How to Make Tofu Butter Masala Recipe – A Delicious, Plant-Based Delight | Chef Priyansh Parekh | Founder of Prunch
If you’ve ever wondered how to make Tofu Butter Masala recipe at home, you’re in the right place! This rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful dish is a plant-based twist on the classic Indian favorite, Butter Chicken. This recipe is not only easy to make, but it also delivers all the bold, warming flavors you love — without any dairy or animal products. By learning how to make Tofu Butter Masala, you’ll be able to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal that’s high in protein, satisfying, and 100% vegan. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make Tofu Butter Masala, from preparing the silky masala base to perfectly crisping tofu cubes that soak up every bit of that decadent gravy.
Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just dipping your toes into plant-based cooking, this dish will quickly become one of your go-to favorites. With every bite, you’ll experience a fusion of deep spices, creamy textures, and protein-packed goodness — all brought together in one pan.
Why You Should Learn How to Make Tofu Butter Masala at Home
Learning how to make Tofu Butter Masala at home isn’t just about mastering a recipe — it’s about bringing the authentic, bold flavors of Indian cuisine into your kitchen with a healthier, plant-based approach.
Tofu, a versatile source of plant protein, makes this dish both hearty and nutritious. The creamy masala sauce is built from blended cashews, tomatoes, onions, and spices, creating a luscious texture that rivals your favorite Indian restaurant — but made healthier and more sustainable.
According to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, incorporating more plant-based proteins like tofu can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Plus, the spices used — cumin, coriander, ginger, and garlic — are not only flavorful but have been linked to anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting benefits, as confirmed by Healthline and NHS Eat Well Guide.
Best Tofu Butter Masala Recipe – What Makes It Special?
So what makes this Tofu Butter Masala recipe so irresistible?
- A luscious, slow-cooked masala base from blended vegetables and soaked cashews that creates the creaminess — no dairy needed.
- Aromatic whole spices and ground seasonings for authentic depth.
- Vegan butter and soy cream, giving that signature richness while keeping it 100% plant-based.
- Crispy pan-fried tofu that holds up in the sauce and adds satisfying texture and protein.
This dish is proof that plant-based meals don’t have to be bland or boring. They can be layered, exciting, and deeply comforting.
How to Make Tofu Butter Masala: Step-by-Step Guide
Making Tofu Butter Masala at home is surprisingly simple. If you’ve never made this dish before, don’t worry—it requires just a few kitchen essentials: a cutting board, skillet, blender, and measuring cups. Once you have the ingredients prepped, you’ll see just how easy it is to make Tofu Butter Masala from scratch.
The recipe is split into three main parts: preparing the silky masala base, cooking the tofu, and bringing it all together into a beautifully rich dish. You’ll find full details in the recipe at the end of this post, where you can also print the recipe for your kitchen use.
Watch: How to Make Tofu Butter Masala – Step-by-Step Video by Chef Priyansh Parekh
If you’re more of a visual learner or want to see the process in action, don’t miss this detailed video tutorial by Chef Priyansh Parekh, founder of Prunch and a Le Cordon Bleu-trained plant-based chef.
Watch this step-by-step tutorial to see how to make Tofu Butter Masala the easy way — packed with flavor, spice, and plant-powered ingredients.
Serving Suggestions for Tofu Butter Masala
This Tofu Butter Masala recipe pairs beautifully with roti, naan, or rice, making it a go-to choice for those learning how to make Tofu Butter Masala for a cozy meal at home.
Don’t forget to garnish with a swirl of soy cream and fresh coriander for that final restaurant-style presentation.
And if you’re meal prepping, this masala stores well in the fridge for 3 days and tastes even better the next day.
Health Benefits of This Vegan Tofu Butter Masala Recipe
Not only is this dish comfort food at its finest, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients and health benefits:
- Tofu provides complete protein, iron, and calcium
- Tomatoes and garlic offer antioxidants like lycopene and allicin, which help combat oxidative stress
- Cashews bring healthy fats and magnesium
- Spices like cumin and coriander aid digestion and reduce inflammation
As per Plant-Based Health Professionals UK, meals like this that prioritize whole plant foods are key to long-term health, improved energy levels, and disease prevention.
By incorporating dishes like this, you’ll discover how to make Tofu Butter Masala a regular part of your balanced, plant-based meal plan.
Meet the Chef Behind the Recipe – Chef Priyansh Parekh
This recipe is brought to life by Chef Priyansh Parekh, the visionary founder of Prunch and a leading voice in modern plant-based cooking. Trained at Le Cordon Bleu and holding a Plant-Based Culinary Diploma, Priyansh became vegan in 2019, driven by his commitment to environmental sustainability and compassionate living.
Widely known as the “Tofu King”, Priyansh specializes in transforming everyday ingredients into exceptional, nourishing meals. His goal? Making plant-based food accessible, flavorful, and joyful — one plate at a time.
Tofu Butter Masala Recipe
Equipment
- Cutting Board & Knife
- Large Pan or Skillet
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons & Cups
- blender
- Small Bowl:
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 red onion
- 6 cloves garlic
- 10 cashews (soaked overnight or for 15 minutes in boiling water)
- 1 green chili (adjust to spice preference)
- 4 sprigs fresh coriander (including stalks)
For Cooking the Base:
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/2 tbsp ginger paste
- 1/2 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tbsp Kashmiri chili powder
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 3 tbsp vegan butter
- 1/4 cup unsweetened plant milk
- 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- Salt to taste
For the Tofu:
- 1 block tofu, cubed
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp soy cream
- Fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
Prepare the Base
- Blend the tomatoes, onion, garlic, soaked cashews, green chili, and coriander until completely smooth.
Cook the Tofu
- Cut tofu into cubes and pan-fry in neutral oil until golden brown on all sides. Alternatively, air-fry at 180°C for 10 minutes. Set aside.
Sauté the Spices
- In a pan over medium heat, add 2 tbsp vegan butter, cumin seeds, and chopped garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant.
- Add finely chopped onion and ginger paste, cooking until translucent.
- Stir in Kashmiri chili powder and coriander powder, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
Cook the Masala
- Add the blended base to the pan and mix well. Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until most of the water evaporates and the oil starts to separate.
Final Touches
- Stir in 1 tbsp vegan butter, plant milk, lemon juice, sugar, and salt.
- Gently mix in the crispy tofu and let it simmer for 4 minutes.
Garnish & Serve
- Drizzle with soy cream and fresh coriander.
- Serve hot with roti, paratha, rice, or enjoy on its own!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Want More Recipes Like This? Watch Next
Now that you’ve learned how to make Tofu Butter Masala, why not try another easy and flavorful plant-based recipe from Chef Priyansh? Check out Chef Priyansh’s Vegan Shakshuka Eggs Recipe for another exciting dish full of bold flavors:
👉 How to Make Vegan Shakshuka Eggs – A Flavor-Packed Plant-Based Twist
🌱 Craving more bold, plant-based flavor? Don’t miss our Delicious Sri Lankan Beetroot Curry Recipe – A Simple and Flavorful Dish. It’s another vibrant, wholesome meal packed with spices and nourishing ingredients — perfect to pair with your Tofu Butter Masala or enjoy as a standalone dish.
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