Name: Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1½ cups jasmine rice, dry; 375 gram extra firm tofu, 1 block, cubed; 1 tbsp avocado oil, or olive oil, divided; 1 tbsp soy sauce, divided; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp avocado oil, or olive oil; 1 shallot, diced; 1 thumb ginger, minced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 13.5 oz full fat coconut milk, 1 can; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp maple syrup; 1 tsp paprika; 2 limes, juiced; 1 handful cilantro, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 53 reviews

If you are looking for a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and comforting creaminess, look no further than this Coconut Lime Tofu reinvented as a Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe inspired delight. While traditionally made with chicken, this plant-based twist uses tofu for protein, simmered in a luscious, zesty coconut and lime sauce that feels decadent yet fresh. This dish perfectly balances creamy, tangy, and aromatic notes, making it an absolute favorite for any dinner occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a white bowl, there are small cubes of pale yellow tofu sitting in a dark brown sauce that lightly covers the bottom of the bowl. The cubes show a smooth texture with some parts dipped and streaked with the sauce. The inside and sides of the bowl have sauce marks, giving it a slightly messy look. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each bringing a unique layer of flavor, texture, or color to your Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe. Whether it’s the richness of coconut milk or the zing of fresh lime, every component plays its part in creating this unforgettable dish.

1½ cups jasmine rice: A fragrant base to soak up all the delicious sauce with a light, fluffy texture.
375 grams extra firm tofu: Provides hearty protein and a great canvas for absorbing flavors.
2 tbsp avocado or olive oil, divided: Adds richness and helps crisp the tofu beautifully.
2 tbsp soy sauce, divided: Brings umami depth and balances the dish’s acidity and sweetness.
1 tbsp cornstarch: Creates a crisp coating for the tofu when baked.
1 shallot, diced: Offers delicate sweetness and aroma that enhances the sauce.
1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced: Adds warmth and a refreshing bite.
3 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential savory kick in every spoonful.
13.5 oz full-fat coconut milk (1 can): The creamy heart of the sauce, rich and smooth.
1 tsp maple syrup: Balances the lime juice with a gentle touch of sweetness.
1 tsp paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and a pop of color.
Juice of 2 limes: Provides bright acidity that lifts the creamy sauce.
Handful of chopped cilantro: Fresh herbaceous garnish to finish the dish.

How to Make Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Jasmine Rice

Begin by preparing the jasmine rice according to the package directions. This fluffy, fragrant rice will be the perfect bed for your rich coconut lime tofu. Cooking it just right is important—it should be tender but not mushy, ready to soak up all the luscious sauce.

Step 2: Prepare and Crisp the Tofu

Drain and press the extra firm tofu, then cut it into cubes. Toss these cubes in 1 tablespoon of oil, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and cornstarch to evenly coat. This mix ensures the tofu crisps beautifully in the oven while locking in flavor and creating a satisfyingly crisp texture on the outside.

Step 3: Bake the Tofu

Spread the coated tofu across a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial for transforming tofu into those golden, crispy bites that contrast wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics for the Sauce

While the tofu bakes, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced shallot, minced ginger, and garlic. Sauté quickly for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, letting their wonderful aromas develop and infuse the oil, which becomes the flavor base for the sauce.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Coconut Lime Sauce

Pour in the full-fat coconut milk, then add the remaining soy sauce, maple syrup, and paprika. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. This silky sauce combines richness, sweetness, smokiness, and tang in perfect harmony, setting the stage for the final flavor symphony.

Step 6: Combine Tofu and Lime Juice

Add the baked tofu to the simmering sauce, gently folding to coat each cube. Finish by squeezing in the juice of two fresh limes, adding a lively burst of citrus that beautifully cuts through the creaminess of the sauce. Your Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe inspired tofu is now ready to delight.

How to Serve Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a spoonful of creamy soup with chunks of golden-brown grilled cheese cubes floating in a light beige liquid with small specks of herbs and spices. On the spoon, there are three cheese cubes, two thin bright green lime slices, and small green cilantro leaves. The background shows more cheese cubes and herbs scattered throughout the soup inside a black pot. A whole lime rests on a white marbled surface in the background. The spoon has a light metallic tone and extends from the right side of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbal brightness that complements the richness. You can also add thinly sliced green onions or a few red chili flakes for some heat and color contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve this dish alongside fragrant jasmine rice or even warm naan bread to soak up that amazing sauce. A simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch and balances the creamy texture beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more impressive presentation, plate the tofu over a bed of rice and drizzle extra sauce around the plate. Garnish with lime wedges for that extra zing of color and offer a side of mango chutney or pickled vegetables for a punch of complementary flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Coconut Lime Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes quite well. Just separate the tofu and sauce, freeze the sauce in a sealed container, and the tofu in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating the tofu to maintain its crisp texture as much as possible.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This version uses tofu and plant-based ingredients, making it perfect for vegans and vegetarians while still capturing the rich creaminess and bold flavors you expect.

What can I substitute for tofu?

If you want to switch it up, you can use cooked chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is heated through and flavors develop fully.

Is coconut milk necessary?

Coconut milk is key for the creaminess and the subtle sweetness that defines this dish. Using full-fat coconut milk will give the best texture and flavor, but light coconut milk can work if you want a lighter meal.

How do I get the tofu crispy?

Using cornstarch and baking at a high temperature helps create a crispy outside. You can also pan-fry the tofu if you prefer a quicker method with extra crispiness.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare and bake the tofu a day ahead, store it in the fridge, and quickly whip up the sauce when ready to serve. This makes weeknight cooking a breeze!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Butter Chicken Recipe inspired Coconut Lime Tofu is a fantastic addition to your dinner rotation, combining comforting creaminess with bright, fresh flavors. It’s so satisfying and surprisingly simple to make. I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do—it’s the kind of meal that brings warmth, joy, and a little sunshine to your table.