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    Home » main course:India

    Tofu Vindaloo Recipe (Indian Tangy Chili Sauce)

    Published: Feb 24, 2022 by Richa 12 Comments

    Jump to Recipe   Print Recipe

    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 on a plate served with rice and lime slices

    Tofu Vindaloo! Forget take-out – this is a delicious spicy Vindaloo that 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?

    tofu vindaloo curry in a grey skillet

    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.

    tofu vindaloo curry served with rice on a white plate with lime slices on the side

    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

    • Baked Madras curry Tofu
    • creamy baked Korma
    • Baked Chana Pulao
    • Baked Tofu Curry 
    • Baked Balti Veggies
    • Veggie curry casserole 
    • Butter Tofu- GF
    • IP Tikka Masala Simmer Sauce GF
    • Tofu in Spinach Curry – Saag Tofu
    • Vegetable Jalfrezi

    Print Recipe
    5 from 6 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 mins
    Cook Time35 mins
    Total Time45 mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Indian
    Keyword: vegan vindaloo, vegetable vindaloo, vindaloo recipe
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 175kcal
    Author: Vegan Richa

    Ingredients

    For the vindaloo paste:

    • 2 large dried Kashmiri chilies soaked in hot water for 15 minutes, use 3 - 4 if medium size
    • 6 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 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
    • 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.
    • 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 175 Calories 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.

    ingredients for vindaloo curry on a marble countertop

    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

    tofu vindaloo in a sauteeing pan

    How to make Tofu Vindaloo

    ingredients for vindaloo chili paste in a small container

    Vindaloo paste: Drain the soaking chilies and add to blender.

    a small container with chili paste on a marble countertop

    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.

    cornstarch and spices on a white plate

    For the tofu: Add the cubed tofu to bowl. Sprinkle in the rest of the ingredients and toss well to coat evenly.

    tofu cubes on a white plate mixed with spices and cornstarch

     


    tofu cubes with spice mix in a white plate

    vindaloo spice paste in a small glass

    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 )

    crispy tofu cubes in a sauteeing pan

    chopped red onions sauteeing in black sauteeing pan

    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.

    fried diced onions in a skillet

    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.

    spice paste being added to a pan with fried onions

    pan-fried tofu cubes being added to chili gravy in a sauteeing pan

    Taste and adjust salt and flavor. Switch off heat then let it sit for another 5-10 minutes before serving.

    tofu cubes in a sauteeing pan on a marble countertop

    Garnish with cilantro and some non-dairy yogurt or cashew cream. Serve with rice or flatbread.

    tofu vindaloo in a sauteeing pan

    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
    vegan tofu curry vindaloo served with rice and sprinkled with parsley

     

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    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ If you Love the Recipe, Please consider rating it using stars in comments! It helps readers and helps more people find the recipe online! I love hearing from you all! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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    1. Kara

      March 06, 2023 at 10:11 am

      5 stars
      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

        March 07, 2023 at 9:03 pm

        yum!! glad you liked it

        Reply
    2. Chris

      February 10, 2023 at 12:01 pm

      5 stars
      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!
      Chris

      Reply
      • Richa

        February 10, 2023 at 9:16 pm

        Yes it is watery mix and it thickens in cooking

        Reply
    3. John

      March 12, 2022 at 7:52 pm

      5 stars
      Fantastic recipe! It was definitely worth the extra trip to get the kasmiri chilis et al 🙂

      Reply
      • Richa

        March 12, 2022 at 10:31 pm

        So awesome that you picked those up!!

        Reply
    4. Amy

      February 27, 2022 at 2:52 pm

      Curious why you tend to use red onions vs yellow in your recipes… any reason?

      Reply
      • Richa

        February 27, 2022 at 5:47 pm

        Those work best for Indian food. Others get sweeter

        Reply
    5. Sa

      February 26, 2022 at 10:39 am

      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

        February 26, 2022 at 11:22 am

        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
    6. Sue

      February 24, 2022 at 6:53 am

      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

        February 24, 2022 at 10:56 pm

        ❤️❤️❤️

        Reply

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