Tandoori Tofu Tikka with Tarka Dal
Crisp, charred tofu cubes in tandoori spices served over a comforting pot of tarka dal.
Made with Tandoori marinade and Tarka dal base. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time50 mins
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.24 a head
- Oven230°C (210°C fan)
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Wrap the tofu in a clean tea towel, put a heavy pan on top and press for 20 minutes so it releases water, then cut into cubes.
20 min - 2
Gently coat the tofu and pepper in your ready made tandoori marinade (see the base recipe). Leave for 20 minutes.
20 min - 3
Rinse the rice and cook in a pan of boiling water for 10 minutes, then drain and cover to steam.
10 min - 4
Heat the oven to 230°C (210°C fan). Spread the tofu and pepper on an oiled tray and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once, until charred at the edges and firm.
23 min - 5
Meanwhile warm your ready made tarka dal base (see the base recipe) in a pan over a medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring, until piping hot all the way through, adding a splash of water if it is thick.
9 min - 6
Spoon the dal over the rice, top with the tofu and pepper, scatter with the coriander and serve with the lemon.
Tips
- Press the tofu well. Wet tofu will not char, and the coating slides off.
- Use extra firm tofu if you can. It holds its shape through roasting.
- Roast on a hot, oiled tray so the cubes catch and brown.
Storing and freezing
Keeps for 3 days in the fridge. Cool rice within 1 hour. Reheat the dal and tofu until steaming hot all the way through, and reheat rice only once.
Questions
Is this vegan?
Not with this marinade, which contains yoghurt. Use the dairy free version made with coconut yoghurt and it is fully plant based.
Can I grill the tofu instead?
Yes. Thread on skewers and grill under a high heat for 12 to 15 minutes, turning, until charred.
Is tofu gluten free?
Plain tofu is, but check the label on any marinated or smoked tofu. Use plain firm tofu for this recipe.
More made with tandoori marinade
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.