Craving a mouthwatering Indian dish that's both vegetarian and incredibly delicious? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet restaurant with this foolproof Instant Pot Tofu Tikka Masala! This recipe promises to deliver bold, authentic flavors without hours of complicated preparation. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, you'll be amazed at how easily you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 can coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons tikka masala paste
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Press tofu for 15-20 minutes by wrapping in clean kitchen towels and placing a heavy object on top to remove excess moisture. Cut pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Turn Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add a small amount of oil and sauté chopped onions until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Stir in tikka masala paste and cook for 1 minute to release its aromatic oils and enhance flavor complexity.
- Add diced tomatoes and coconut milk, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth, consistent sauce.
- Gently add cubed tofu to the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
- Close Instant Pot lid, set valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
- Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving hot with rice or naan bread.
Tips
- Pressing tofu is crucial: Take the time to remove excess moisture from your tofu. This helps it absorb more flavor and achieve a better texture.
- Don't rush the sautéing: Allow onions, garlic, and ginger to develop their full flavor profile by cooking them slowly and carefully.
- Toast the tikka masala paste: Cooking the paste for a full minute helps release its complex aromatics and deepens the overall taste of the dish.
- Be gentle when adding tofu: Carefully fold the cubes into the sauce to prevent breaking them apart.
- Natural pressure release matters: The 5-minute natural release helps the tofu absorb more flavor and become more tender.
- Garnish generously: Fresh cilantro isn't just a decoration – it adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, paired with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 0mg
