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Tandoori  ‘Salmon’

If you’re looking for a plant-based recipe that’s both high in protein and packed with bold flavor, this Vegan Tandoori “Salmon” is it. Made with super firm tofu and a deeply spiced marinade, this dish delivers all the smoky, tangy, and warming flavors of traditional tandoori — completely reimagined in a fully plant-based way.

Each serving packs around 36g of protein, making it a satisfying and nourishing option whether you’re meal prepping or putting together a more elevated dinner. The tofu is shaped and scored to resemble a salmon fillet, then marinated in a rich blend of spices, aromatics, and umami ingredients like miso and coconut aminos to create depth in every bite.

A layer of nori adds a subtle ocean-like flavor, while pan-frying gives the outside a perfectly crisp finish and keeps the inside tender and juicy. The result is a dish that feels both comforting and elevated — a true fusion of Indian-inspired tandoori flavors with a creative plant-based twist.

Whether you’re exploring more high-protein vegan meals or just want to try something unique and flavorful, this Vegan Tandoori “Salmon” is one of those recipes that proves plant-based cooking can be both nourishing and incredibly satisfying (and no fish harmed!)

Courses
Time
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 1 hr Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Servings 2
Description

Fully Plant-Based
x2 servings
~36g protein per serving

Ingredients
    Tofu “Salmon”
  • 2 blocks high-protein extra firm tofu (I used Franklin Farm's Organic Grilled Super Firm Tofu)
  • 1 Sheet Nori (Cut into tofu-sized pieces)
  • 1/3 Cup Cornstarch
  • 2 Tbsp Neutral Oil (For frying)
    • Marinade
  • 1 Cup Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth
  • 1 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp Coconut Aminos
  • 1 Tsp Liquid Smoke
  • 1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 1 Tbsp Miso Paste
  • 2 Whole Garlic Cloves (Minced)
  • 1 Tsp Fresh Ginger (Grated)
  • 1 Tsp Garam Masala
  • 1 Tbsp Red Chili Powder
  • 1/2 Tsp Ground Turmeric
  • 1 Tsp Salt
  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 Tbsp Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 Sheet Nori (For blending)
  • 1/2 Tsp Ground Black Pepper
    • Garnish
  • Furikake (Japanese multi-purpose seasoning, I found mine at Trader Joe's)
Instructions
  1. Shape the Tofu

    Slice each block of Super Firm Tofu down lengthwise a little to create salmon filet look.
    Use a knife to gently round the edges and lightly score shallow diagonal lines across the top to resemble a salmon filet.

  2. Make the Marinade

    Blend marinade ingredients until fully combined.
    In a shallow dish, whisk together mixture.

  3. Marinate

    Place the tofu “salmon” pieces into the marinade and spoon the mixture over the top so the tofu absorbs the flavor and color.
    Let marinate for at least 1 hour.

  4. Add Nori and Coat

    Remove the tofu pieces from the marinade and gently press a piece of nori onto the bottom of each fillet to mimic the skin of salmon.
    Lightly dredge each marinated tofu fillet in cornstarch, coating all sides.

  5. Cook

    Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    Place the tofu fillets in the pan nori-side down and fry for about 3–4 mins per side.

  6. Garnish

    Finish with furikake.

Read it online: https://itsromab.com/recipe/tandoori-salmon/

Thank you for printing this recipe, I know you're going to love it!

Your foodie friend,

Roma B @itsromab