Tofu Makhani
Crisp roasted tofu in a rich, creamy tomato sauce finished with coconut, a dairy free take on the takeaway favourite.
Made with Makhani (butter masala) base. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time45 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £1.13 a head
- Oven220°C (200°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
Heat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Press the tofu between kitchen paper under a heavy pan for 15 minutes to remove excess water.
15 min - 2
Toss the tofu in the cornflour, the oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on a lined tray in a single layer.
- 3
Roast for 25 minutes, turning once, until golden and crisp at the edges.
25 min - 4
Warm your ready made makhani base (see the base recipe) in a wide pan. Stir in the coconut cream, garam masala and dried fenugreek and simmer for 5 minutes.
5 min - 5
Add the tofu and lime juice and stir gently. Cook for 2 minutes so the tofu soaks up the sauce.
2 min - 6
Scatter over the coriander and serve with rice.
Tips
- For a fully dairy free result, make the makhani base with 3 tablespoons oil in place of butter, as set out in its tips.
- Do not skip pressing the tofu. Wet tofu will not crisp.
- Add the tofu at the end, as it softens the longer it sits in sauce.
Storing and freezing
Keeps 3 days in the fridge, cooled within 2 hours. Tofu gets softer on reheating, so keep it and the sauce separate if possible. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Is this vegan?
It is if you make the base with oil rather than butter. A base made with butter is not vegan or dairy free.
Can I use firm tofu rather than extra firm?
Yes, but press it for longer and handle it gently as it breaks more easily.
Can I air fry the tofu?
Yes. Cook at 200C for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
More made with makhani (butter masala) base
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.