Vegan Cauliflower Tikka Masala with Instant Pot Tikka Masala Sauce. Flavorful Weekday Dinner. Freezer Friendly. Glutenfree Soyfree Nutfree option
The Tikka Masala Sauce that we made in the earlier post goes amazingly with almost anything. Most veggies, tofu, tempeh, seitan, vegan chikin, chickpeas, lentils, soycurls or just use as a dressing over a bowl. Easy, luscious, so flavorful!
The sauce is made in the Instant Pot before adding anything else to it, so that just the sauce can be cooked for a longer time. This helps roast the ingredients under pressure for that deep flavor profile. If you add veggies, they will become overcook in the time needed for the sauce. You can pressure cook other ingredients such as tempeh, seitan, soy curls or chickpeas with the uncooked sauce ingredients. Just add them to the sauce before closing the lid, With Cauliflower I prefer to bake it and then simmer in the cooked sauce for a few mins for best results. To cook it in the instant pot, pressure cook for just 1 minute at low pressure with the already cooked sauce or just Simmer with cooked sauce on the stove top/IP for 10-12 mins or until cauliflower is cooked to preference.
Try it both ways to decide which you prefer, Add some chickpeas in for added protein. Lets make this!
Tips and substitute options
Like with all my Indian Recipes, I try to keep the flavors as authentic as possible while making it simpler. You can change up other things based on availability and preference (non dairy yogurt can easily be subbed with non dairy cream or milk). It doesn’t affect the amazing flavor, the sauce if flavorful enough and some changes here and there dont affect the deliciousness. It might affect the traditional flavor profile, which may or may not be detectable :).
Use other veggies such as roasted pumpkin/sweet potato/butternut squash, fresh broccoli or zucchini for variations. Add some beans or lentils for a hearty meal.
If you make this Tikka Masala, do let me know how it worked out!
Step Photos
More Instant Pot options
- Chana Saag GF
- Instant Pot Vegan Butter Chickin(soycurls). GF – Creamy, Delicious
- Japanese Veggie Curry. GF
- Aloo Gobi GF
- Instant Pot Lasagna Soup with Red lentils. – So Easy
- More Instant Pot Recipes!
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Vegan Cauliflower Tikka Masala
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower chopped into florets
- 2 tsp oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp (0.5 tsp) ground cumin
- ½ tsp (0.5 tsp) ground coriander
- ½ tsp (0.5 tsp) garam masala
- ½ tsp (0.5 tsp) smoked paprika
- ½ tsp (0.5 tsp) garlic powder
- ½ tsp (0.5 tsp) or more salt
- 1 Recipe my Tikka masala sauce , use ⅔ of the sauce recipe if using a small head of cauliflower
- ¼ cup (2.1 oz) non dairy cream such as cashew ( (blend ¼ cup cashews with ¼ cup water until smooth), soy, coconut (optional)
Instructions
- If you havent yet, make my Tikka Masala Sauce. To a large bowl, Add the chopped cauliflower florets, drizzle oil and lemon juice and toss well to coat. In a small bowl mix all the spices and salt. Sprinkle the spices all over the cauliflower and toss to coat. Spread the florets on a parchment lined baking sheet or baking dish. Bake at 400 degrees F (205 C) for 25 mins.
- In a saucepan over medium heat or instant pot on saute mode, combine the tikka masala sauce and baked cauliflower. Add ¼ cup of non dairy cream if needed. Mix well. Bring to a boil. At this point you can also add in a cup or more chickpeas for added protein. Cook for about 3-4 mins. Taste and adjust salt and flavor.
- Garnish with fenugreek leaves or cilantro. Sprinkle some smoked paprika or cayenne (really important for a smoky flavor). Take off heat. Then let the mixture sit for another few mins before serving. Serve with Naan, flatbreads or rice.
Alicia Allison
I already made this twice this month. It’s my new favorite. I make a double batch of sauce and add diced potatoes.
Vegan Richa Support
That’s great!
bec
I don’t eat oil in my diet can I still make it in the instant pot without the oil?
Richa
Yes, use broth to sauté
Sarah A
I want to try this with frozen cauliflower florets. How many cups of frozen cauliflower florets should I add to replace 1 medium head of cauliflower?
Thanks!
Vegan Richa Support
3-4 cups of frozen is equal to about 1 medium head of cauliflower. Enjoy!
Diane Barber
I have been making this recipe for years . There is just two of us so , I make the sauce and freeze half for another day . To the other half I add a can of small red beans . I then cook up some Linguini and serve the Tikka Masala over it . For the Cauliflower , I make up a jar of the spice mixture to have on hand when I need it . I roast the Cauliflower with the spices and serve it on the side of the pasta . I finish the Cauliflower with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice . Thank you for a delicious recipe ! 😋
Vegan Richa Support
perfect to have it on hand =)
James Cheseldine
Superb recipe. I love the versatility and the roasted cauliflower was just perfect here. Thank-you!
Vegan Richa Support
yay James
J345
It’s great! Even without the fenugreek which I just didn’t have. Also, that is the best, tastiest, and easiest tikka masala ever. Thank you!
Vegan Richa Support
wow! thank you so very much
Sue millin
Love Richa,s recipes, could you tell me which of her books this recipe is in, as I can not find it in the two of her books, That I own of hers, thank you
Richa
The tikka masala sauce is in both books. First book has tempeh tikka masala. You can replace the tempeh witb baked cauliflower. In the second book tikka masala sauce is a Variation under makhani sauce. Add veggies chickpeas tofu whatever to the sauce
Somya Tirath
YUM!! One of the best recipes I’ve made in a long time. I loved it! Highly recommend.
Vegan Richa Support
Awesome
Marianne Butler
I recently bought my first Instant Pot and was really happy to find your site and this recipe. It was DELICIOUS! The cauliflower was so crispy. I wanted to add a little hit of protein, so I seasoned and roasted some cashews on the sheet pan with the cauliflower. I also sprinkled the top of the bowl with slivered almonds. What a great dish.
Maybe tomorrow I’ll try making the naan to eat with the leftovers.
Vegan Richa Support
Amazing ! sounds great
Manuela Raviglione
Simply delish!
Vegan Richa Support
thanks for stopping by & for the nice review
Chloe
Would adding chickpeas be good for this meal? Or do you have any other recommendations for added protein.
Vegan Richa Support
great idea! chickpeas and cauliflower compliment each other well
Jessie
This!! Not only the best Tikka Masala I’ve ever had, but the fact that it’s vegan makes it that much better. This recipe packs so much flavor and got raving reviews from everyone in the household. No one could believe it was vegan!
Vegan Richa Support
Awesome !!! 👏
Neepa
I would like to add a can of chickpeas and frozen peas. Should they be added with the sauce for pressure cooking or after with the baked cauliflower?
Vegan Richa Support
Definitely with the cauliflower just to heat through and maintain the texture – otherwise they will turn too mushy
Juhi
Love anything as tikka! This looks appetizing!
Vegan Richa Support
awesome!
Neelema Pinnapureddy
This was so delicious! So creamy and flavorful! Thank you for such a great recipe.
Vegan Richa Support
awesome! thanks
Aman
Easy, delicious, nutritious and ‘everyone’ approved. Thank you, Richa!
Nicole
This sauce was so good. Made as written except added some kidney beans . My husband ate fully half of it- 3 portions. Love all the recipes. Keen try it with some ‘not chicken’ some time.
Sapna
Tried this recipe and it was awesome. Thanks for sharing.
Vegan Richa Support
So glad you enjoyed it!
Pam
After you bring tikka masala sauce, cauliflower, and non-dairy cream to a boil, I assume you don’t boil for 3-4 minutes or do you? I didn’t know if you bring to a boil and then reduce heat for 3-4 minutes or boil for 3-4 minutes?
Richa
Bring to a boil then simmer for a few mins.
Carrie
This recipe looks delicious, but can you provide cooking times for making this without a pressure cooker? Thanks!
Richa
It’s right there in the notes
Karen
Delicious! My family LOVED it. This is now a regular in our dinner recipes. FYI- I used coconut milk in place of vegan yogurt. Worked well too.
Richa
awesome
Denise Piastrelli
Riche – you are a talented chef! This dish is spectacular!! It’s usually a challenge to get plant-based meals tasty and I usually have to add more spices. But… you nail it! I have tried several of your recipes from tofu egg salad to this tikka masala and you have it figured out. Thank you for helping me be comfortable using my pressure cooker. It does help intensify flavors! I appreciate your skills and look forward to trying more of your amazing recipes!!!
Richa
Thank you for this wonderful note!I am glad that the recipes turn out so well!
Ally
Made this today for lunch throughout the week. Roasted mushrooms along with the cauliflower, and added peas and chickpeas. Super good!,
Richa
awesome
Aseye
Hi! If you were to use tikka masala paste for this recipe, how much would you use?
Richa
it would depend on how thick it is, whether its a paste or sauce etc.
School Night Vegan
Was PRAYING you’d have a Tikka Masala recipe and now I’m literally dancing round the room. THIS IS DINNER TONIGHT!
Thanks for your magic!!
Diane Barber
Thank you for a delicious recipe Richa ! I used Deggi Mirch instead of the cayenne . And served the Tikka Masala over Trader Joe’s yellow lentil brown rice spaghetti . Absolutely delicious !
Richa
great idea to serve over spaghetti!
Lynn Fregoso
We are having vegan-cauliflower Tikka Masala for dinner to night! I made the recipe as presented, I have made several recipes and all have been delicious. I love Vegan Richa’s recipes, they are wonderful with lots of flavor. I struggled for a while as a vegan, my food was so bland, but not now. I purchased both cookbooks and they have been a primer for me in taste. My culinary skills as a vegan are growing. Thank you sooo much. Lynn
Richa
so awesome! thanks!!
Tira
Made it for dinner. So delicious, just like all your recipes. I added a can of chickpeas and and some coconut milk. Served with homemade flatbread.
Richa
yum!!
Sarah
Really loved this! I put in two cans of chickpeas, so it was equal parts cauliflower / chickpeas, and also added a diced red bell pepper. Came up amazing, I even had my OH wanting a second portion instead of dessert!
Richa
awesome!
Coco
I love the idea of using cauliflower instead of chicken for this dish! What do you suggest for someone who can’t eat cauliflower, though? Maybe some tofu or chickpeas, with a mix of other veggies?
Richa
yes either of those willw ork
Shruti Joshi
I just made this, and I’m awestruck because I never thought vegan food would be this good, I’m a maharashtrian bramhin but still shifting to vegan lifestyle was a bit hard, but thanks to you!! You made life tasty again ❤️ love from India ❤️
Richa
awesome!
Khushbu Thakkar
I mean size of 1 serving?
Richa
a medium bowl.
Khushbu Thakkar
What is the serving size?
Richa
6, its right there below the cuisine etc tags
Lisa
I made this last night. I roasted the cauliflower and simmered the sauce at the same time and it all came together in about 45 minutes. It was super yummy and easy to make. Will definitely make it again!
Richa
awesome!
lee
This was really good, I added 2/3 cup textured vegetable protein when making the sauce. I can’t wait to try it again (might do baked tofu next time, then back to cauliflower again). It’ll be a regular in my meal prep schedule. I did double the spices (which i more or less do with all your recipes – I think your spices are very fresh!) Thank you!
Richa
AWesome! Yeah mine are usually fresh. i usually use half the listed amount :). full when entertaining. i should get some old spices to try 🙂
Jan
Just made this and LOVED it. Thankyou
Richa
awesome!
Jess
Made for dinner tonight and it was delicious! I love all the instant pot recipes:) Will make again.
Richa
awesome!
Sanika
This recipe turned out to be so amazing!!! Best cauliflower recipe so far, the cauliflower wasn’t mushy at all.. and this was my first attempt at cooking with Instapot too. Thanks!
Richa
awesome!
Lalita
Another amazing recipe! Delicious!
Jennifer
This is a lovely recipe. Made it on the stove top with several modifications. Used Anaheim pepper instead of bell pepper, used 2 serrano peppers, and vegan sour cream as it was thicker with less risk of breaking in the sauce. It was delicious. The roasted cauliflower is now going to be made separately for my vegan biryani. Thank you ever so much for noting the stove top modifications for this recipe. Gave me the confidence to give it a go.
Richa
awesome!
Shomita
The best cauliflower curry I’ve had! Sauce was the right consistency without being too heavy or unhealthy. The cauliflower wasn’t mushy. Family loved it. Thanks!
Richa
yay!
Christina
Another VR hit! This was so easy to make and yet with such incredible depth of flavor… and oh so delicious! Adding yet another one to my fav list! (which is basically your whole site by now!)
Richa
yay!
Christy
Delicious! My friend made this for me and it was totally delicious! Thanks for another great recipe!
Richa
yay!
Irvin
Can I use coconut milk/cream instead of the cashew for the non dairy cream replacement.
Richa
yes
Janice Skorstad
This looks great! You put in the liquid from the diced tomatoes right?
Richa
Yes, Adding the video of the recipe now. Check in a few mins.
Laura
This was incredible! Definitely one of the best indian dishes I’ve ever made. Thank you so much for this recipe! I’ll be making it again for sure.
Richa
awesome!
Carie
This looks so good! I need to get to the store to pick up the ingredients. I’ve tried making a Tikka Masala before but this one looks a bit easier. Can’t wait to try it!
Cassie Autumn Tran
Ah yes, I have eaten Indian curries where the vegetables become incredibly soggy. Nobody likes mushy broccoli! This tikka masala curry looks absolutely fabulous. I think adding chickpeas, potatoes, and some zucchini would add even more heartiness to this lovely dish!
Richa
Yes, the baked cauliflower retains the crisp and al dente ness. Simmer just long enough to develop some flavor and we are done!
Emily
This turned out so amazing!! all clean plates! kids love d it too
Richa
yay!
Danielle
Am I missing instructions? The video has about 10 different steps and ingredients that the written instructions didn’t have. If I had followed that I would only have cauliflower and dried seasonings, and a little fake milk. I went on a mission because I knew there was no way that was all that was needed and I was right. I’ll watch the video instead but for someone who looks at a list and then goes shopping… I would have missed lots of crucial steps. Am I blind? Honestly nobody else commented about this so I’m wondering if I’m missing the additional sauce instructions.
Richa
the link to my tikka masala sauce is missing. I updated it.
The video is for both the sauce and tikka masala. Here is the tikka masala sauce https://www.veganricha.com/2018/09/instant-pot-tikka-masala-sauce-vegan-recipe.html
Charlotte Moore
This is one of my favorite, go to recipes. Delicious!!! 5 stars