This Creamy Marry Me Tofu is a treat for the taste buds! Soft tofu is cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce that will make you want to savor every bite. It’s easy to whip up too!
I guarantee you’ll be saying “I do” to this dish. 🍽️ I love serving it over rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. It’s a simple meal that feels fancy without the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for a meaty texture. If you’re looking for a substitute, tempeh can be a great option. You can also use chickpeas for a different protein source and texture.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a nice tangy flavor. If you can’t find them, feel free to use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead. Just chop them up and add them to the sauce for a different taste profile.
Coconut Cream: This gives a rich creaminess. If you’re not a fan of coconut, heavy cream or non-dairy alternatives like oat or cashew cream work perfectly as substitutes.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust these based on your spice preference. If you want a milder flavor, you can skip them or use paprika for some smokiness without the heat.
How Do I Get the Tofu Perfectly Crispy?
Getting crispy tofu is all about removing excess moisture. Start by pressing the tofu for at least 15 minutes. This eliminates water, leading to better browning. Here’s how:
- Wrap the tofu in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
- Place a heavy object on top, like a skillet or a can.
- After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes and cook them in hot oil until golden brown on all sides—about 8-10 minutes.
The result is tofu that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making it a wonderful base for the creamy sauce!
Creamy Marry Me Tofu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 block (14 oz) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup coconut cream or heavy cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, thyme, basil)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking, so expect to spend a total of around 35 minutes for this delightful dish from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tofu:
Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Place it between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and weigh it down with a heavy object for at least 15 minutes. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
2. Cook the Tofu:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides—this should take about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn!
4. Add in the Flavor:
Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and dried Italian herbs. Stir everything together for a minute to help release the aromas and flavors.
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the coconut cream (or heavy cream) and vegetable broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to blend.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer for about 4-5 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. If you’re using nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan, stir it in at this point for added flavor.
7. Combine with Tofu:
Return the crispy tofu cubes to the skillet and gently coat them in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes just until everything is heated through.
8. Season and Garnish:
Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for a burst of color and flavor.
9. Serve:
Enjoy this creamy delight hot, served over steamed rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread. It’s a comforting dish that’s sure to impress!
Dig in and savor your easy and delicious Creamy Marry Me Tofu!
FAQ for Creamy Marry Me Tofu
Can I Use Other Types of Tofu?
Absolutely! Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe to achieve that delightful crispy texture. However, if you’re looking for a different protein option, feel free to substitute with tempeh, seitan, or even chickpeas for a plant-based twist!
What If I Don’t Have Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
No worries! If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even cherry tomatoes. Just chop them up and add them to the sauce to achieve a similar vibrant flavor.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, simply increase the amount of red pepper flakes! You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or even some diced jalapeños to amp up the spice level to your liking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You might want to add a splash of water or extra cream to loosen the sauce during reheating!
