your recipes… any reason?
Reply
Richa
Those work best for Indian food. Others get sweeter
Reply
Sa
Mine did not turn out like yours. Mine was not red at all more off white. Also was extremely spicy but I like spice but this was too much. Hopefully next time.
Reply
Richa
Which chilies did you use? Kashmiri chilies have a ton of color but almost no heat. With other chilies you won’t get color pay off and common Indian red chilies are incredibly spicy hot!
Reply
Sue
Richa, you are killing it with the recipes! I’m working hard to keep up. 🙂🙂 Thanks for all your hard work; you are appreciated.
Reply
Richa
❤️❤️❤️
Reply
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