Out of Cashew butter, one case
Cashew butter substitutes for butter chicken
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Almond butter
Same amount as the cashew butter
For butter chicken, the best cashew butter substitutes are almond butter, cashew cream, or coconut cream. Use 1:1 ratio and blend with other ingredients for authentic curry texture.
- Best for —
- butter chicken
One casethe full cashew butter card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cashew butter |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Almond butterbutter chicken | Same amount |
| 2 | Cashew creambutter chicken | 1 cup soaked cashews + ½ cup water + 1 tbsp lemon juice per 1 cup cashew butter |
| 3 | Coconut creambutter chicken | Same amount |
| 4 | Heavy cream + ground cashewsbutter chicken | ½ cup heavy cream + ¼ cup ground cashews per 1 cup cashew butter |
| 5 | Greek yogurt + ground almondsbutter chicken | ½ cup Greek yogurt + ¼ cup ground almonds + 1 tbsp oil per 1 cup cashew butter |
Almond butter
mild, nutty
Smooth nut butter with mild flavor that won't overpower the spices in butter chicken. Similar creamy texture to cashew butter.
- Best for
- butter chicken, curry sauces, when you want mild nutty flavor, creamy texture
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
Almond butter has a similar mild flavor to cashew butter. Blend well with other ingredients to avoid clumping. Works well in both traditional and fusion recipes.
Cashew cream
mild, creamy
Homemade cashew cream made from soaked and blended cashews. Good for authentic butter chicken texture and flavor.
- Best for
- butter chicken, curry sauces, when you want authentic flavor, creamy texture
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
Soak cashews 2-4 hours for best results. Blend until completely smooth. Add lemon juice for tanginess. This is the most authentic substitute.
Coconut cream
coconut, rich
Rich, creamy coconut product that provides similar texture and richness to cashew butter in curry sauces.
- Best for
- butter chicken, curry sauces, when you want dairy-free option, creamy texture
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
Coconut cream has a distinct coconut flavor. Use full-fat coconut cream for best results. May need to adjust spices to balance the coconut taste.
Heavy cream + ground cashews
rich, creamy
Traditional dairy-based substitute that mimics the texture and flavor of cashew butter in butter chicken.
- Best for
- butter chicken, when you want traditional flavor, creamy texture, dairy-based recipes
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
Use heavy cream for richness and ground cashews for texture. Blend well to avoid lumps. This is closer to traditional butter chicken recipes.
Greek yogurt + ground almonds
tangy, creamy
Tangy, creamy substitute that adds both richness and tanginess to butter chicken sauce.
- Best for
- butter chicken, when you want tangy flavor, creamy texture, protein-rich option
- Texture
- smooth, creamy
Greek yogurt adds tanginess that complements the spices. Use full-fat yogurt for best results. Blend with ground almonds for texture.
How it behaves in this recipe
Butter chicken traditionally uses cashew butter to create a rich, creamy sauce that balances the spices and tomatoes. The substitute should provide similar creaminess and mild flavor that won't overpower the curry spices.
Tips for substituting cashew butter
5 tips- For authentic butter chicken, cashew butter is traditionally used to create the creamy, rich sauce
- Blend the nut butter substitute with tomatoes, onions, and spices before adding to the curry
- Add the nut butter substitute gradually while stirring to prevent clumping in the sauce
- For best results, use a high-powered blender to create a smooth, silky sauce texture
- Taste and adjust spices after adding the nut butter substitute, as it can mellow the heat
Notes on cashew butter
- For a completely different approach, try using silken tofu blended with spices for a protein-rich alternative
- Coconut milk can provide creaminess but will change the flavor profile significantly
- Heavy cream alone can work but won't provide the same richness and texture as nut-based substitutes
Questions
5 questionsCan I substitute almond butter for cashew butter in butter chicken?
Yes, almond butter can be substituted for cashew butter in a 1:1 ratio in butter chicken. It has a similar mild flavor and creamy texture that works well in curry sauces.
What's the best substitute for cashew butter in butter chicken?
Cashew cream (made from soaked cashews) is the best substitute as it's the most authentic. Almond butter is the next best option for convenience.
Can I use coconut cream instead of cashew butter in butter chicken?
Yes, coconut cream can substitute for cashew butter in butter chicken, but it will add a coconut flavor. Use full-fat coconut cream and adjust spices to balance the taste.
Do I need to adjust the recipe when substituting nut butters in butter chicken?
Generally, you can use a 1:1 ratio, but blend the substitute well with other ingredients to avoid clumping. You may need to adjust spices to balance the flavor.
Can I make cashew cream at home for butter chicken?
Yes, soak 1 cup raw cashews in water for 2-4 hours, then blend with ½ cup water and 1 tbsp lemon juice until smooth. This creates authentic cashew cream for butter chicken.