This creamy Marry Me Tofu is a delightful dish that’s sure to impress! Silky tofu is cooked in a luscious, flavorful sauce that’s both easy and scrumptious.
You won’t believe how quick it comes together—perfect for busy weeknights! I love serving it over rice, and trust me, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu gives the best texture. If you’re looking for a different protein, tempeh or chickpeas can work nicely too.
Olive Oil: This is great for cooking, but feel free to substitute with avocado oil or coconut oil. They will add delicious flavors as well.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If these are hard to find, try using fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead; just adjust the cooking time accordingly. My favorite is the sun-dried in oil for added richness!
Coconut Milk: A staple for creaminess, but you can also use heavy cream if you’re not dairy-free. Alternatively, cashew cream can be made by blending soaked cashews with water.
Vegetable Broth: If you don’t have broth, water will work too, but broth adds more flavor! Use chicken broth for non-vegetarians for an extra taste boost.
How Do I Get the Tofu Golden and Crispy?
Getting that golden crust on tofu is key for flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it perfectly:
- Make sure to press the tofu well. The less moisture, the crispier it’ll get.
- Heat your skillet properly before adding the oil. A hot pan ensures good searing.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give the tofu space to brown. You can cook in batches if needed!
- Let the tofu sit undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping—this helps form a nice crust.
Following these tips will help you achieve flavorful, crispy tofu that makes this dish even more delicious!
Creamy Marry Me Tofu Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 14 oz (400g) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream (for creaminess)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 15-20 minutes of cooking. So, in total, you can have this delicious creamy Marry Me Tofu ready in about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Pressing and Preparing the Tofu:
Start by pressing the tofu to get rid of the excess moisture. Wrap it in paper towels and place a heavy object on top for 15-20 minutes. Once it’s pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes.
2. Cooking the Tofu:
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes. Cook them until they are golden brown on all sides, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Adding Flavors:
Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for another 1-2 minutes to let their flavors mingle.
5. Creating the Creamy Sauce:
Now pour in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) and the vegetable broth (or water). Stir everything together nicely.
6. Seasoning It Up:
Add in the red chili flakes, smoked paprika, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Combining Tofu and Sauce:
Return the cooked tofu to the skillet and gently stir to coat the cubes with that amazing creamy sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes to heat everything through.
8. Final Touches:
Garnish the dish with freshly sliced basil leaves before serving. This adds a lovely touch of color and freshness!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the creamy Marry Me Tofu hot over steamed rice, pasta, or with crusty bread. Enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
This creamy Marry Me Tofu is rich, flavorful, and comes together quickly for a satisfying meal anyone will love!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Silken Tofu Instead?
While firm or extra-firm tofu is recommended for this recipe to maintain structure, you can use silken tofu for a creamier texture. Just be gentle when adding it to the sauce, as it can break apart easily.
Can I Substitute the Coconut Milk?
Absolutely! If you prefer a non-coconut flavor, you can use heavy cream, cashew cream, or even a non-dairy milk like almond or soy. Just remember that non-dairy milks may not create quite the same creamy consistency.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms along with the garlic. This will increase the nutritional value and add more texture to the dish!
