Tofu Koliwada (Indian Spicy Crispy Tofu) with Cilantro-Mint Chutney

Tofu Koliwada is a plant-based version of the popular regional Indian appetizer. It’s like a tofu nugget with tons of fiery heat and so delicious served with green chutney or other of choice. It’s super delicious, crispy and packs flavor! (gluten free and nut-free with soy-free options)

I’ve been veganizing a bunch of decadent, meat-based Indian curries on the blog for a while, and I decided to switch gears. I wanted to explore these regional Indian starters and appetizers, which are just so flavorful —especially some of the meat-based ones. They’re pretty wild, with a lot of different sauces, flavors, and spices.

So welcome to veganizing some amazing appetizers! Let’s start with this delectable koliwada.

Koliwada is a popular crispy appetizer in Indian restaurants, especially around Mumbai city. It’s usually made with prawns ,is fried, and has a signature flavor. It originated with influences from Mumbai coastal cuisine and Punjabi cuisine.

The story goes that a man had moved down to an area close to Mumbai near Koliwada and created this dish, which became super popular.

Koliwada is usually made with prawns, shrimp, or chicken, but we’re using tofu. If you don’t want to use tofu, you can use an alternate protein of your choice.

It is usually served with a green chutney that is slightly different than the usual. It has onion tomato and tamarind and is vibrant and spicy sour with a hint of sweet!

Basically, all of the flavor is in the batter, the spices. It’s kind of like tofu nuggets or crispy fried chicken, but Indian, with tons and tons of heat. Serve it with the vibrant cilantro-mint chutney listed below or with Schezwan chutney, tamarind chutney, or mango chutney.

Why You’ll Love Koliwada

• crispy, super spicy tofu with adjustable heat
• delicious as a side or make it a meal by adding to a wrap or salad
• incredible mint chutney for dipping comes together in the blender
• versatile recipe – use dry coating or a batter, bake or pan fry!
• naturally gluten-free and nut-free with soy-free options

Koliwada Ingredients and substitutes

• tofu – Use extra firm tofu for the best results. If you don’t want to use tofu, you can use your protein of choice, like seitan or soycurls or a vegan chicken substitute. For soy-free, use chickpea flour tofu, pumpkin seed tofu, or a soy-free vegan chicken sub.
• aromatics – Ginger garlic paste and a hot green chili add so much flavor! For a milder Koliwada, choose a milder chili.
• ground spices – Tons of flavor com from chaat masala, amchur (dry mango powder), Kashmiri chili powder, coriander, Garam Masala, black pepper, and ajwain (carom seeds). For less heat, reduce the Kashmiri chili powder and black pepper. Ajwain substitute: omit. Amchur- use half the amount chaat masala. Kashmiri chili and chaat masala are essential flavors here
• cornstarch, baking soda, and rice flour – Help the spices stick to the tofu and help it get crispy. White Rice flour gets so crispy when you use it in a coating and bake or pan fry it! Use cornstarch or other starch as substitute for rice flour
• toppings – Serve your finished tofu Koliwada with mint chutney or your chutney of choice such as mango chutney or peanut chutney. Top it with cilantro or green onion, sliced red onion, and lime wedges.

Cilantro-Mint Chutney Ingredients

• fresh herbs – This chutney uses a combination of fresh cilantro and mint.
• aromatics – Ginger, garlic, onion, and green chili add tons of umami and flavor!
• tomato – Adds color and even more umami!
• tamarind chutney – If you don’t have tamarind chutney, you can use tamarind puree instead.
• Chaat Masala – this Indian blend Adds amazing flavor!
• lime juice – For tang.

How to Make Tofu Koliwada with Mint Chutney

If you haven’t already, press the tofu and tear it into bite-sized pieces, and add to a shallow bowl. Add the ginger garlic paste, minced green chili, and oil. Toss well to coat the tofu.

For a Dry Coating: In a separate small bowl, mix together the spices, cornstarch, baking soda, and rice flour.

Sprinkle this dry mixture over the tofu and toss well to coat. 

For a Batter (alternate coating method): Mix all the spices, cornstarch, rice flour, and baking soda in a shallow bowl. Add the ginger garlic paste, green chili, and oil. Add 2 teaspoons oil, 1 tablespoon or so of water and mix well. Gradually add 1 to 2 teaspoons more water at a time until you get a thick batter. Add the tofu to this mixture and toss well to coat. Set aside for baking or pan frying.

To Bake: Transfer the coated tofu to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread it out evenly and break apart any clumps. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until crispy on all of the edges. You don’t want the tofu to brown, just to get crispy.

To Pan-Fry: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 teaspoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu and spread it evenly. Flip the tofu after 2 minutes, and continue to cook, flipping every 1 minute or so until crisp on most of the edges, about 5 to 6 minutes total.

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. If the blender struggles, add a bit more water to help it along, and blend until it is a smooth chutney. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, sugar, or chili, if needed. Blend once or twice again for a smooth finish.

Serve the chutney immediately or store in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 3 months.

Top the Koliwada with chopped cilantro or green onions, onion rings, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with your choice of chutney. You can also use this tofu in wraps or add it to salads. 

What to Serve with Tofu Koliwada

Serve Koliwada with your choice of chutney such as green cilantro chutney, mango chutney, spicy schezwan chutney or serve with a cooling dip. You can also use this tofu in wraps or add it to salads.