Tempeh Tikka Masala

Tempeh Tikka Masala is a soy-free tempeh dinner made with fresh, fermented chickpea tempeh instead of soy.

4 to 5 servings · About 1 hr · Soy-free

Why fermented chickpea tempeh

Fermented chickpea tempeh is the backbone here: soy-free, nutty, and protein-dense, with a firm bite that crisps and browns instead of falling apart.

Ingredients

• 8 to 10 oz fresh tempeh, cubed ¾”
• ½ head cauliflower, florets
• 1 large sweet potato, cubed
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• ½ yellow onion, diced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1” fresh ginger, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• ¼ cup coconut cream
• 1 cup plain coconut yogurt
• 3 tbsp neutral oil, divided
• Spices: 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1½ tsp garam masala
• ⅓ tsp cayenne
• 1 tsp salt Basmati rice + cilantro to serve

Instructions

1. Roast. 375°F. Cauliflower + 1 tbsp oil on sheet pan. Sweet potato + 1 tbsp oil on separate pan. Both 35 min until caramelized.
2. Build sauce. Heat remaining oil, large pot, medium. Add all spices, stir constantly 15 sec (blooming). Add garlic + ginger 30 sec. Add onion + bell pepper 7 to 8 min.
3. Liquids. Add crushed tomatoes, coconut cream, yogurt. Stir combined. Add tempeh cubes. Bring to low simmer, cover, cook 25 to 30 min. Fresh tempeh reaches ideal tenderness at 25 min, don’t over-simmer.
4. Finish. Add roasted cauliflower and sweet potato. Simmer uncovered 5 min. Taste and adjust.
5. Serve over basmati with cilantro and drizzle of coconut cream.

Chef note: Genuinely better the next day. Double batch and freeze up to 3 months.

Make it with

This pairs with Curry Aioli. Start from a block of OG Raw Chickpea Tempeh (shop it here). Short on time? Reach for our heat-and-serve 10-Minute Crispy Tempeh Cubes.

Allergen swaps

If using soy-based yogurt, it contains SOY → use coconut yogurt (soy-free). Chaotic Good Tempeh is chickpea-based and naturally soy-free.

Frequently asked questions

Is Tempeh Tikka Masala soy-free?

Yes. Our tempeh is fermented from chickpeas, not soybeans, so this recipe is naturally soy-free. Check any packaged sauces or condiments if soy is a strict concern.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The tempeh is gluten-free and this recipe is gluten-free as written. Just double-check any store-bought sauces or condiments you add.

How long does it keep?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it holds for up to 4 days, which makes it great for meal prep.

More from the tempeh kitchen

• Peanut Tempeh Stir-Fry with Noodles
• BBQ Braised Tempeh