Name: Marry Me Tofu
Prep time: PT-483879H41M14S
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed; 2 tbsp cornstarch (for crispiness); 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Salt & black pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream; ½ cup vegetable broth; ¼ cup nutritional yeast (or grated Parmesan, if not vegan); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 tbsp lemon juice; ½ tsp salt (or to taste); Black pepper to taste; ½ cup spinach or basil, chopped (for freshness)

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If you're looking for a tofu recipe that's so delicious it might just inspire a proposal, this "Marry Me Tofu" is a must-try! Inspired by the famous "Marry Me Chicken," this dish features crispy tofu simmered in a rich, garlic-infused sun-dried tomato cream sauce. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a flavorful, comforting meal that's both indulgent and easy to make.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Tofu:

1 block firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed

2 tablespoon cornstarch (for crispiness)

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt & black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream

½ cup vegetable broth

¼ cup nutritional yeast (or grated Parmesan, if not vegan)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Black pepper to taste

½ cup spinach or basil, chopped (for freshness)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Tofu:

Press the tofu for 10-15 minutes to remove excess water.

Cut into cubes and toss with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear tofu until golden and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side). Set aside.

Make the Sauce:

In the same pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute.

Add red pepper flakes (if using), coconut milk, broth, nutritional yeast, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes until creamy.

Combine & Serve:

Add crispy tofu back into the sauce and stir to coat.

Mix in spinach or basil and let it wilt.

Enjoy!

Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 3-4 people. The total time to prepare and cook this dish is approximately 30 minutes.

Variations

Extra Protein: For an added protein boost, I love adding chickpeas or lentils to the dish.

Thicker Sauce: If I prefer a thicker sauce, I simmer it a little longer or add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

Rich & Creamy: For an even richer sauce, I swap out the coconut milk for cashew cream. It adds a beautiful creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: I recommend reheating the tofu and sauce in a pan over low heat to prevent the tofu from becoming too soggy. You can also microwave it, but keep in mind the texture may not be as crispy.

FAQs

How do I make the tofu extra crispy?

To get the crispiest tofu, press it well to remove as much moisture as possible, and toss it in cornstarch before pan-frying it. This gives the tofu a nice crispy coating.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure the vegetable broth and any other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.

What can I use instead of coconut milk?

If you prefer not to use coconut milk, you can substitute it with heavy cream or cashew cream for a richer, more decadent sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the tofu and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat and combine them.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan if you use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan and opt for coconut milk. It’s a delicious plant-based alternative to the original "Marry Me Chicken."

Conclusion

Marry Me Tofu is an absolute crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of crispy, savory tofu and a rich, creamy sauce. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just a comforting weeknight meal, I’m sure this dish will quickly become one of your favorites. The versatility of this recipe also means it’s easy to adjust based on your preferences, so you can make it your own!

Recipe:

Marry Me Tofu

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 3-4 servings
Diet: Vegan

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Description

"Marry Me Tofu" is a mouthwatering, creamy, and savory dish that combines crispy tofu with a rich, garlic-infused sun-dried tomato sauce. Perfect for vegans and tofu lovers, this comforting recipe delivers a flavorful meal that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

Instructions

Prepare the Tofu:
- Press the tofu for 10-15 minutes to remove excess water.
- Cut into cubes and toss with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sear tofu until golden and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side). Set aside.
Make the Sauce:
- In the same pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute.
- Add red pepper flakes (if using), coconut milk, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir and simmer for 3-4 minutes until creamy.
Combine & Serve:
- Add crispy tofu back into the sauce and stir to coat.
- Mix in spinach or basil and let it wilt.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or crusty bread.