Cauliflower Tikka Masala: This vegetarian Indian cauliflower curry boasts an authentic taste that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of India.

cauliflower tikka masala in a skillet topped with cilantro

Cauliflower Tikka Masala is a delightful twist on the beloved Indian Paneer Tikka Masala. Imagine cauliflower florets marinated in yogurt, ginger, garlic, and a blend of Indian spices, then roasted to perfection in the oven.

Then, these roasted beauties are bathed in a spicy, tangy Indian sauce! This curry is traditionally garnished with cilantro and served with rice or Naan bread as a main course.

Cauliflower Tikka Masala is incredibly tasty, spicy, creamy, and hot. If you’re not a fan of heat or cooking for the family, simply skip the cayenne pepper in the recipe and consider reducing the garlic and ginger amounts.

vegetarian cauliflower tikka masala in a skillet

Why You’ll Love This Curry

FULL OF FLAVOR & TEXTURE – This curry is perfectly spiced, incredibly creamy, and the cauliflower adds a wonderful texture.
LOADED WITH VEGGIES – A dish brimming with vegetables, with cauliflower starring as the main ingredient.
AUTHENTIC TASTE – The curry offers an authentic Indian flavor, thick consistency, and a rich spice aroma with a pleasing heat level, just as it’s served in India.

The rich flavor of this dish primarily comes from Garam Masala, an Indian spice blend. You can make your own Garam Masala with this recipe or find it ready-made in well-stocked supermarkets or spice shops, though it’s often only available in larger stores.

Cauliflower Tikka Masala is also a popular vegan alternative to the traditional Tikka Masala curry. My recipe can be prepared vegetarian or vegan by substituting Greek yogurt with a vegan alternative (I recommend soy yogurt). For cream, I often use soy or oat cream, which tastes great and offers a lovely consistency. I advise against using coconut milk as it can alter the flavor of the dish.

Let me now show you how to bring the best India flavors into your home with this Cauliflower Tikka Masala recipe!

Ingredients

See recipe card for quantities.

Cauliflower – A fantastic vegan alternative to Paneer or Chicken!
Garam Masala – An Indian spice mix.
Onion, Garlic, Ginger – The garlic and ginger are finely grated, adding even more flavor.
Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Turmeric, Ground Coriander, Cayenne Pepper – Additional spices for the best Tikka Masala. Skip the cayenne pepper if you prefer it less spicy.
Salt & Sugar → For seasoning.
Greek Yogurt – For a traditional Indian Tikka Masala marinade. Vegans can use soy yogurt.
Tomato Passata → The base for the curry sauce.
Heavy or Light Cream → I prefer using plant-based cream, like soy or oat cream.
Water – To adjust the sauce’s thickness.
Optional: Fresh Cilantro for garnish and Jasmine Rice or Naan Bread for serving!

Visual Step-by-Step Instructions

This visual step-by-step instruction will help you along the way – definitely recommended if you’re a cooking beginner!

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Roasted Cauliflower: Trim, wash, and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. In a bowl, mix yogurt, oil, garlic, ginger, and the remaining spices for the roasted cauliflower. Add the cauliflower florets and toss well!
Spread the cauliflower on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Cauliflower Tikka Masala Recipe Step 1-5

Tikka Masala: Heat a pan with 1 tablespoon of oil. Add onion and sauté over medium heat for 3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for another 30 seconds. Add the spices, and sauté for another 30 seconds.
Add tomato passata and water, let it simmer on low heat for 10 minutes.
Season with cream and sugar. Stir in the roasted cauliflower and let it warm up.

Cauliflower Tikka Masala Recipe Step 6-9

Serve in a bowl and garnish with cilantro (optional). It pairs well with jasmine rice, basmati rice, roti, or warm naan bread. Hint: If the Tikka Masala is too spicy, serve with some yogurt on the side!

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stays fresh for up to 2 days.

Reheat in the microwave or in a frying pan with a little water!

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📖 Recipe

Aline Cueni

I’m a girl who loves to cook and bake delicious homemade food. Let me help you to incorporate more plant-based foods into everyday life! Vegetarian & vegan recipes can be anything but boring.