This creamy Marry Me Tofu is a treat for everyone! With smooth tofu, tasty sauce, and a sprinkle of herbs, it’s perfect for a quick meal or a special dinner. Yum!
I love how easy this dish is to whip up. Just toss in the ingredients, and let it cook away. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again—it’s that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu is best for this recipe. It holds its shape well when cooked. If you’re soy-free, consider using tempeh or chickpeas instead for a different texture.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor. You can try using fresh tomatoes instead, but they will need longer to cook down. Jarred roasted red peppers can also be a tasty substitute.
Coconut Milk or Cream: For a creamy texture, coconut milk is excellent, but if you prefer a non-coconut option, heavy cream works too. For dairy-free, you can use cashew cream made by blending soaked cashews with water.
Nutritional Yeast: This added ingredient gives a cheesy flavor. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use grated Parmesan if you’re not vegan.
How Do I Get My Tofu Crispy?
Getting that crispy texture on tofu is essential for this dish. Here’s what you need to do.
- Press the tofu well to remove excess moisture. Use a tofu press or wrap it in a clean towel and place something heavy on top for 15-30 minutes.
- Heat your skillet to medium-high and ensure the oil is hot before adding the tofu. This helps create that nice crispy layer.
- Don’t crowd the pan! Give the tofu space to fry evenly. Cook it in batches if necessary.
- Let the tofu sit undisturbed for a few minutes on each side before flipping. This helps develop a golden crust.
Follow these steps, and your tofu will be deliciously golden and ready to soak up that creamy sauce!
Creamy Marry Me Tofu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 14 oz (400g) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk or heavy cream (for creamier texture)
- 1/3 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Optional: 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 30 minutes total: about 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough for a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tofu:
Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Use a tofu press, or wrap the tofu in a clean towel and place something heavy on top for 15-30 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
2. Cook the Tofu:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until all sides are golden brown and slightly crispy. Once done, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it!
4. Add the Tomatoes:
Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another 2 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld nicely.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Season the Sauce:
Stir in the red pepper flakes, dried Italian herbs, and season with salt and black pepper. Cook this sauce over medium-low heat for about 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
7. Combine the Tofu and Sauce:
Return the browned tofu cubes back into the skillet, gently stirring to coat them evenly with the creamy sauce.
8. Heat Through:
Allow everything to cook together for another 2-3 minutes, warming the tofu thoroughly and blending the flavors nicely.
9. Finishing Touches:
Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you’d like a cheesy flavor, sprinkle in the optional nutritional yeast and mix well.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your Creamy Marry Me Tofu with fresh sliced basil leaves and serve it immediately with rice, pasta, or crusty bread!
Enjoy this easy, rich, and flavorful Creamy Marry Me Tofu that’s sure to impress!
FAQ for Creamy Marry Me Tofu Recipe
Can I Use Silken Tofu Instead of Firm Tofu?
While firm or extra-firm tofu is recommended for this recipe to maintain its shape and crispness, you can use silken tofu for a softer texture. Just be aware it won’t hold its shape as well, so gently stir it into the sauce at the end.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan-friendly if you use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit the optional nutritional yeast. Enjoy the rich flavors without any animal products!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Substitute the Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
Yes! If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t available, you can use fresh tomatoes. However, they will need to cook longer to break down. Alternatively, roasted red peppers can offer a different but delicious flavor!
