Butter tofu is a vibrant, creamy, and satisfying dish that brings a touch of restaurant-quality flavor into your own kitchen. This version is designed to be quick, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, yet it doesn’t compromise on taste or texture. Using air-fried tofu ensures that every bite has a crispy exterior while remaining soft and silky inside. The rich coconut-based sauce, blended with aromatic spices, clings beautifully to the tofu, making each mouthful a comforting delight. You can enjoy this dish with steamed vegetables, soft naan, or a fluffy bed of rice for a complete meal that is wholesome, colorful, and packed with flavor.
Why We Love This Butter Tofu Recipe
You will love this butter tofu because it balances flavor, texture, and ease perfectly. The air fryer gives the tofu a golden crispiness that contrasts wonderfully with the smooth, spiced coconut sauce. The spices are vibrant but not overpowering, giving you layers of warmth with every bite. Unlike traditional recipes that can take hours, this version comes together quickly without losing authenticity. You also get a flexible dish that works well for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions. It’s plant-based, full of protein, and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Once you try it, you’ll see how effortless it is to bring this kind of bold, comforting flavor into your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Butter Tofu
Tofu
- 1 ½ (15 oz) blocks extra firm tofu
- 1 ½ tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 ½ tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon turmeric or curry powder
Sauce/Curry
- 3 tablespoon vegan butter
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ tablespoon garam masala
- 2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can full fat coconut milk or coconut cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- Naan or bread
- Broccoli or green beans
- Brown or white rice
How to Make Butter Tofu
Start by preparing your tofu carefully. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then tear it into small, bite-sized chunks. Toss the pieces in avocado oil, turmeric, and cornstarch to create a light coating. Place them in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve an even golden crispness. Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables. Steam broccoli or green beans for about five minutes until tender yet vibrant, and set aside.
Next, move to the sauce. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Add the diced onions and cook until they become translucent, approximately five minutes. Stir in minced garlic and ginger and let the aroma release for about a minute. Add all your spices—garam masala, curry powder, coriander, cayenne, and a cinnamon stick—then pour in the tomato puree. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for ten minutes to develop a rich, flavorful base.
Once the sauce is ready, stir in the coconut milk slowly, letting it blend with the spiced tomato base. Add the crispy air-fried tofu and stir gently to coat every piece in the sauce. Remove the cinnamon stick and adjust salt and pepper to taste. The final dish should have a creamy, golden-orange sauce enveloping the crispy tofu perfectly.
How to Serve Butter Tofu
Serving butter tofu is simple and visually appealing. Start with a base of steamed rice—brown, white, or your favorite mix—on each plate. Arrange the butter tofu on top or alongside the rice, ensuring each piece is coated with the rich sauce. Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a burst of color and freshness. Serve with warm naan or bread on the side to soak up the sauce. You can also garnish lightly with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra garam masala for added fragrance. The final presentation should be inviting, colorful, and appetizing, making it hard to resist digging in.
Expert Tips for Butter Tofu
- Press Your Tofu Well: Removing extra moisture ensures the tofu crisps properly in the air fryer. A firm texture improves every bite.
- Air Fryer Makes a Difference: While you can pan-fry tofu, the air fryer gives a perfect crunch without using excess oil.
- Balance Your Spices: Adjust cayenne and garam masala based on your spice tolerance. Start low and add more if needed.
- Creamy Consistency: Stir coconut milk in slowly to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Timing is Key: Cook the sauce while the tofu is air-frying. This keeps the tofu crispy and the sauce fresh.
- Add Vegetables Last: Lightly steamed vegetables retain color, crunch, and nutrients.
How to Store Butter Tofu
Butter tofu stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When reheating, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat to avoid breaking the tofu or separating the sauce. You can also freeze the tofu in portions, but the texture may soften slightly upon thawing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat slowly for best results.
Variations of Butter Tofu
You can easily customize butter tofu to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Swap air-fried tofu for tempeh for a nuttier flavor and firmer texture. Add different vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas for variety and added nutrients. For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cashew cream or vegan yogurt before serving. You can also make it spicier by adding fresh chopped chili or more cayenne pepper. Serving it with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or other grains can make the meal lighter while keeping it satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions about Butter Tofu
- Can I use regular tofu instead of extra-firm tofu?
Extra-firm tofu is best for air-frying and holding its shape in the sauce. Soft tofu may fall apart and become mushy. - What can I serve with butter tofu?
Rice, naan, or steamed vegetables work perfectly. You can also pair it with quinoa or your favorite grain. - Can I make this butter tofu vegan?
Yes, the recipe already uses vegan butter and plant-based ingredients, making it fully vegan. - How spicy is this dish?
You can control the heat by adjusting cayenne pepper. For mild flavor, reduce or omit it. - Can I store leftovers?
Yes, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. - Is air frying necessary?
Air frying is recommended for crispiness, but you can pan-fry the tofu in a little oil if needed.
Butter Tofu
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Large Pot
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1.5 blocks extra firm tofu (15 oz each)
- 1.5 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon turmeric or curry powder
- 3 tablespoons vegan butter
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger minced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1.5 tablespoons garam masala
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 stick cinnamon
- 1 can tomato puree (15 oz) or crushed tomatoes
- 1 can full fat coconut milk (15 oz) or coconut cream
- to taste salt and pepper
- Naan or bread for serving
- Broccoli or green beans for serving
- Brown or white rice for serving
Instructions
- Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then tear it into bite-sized chunks.
- Toss tofu pieces with avocado oil, turmeric, and cornstarch until well coated.
- Place tofu in the air fryer and cook at 400°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Meanwhile, steam broccoli or green beans for about five minutes until tender.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the vegan butter. Add diced onions and cook until translucent, about five minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add garam masala, curry powder, coriander, cayenne, and the cinnamon stick, then pour in the tomato puree.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for ten minutes.
- Slowly stir in the coconut milk and add the crispy tofu, gently coating each piece.
- Remove the cinnamon stick, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and serve over rice with steamed vegetables and naan.
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