Tofu Curry

This delicious vegan Tofu Curry recipe is ready in just 20 minutes with 10 ingredients! It's a flavorful tomato based curry sauce full of Indian spices, cubes of crispy fried tofu, and spinach.

Today I'm at last bringing you the recipe for my Tofu Curry. This is a vegan curry that I've been cooking for many years and I absolutely adore!

It's is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines crispy pan-fried tofu, a bold mix of Indian spices and a rich tomato and spinach curry sauce.

This curry is not only super quick to prepare (20 mins!) but also versatile, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner or a meal prep staple.

If you think you don't like tofu, or that it's bland, then you must try it in this tofu curry. Sure, tofu can be bland  (if it's not cooked right), but it just needs to be paired with a flavourful sauce.

In this case, the rich curry sauce provides a beautiful blanket to coat the tofu and give it a bit of pizzazz.

Pair your tofu curry with rice, or Turmeric Rice, Bombay Potatoes, and some super quick homemade yeast-free Naan Bread.

This recipe was originally posted on March 16, 2019, and republished with new images and text on August 6, 2024.

Jump to:

• Why You Should Make This Recipe
• Tofu
• Ingredients
• Types of Tofu to Use
• What Does this Tofu Curry Taste Like?
• Special Diets
• How to Make Tofu Curry
• Variations
• Indian Recipes
• Serving Suggestions:
• Storage Advice
• Recipe Tips
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Why You Should Make This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this curry comes together in under 30 minutes.
2. Nutritious: Packed with protein from the tofu and vitamins from the spinach and tomatoes.
3. Flavorful: A rich blend of spices gives this curry a deep, complex flavor.
4. Versatile: Can be served with rice, naan, or even as a filling for wraps.
5. Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own.

Tofu

Firm tofu is a versatile plant-based protein that is widely used in various cuisines due to its ability to absorb flavors and hold its shape during cooking.

Made from soybeans, firm tofu has a dense texture that makes it ideal for frying, grilling, and baking. It is pressed longer than soft or silken tofu, which removes more water and results in a firmer consistency. This makes it perfect for recipes that require the tofu to maintain its structure, such as stir-fries, curries, and skewers (try it in Persian Grilled Vegetable Tofu Skewers or Jamaican Jerk Tofu Skewers).

It is also a nutritious addition to any diet. It is rich in protein, providing all nine essential amino acids, and is also a good source of iron, calcium, and other vital minerals. Being low in calories and free from cholesterol, firm tofu is an excellent option for those looking to reduce their meat consumption or follow a plant-based diet. Its mild flavor allows it to take on the taste of the seasonings and sauces it is cooked with, making it a staple ingredient

f you think you don't like tofu because of its texture, then follow my recipe because I show you how to make it beautifully crispy before folding it into the tasty sauce. 

You'll also love these other tofu recipes:

Korean Tofu with Sticky Gochujang Sauce
Air Fryer Tofu
Asian Tofu with spicy garlic sauce

Ingredients

1. Firm Tofu: Provides a great texture and absorbs the flavors well. If you prefer, you can use extra-firm tofu for an even meatier texture.
2. Cornflour/Cornstarch: Helps in making the tofu crispy. Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as substitutes.
3. Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the tofu and balancing the flavors in the curry.
4. Oil: Used for frying the tofu and sautéing the onions. You can use any neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.
5. Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the curry. Shallots or leeks can be used as alternatives.
6. Garlic: Provides a strong, pungent flavor. Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is not available.
7. Ground Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor. Whole cumin seeds can also be used.
8. Garam Masala: A blend of spices that gives the curry its distinctive flavor. You can make your own blend if you prefer.
9. Ground Turmeric: Adds a beautiful color and subtle flavor. Fresh turmeric can be used but adjust the quantity.
10. Cayenne Pepper: Adds heat. Adjust to taste or substitute with red pepper flakes.
11. Chopped Tomatoes: Provides a tangy base for the curry. Fresh tomatoes or tomato puree can be used as substitutes.
12. Water: Helps in creating the curry sauce. Vegetable broth can be used for extra flavor.
13. Spinach: Adds freshness and nutrients. Kale or Swiss chard can be used as alternatives.

Types of Tofu to Use

For this recipe, firm or extra-firm tofu works best. It holds its shape and absorbs the flavors well, giving a meaty texture that's ideal for curries. Avoid using silken tofu as it is too soft and delicate for frying.

What Does this Tofu Curry Taste Like?

This Tofu Curry has a rich, savory flavor with a hint of spice.

The crispy tofu adds a satisfying texture, while the creamy tomato and spinach sauce brings a balance of sweetness, tanginess, and earthiness.

The blend of cumin, garam masala, and turmeric creates a warm, aromatic base with a subtle heat from the cayenne pepper.

Special Diets

This curry is vegan, vegetarian, egg-free, dairy-free and gluten-free.

How to Make Tofu Curry

You just need to follow two simple steps for this tofu curry recipe.

First, coat the tofu in cornflour and pan fry it. The cornflour dries out the tofu so it gets nice and crispy in the pan.

Next, make the vegan curry sauce by frying the onions until soft, stir in the spices, then add the tomatoes and water and simmer.

Stir in the spinach and tofu in at the end and serve!

Here is a step by step tutorial, then scroll down for the full recipe.

Pat the firm tofu dry in a tea towel to remove excess moisture.

Cut the tofu into cubes.

Toss the cubes in the cornflour, seasoned with salt and pepper.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a frying pan and fry the tofu, tossing often, for a few minutes until golden on all sides.

The cornflour/cornstarch absorbs moisture and gets the tofu nice and crispy. Set aside.

Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the pan over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes or until soft but not browned.
Add the garlic, cumin, garam masala, turmeric and cayenne and cook for a further minute, stirring.

Stir in the tomatoes and water, bring to the boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper, and add more cayenne if you want it hotter.

Stir in the spinach to wilt, then gently stir in the fried tofu (or to keep the tofu really crispy, just set it on the top).
Note: the tofu will lose its crispiness the longer it's in the curry, so add it just before serving.

Variations

1. Vegetable Tofu Curry: Add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots.
2. Coconut Tofu Curry: Add a can of coconut milk for a creamy, rich version.
3. Spicy Tofu Curry: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped green chilies.
4. Tofu and Chickpea Curry: Add a can of chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
5. Peanut Tofu Curry: Stir in a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter for a nutty twist.

Indian Recipes

If you like this tofu curry recipe, you'll also love:
Dhal
Easy naan bread
Vegetable pakoras
Cauliflower Leaf Curry
Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower
Vegan Butter Chicken (cauliflower)
Paneer Butter Masala
Rajma Masala (Kidney Bean Curry)
Dal Tadka
Chickpea Curry

Serving Suggestions:

Make it a full meal with these vegan Indian recipes!
Tofu Curry
Turmeric Rice (vegan, 6 ingredients, 20 minutes)
Baked Vegetable Pakora (vegan, 6 ingredients, 25 minutes)
Naan (vegetarian or vegan, 4 ingredients, 15 minutes)

Finish with a tasty Banana Lassi or Mango Shake

Storage Advice

Store any leftover Tofu Curry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. For the best texture, store the tofu and curry sauce separately and combine them just before serving, re-pan frying the tofu or air frying it to crisp it up again.

Recipe Tips

1. Pat the Tofu Dry: Removing excess moisture from the tofu helps it get crispy.
2. Adjust the Heat: Taste and adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference.
3. Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality spices.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the tofu, make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure it gets crispy.
5. Add Spinach Last: Stir in the spinach just before serving to keep it vibrant and fresh.

 

Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out for you!
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