Vegetarian Butter Chicken with Soy Curls | Instant Pot Vegetarian Butter Chicken

This Instant Pot Keto Vegetarian Butter Chicken with Soy Curls has all of the flavors of the famous Two Sleevers Butter Chicken recipe--in a flavorful Vegetarian version. This Indian Vegetarian Recipe is an easy Instant Pot recipe perfect for a busy weeknight.

Why You'll Love This Vegetarian Meal

How would you like to make an Indian, Keto, Vegetarian meal in your Instant Pot in less than 25 minutes? This recipe will fit the bill.

Many people have asked me to create a Vegetarian version of my butter chicken. I know you can simply add paneer later but why stop there?

What Makes Soy Curls SO Great?

Soy curls are a fantastic plant-based protein that make an excellent substitute for chicken in vegetarian and vegan recipes. Here’s what makes them so great:

• High in Protein. Soy curls are made from whole soybeans, providing a complete source of plant-based protein.
• Minimal Ingredients. Contain only one ingredient, non-GMO soybeans, making them clean and simple.
• Great Texture. When rehydrated, they have a chewy, meaty texture that closely mimics chicken.
• Flavor Absorption. They soak up sauces and seasonings beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of any dish.

What Do Soy Curls Taste Like

I find them to be a lot like tofu, in that they take on the taste of whatever you put them into.

They're a little chewy--in a good way--so you can get your teeth into something yummy.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 1 Canned Tomatoes- Form the tangy, rich base of the sauce, adding depth and color.
• 5–6 cloves Garlic- Provide aromatic flavor and balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• 1–2 teaspoons Minced Ginger- Adds warmth and a slight spice, complementing the garlic and enhancing the curry flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric- Gives a golden color and subtle earthy flavor to the sauce.
• ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper- Adds a gentle heat to the dish without overpowering it.
• 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika- Contributes smokiness and depth, enhancing the “tandoori” style flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Salt- Balances the flavors and enhances all the spices in the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masala- A traditional Indian spice blend that adds warmth and complexity.
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin- Provides a nutty, earthy undertone that deepens the sauce flavor.
• 1.5 cups Dry Soy Curls- Serve as the vegetarian protein substitute, absorbing the flavorful sauce like chicken would.
• 1 cup Water- Hydrates the soy curls and helps blend the sauce to the right consistency.

To Finish

• 4 ounces Butter (or Coconut Oil)- Adds richness and silkiness to the sauce.
• 4 ounces Heavy Cream (or Full-Fat Coconut Milk)- Makes the sauce creamy and smooth, giving it that signature buttery texture.
• 1 teaspoon Garam Masal- Stirred in at the end for a fresh burst of warm, aromatic flavor.
• ¼–½ cup Chopped Cilantro- Used as a garnish to add freshness and color before serving.

How To Make Vegetarian Butter Chicken

This recipe for Indian Vegetarian Butter Chicken is a little different from than my famous butter chicken as it will definitely not make extra sauce. You will also need to add some water, to hydrate the curls and to provide enough cooking liquid to come to pressure.

Additionally, there's no good way to puré the sauce since you can't take out the soy curls easily. But it works anyway.

• Add to the Pot. Pour everything into the Instant Pot.
• Pressure Cook. Cook at high pressure for 6 minutes, NPR for 10, release remaining pressure.
• Add finishing ingredients. Add cream and butter.
• Serve and enjoy! Serve with rice, cauliflower rice, naan, or cucumber shreds as I did

Tips and Tricks

Making Instant Pot Vegetarian Butter Chicken is easy and rewarding, but a few smart tips can help you take it from good to absolutely irresistible. Here are some helpful tricks to perfect your dish:

• Soy curls do not have to be soaked beforehand if you're using them in a pressure cooker. The high heat, steam, and time under pressure seem to rehydrate them just fine.
• You can use Greek Yogurt in place of the heavy cream. 
• If you are Vegan, you can use coconut milk, and coconut oil as replacements for the cream and butter.
• If you don't have soy curls readily available, use Paneer or Tofu. But I urge you to click on the link and get those soy curls, since I think you'll find them to be quite versatile and useful.

Variations

One of the best things about Instant Pot Vegetarian Butter Chicken is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to change up the protein, spice level, or texture, here are a few delicious variations to try:

• Chickpea Version- Swap the soy curls for canned or cooked chickpeas for a hearty, high-fiber option.
• Tofu Butter “Chicken”- Use cubed firm tofu instead of soy curls. Press and pan-fry it first for extra texture before adding it to the sauce.
• Cauliflower Butter Curry- For a lighter, veggie-packed option, replace the soy curls with cauliflower florets.

What To Eat With Vegetarian Butter Chicken

Vegetarian Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that soak up its rich, creamy sauce and balance its warm spices. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside it:

• Basmati Rice- The fluffy texture and mild flavor perfectly complement the buttery curry sauce.
• Naan or Roti- Soft, warm flatbreads are ideal for scooping up every bit of the flavorful sauce.
• Raita- A cool, tangy yogurt-based side that balances the spice and adds freshness.
• Mango Chutney- Offers a sweet contrast that enhances the savory depth of the curry.

How Long Does It Last?

Vegetarian Butter Chicken keeps well when stored properly, making it a great make-ahead meal. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

Can You Freeze It?

If you’d like to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Want more amazing Indian Instant Pot recipes?

Find 74 more Indian Instant Pot recipes like this one that are tried and tested - and did I mention delicious?! Click here to go to the post so you can Pin it on Pinterest for later!

Want More Ways To Enjoy Butter Chicken?

• Instant Pot Butter Chicken
• Butter Chicken FAQs
• Butter Chicken Pizza

If you love Indian Food but are trying to skip the meat, try this Vegetarian Butter Chicken Recipe. And if you love it as much as I do make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook or Pin to make again later.

Don't forget to check out my other Best-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!

Indian Instant Pot, Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy, Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot.