This creamy Marry Me Tofu is sure to win your heart! With its silky texture and tasty sauce, it’s a perfect dish for tofu lovers or anyone wanting to try something new.
Honestly, who knew tofu could be this charming? It’s such a breeze to whip up! I love serving it over rice or noodles for a cozy meal that feels extra special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Firm or extra firm tofu works best for this recipe. If you’re not a tofu fan, you can swap it for tempeh or even chickpeas for a different texture.
Olive Oil: This adds great flavor for sautéing. If you need a substitute, avocado oil or coconut oil can work well, especially for cooking.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These give an amazing taste. If you can’t find them, use roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes sautéed with basil for a different direction.
Heavy Cream: For a creamy sauce, heavy cream is wonderful, but full-fat coconut milk is fantastic for a vegan option. You can also use cashew cream for a nutty flavor!
Nutritional Yeast: This gives a cheesy flavor. If you don’t have any, you can omit it or use a bit of grated parmesan if you’re not keeping it vegan.
How Do I Ensure My Tofu Is Perfectly Browned?
Browning the tofu is crucial for texture and flavor. Start by pressing it well to remove moisture. This helps the tofu absorb your sauce better later on. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cut the tofu into even cubes for uniform cooking.
- Heat oil in a hot skillet before adding tofu.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this helps achieve that nice golden crust.
- Let it sit for a few minutes before flipping to get a good sear on each side!
By following these tips, your tofu will be flavorful and crispy, making this dish even more delightful! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Tofu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 14 oz (400 g) firm or extra firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, sliced, for garnish
- Optional: 1 tbsp nutritional yeast for an umami boost
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, for a total of around 35 minutes. You will enjoy a delicious and creamy dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Press and Cut the Tofu:
Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. This helps the tofu absorb flavors and brown nicely. Once pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes.
2. Brown the Tofu:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes in a single layer and sauté until all sides are golden brown, about 7-10 minutes. Once they are nicely browned, remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, allowing it to become fragrant but not burnt.
4. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors and infuse the oil.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream or coconut milk along with vegetable broth. Stir everything to combine well, creating a rich sauce.
6. Season the Sauce:
Add the red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
7. Combine Tofu with Sauce:
Return the browned tofu to the pan, ensuring each piece is coated with the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
8. Final Touches:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you’re using nutritional yeast, stir it in now for an extra depth of flavor.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh sliced basil leaves before serving. This delightful creamy Marry Me Tofu is perfect over steamed rice, pasta, or your favorite grain.
Enjoy your meal!
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Marry Me Tofu
Can I Use Firm Tofu Instead of Extra Firm?
Yes, you can use firm tofu, but extra firm tofu will hold its shape better during cooking and result in a heartier bite. If using firm tofu, be sure to press it well to reduce excess moisture.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with roasted red peppers or fresh diced tomatoes. Just sauté them with the garlic to intensify their flavor before adding the cream.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and sauté the tofu beforehand. Simply combine them before serving and gently heat together on the stove. It’ll save you time while still delivering delicious flavor!
