This Creamy Marry Me Tofu is a dish that’s full of flavor! Soft, silky tofu is cooked in a rich, creamy sauce that makes every bite delicious. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
I love how this dish impresses my family without any fuss. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. If you’re like me and love easy meals, this one will steal your heart! ❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu works best here for texture. You can also use silken tofu for a creamier sauce, but it won’t hold its shape as well. If you want a protein alternative, chickpeas or tempeh could be interesting substitutes.
Sun-dried Tomatoes: These add a wonderful tangy flavor. If you don’t have them, try using red bell peppers or fresh tomatoes. Roasted red peppers in a jar are a great choice too!
Cream: Heavy cream gives a rich texture, but for a lighter option, use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a vegan alternative. If you need a nut-free option, almond milk can work, but it will alter the creaminess.
Parmesan: Regular or vegan Parmesan adds umami flavor. If you’re out, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor. And if you want to skip cheese altogether, no worries, the dish will still be flavorful!
How Do I Ensure My Tofu is Perfectly Crispy?
Getting crispy tofu requires proper moisture removal and cooking technique. Here’s how you do it:
- Start by pressing the tofu: wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a weight on top for at least 20 minutes. This removes excess moisture.
- Cut it into even cubes, which ensures all pieces cook uniformly.
- Heat your skillet with enough oil until it’s hot. Add the tofu only when the oil is hot to get that nice golden sear.
- Let the tofu sit undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping. This creates a crispy crust.
Enjoy this process, and don’t rush it! It makes all the difference in texture and taste.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Tofu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tofu:
- 14 oz (400g) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for vegan option)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/4 cup grated vegan Parmesan or regular Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes preparing and frying the tofu, then another 15-20 minutes for making the sauce and bringing everything together. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Tofu:
Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place something heavy on top for at least 20 minutes. This will help it become crispy when cooked. After pressing, cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes.
2. Cooking the Tofu:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the tofu cubes. Pan-fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. After frying, carefully remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until you can smell the wonderful aroma. Then, pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream (or coconut milk). Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer.
4. Seasoning and Combining:
Now, it’s time to spice things up! Add the red pepper flakes, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. If you want an even creamier sauce, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and blends. The sauce should look rich and velvety.
5. Bringing It All Together:
Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and gently toss to coat it in the sauce. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes so that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
6. Garnishing and Serving:
Once the dish is cooked, remove it from the heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for that lovely aromatic touch. Serve your Creamy Marry Me Tofu warm with a side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Enjoy!
This dish features a luscious sauce that’s both comforting and impressive—perfect for any dinner occasion!
FAQ About Creamy Marry Me Tofu
Can I Substitute Tofu with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can swap tofu for tempeh or chickpeas for a different texture and flavor. If using chickpeas, drain and rinse a can before adding them to the sauce.
What Can I Use Instead of Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, feel free to use roasted red peppers, fresh tomatoes, or even olives for a different flavor profile. Just chop them up and add them to the sauce.
How Do I Store Leftover Creamy Marry Me Tofu?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy consistency.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Simply use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and opt for vegan Parmesan or skip the cheese altogether. The dish will still be deliciously creamy!
