This Creamy Marry Me Tofu is a warm and comforting dish that’s super easy to make! With silky tofu and a rich, creamy sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
You won’t believe how tasty it is—you might just want to marry it! 😂 I love serving it with rice, and it always gets rave reviews from family and friends.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu is essential for a nice texture. If you’re looking for a soy-free option, you can substitute with tempeh or even chickpeas for a different texture and flavor.
Olive Oil: This oil is great for sautéing, but feel free to use avocado oil or even sesame oil for a different taste. Just be careful with the heat level, especially with sesame oil.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a lot of flavor! If you don’t have these, you can use fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead. Just chop them well and add them during the sauce cooking step.
Coconut Milk: This gives the sauce a creamy texture. If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can substitute it with heavy cream or a plant-based cream alternative like cashew cream for a similar consistency.
Nutritional Yeast: It’s optional but adds a cheesy, umami flavor. If you don’t have it, don’t worry! You can also use Parmesan if you’re not vegan, or simply skip it.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crisp Tofu?
Crispy tofu can elevate your dish! Here are the steps to ensure your tofu is golden and delicious:
- First, make sure you press the tofu well. Removing excess moisture is key for crispiness.
- Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet to avoid sticking. Heat the oil until it’s hot!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give the tofu space to brown by cooking in batches if necessary.
- Flip the tofu gently to prevent breaking, and let it cook undisturbed for golden sides.
Following these tips will help you get that perfect crisp that pairs nicely with the creamy sauce!
Creamy Marry Me Tofu Recipe – Easy & Cozy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 14 oz (400g) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream (for creamier texture)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for umami)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish is quick and easy! You’ll need about 15-20 minutes for preparation and around 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you should be able to enjoy this creamy and cozy meal in about 30-35 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Tofu:
Start by pressing the tofu. Place it between paper towels and set a weight on top for about 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. Once pressed, slice the tofu into 1-inch cubes. This helps it get that perfect texture.
2. Browning the Tofu:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When it’s hot, add the tofu cubes. Cook them until all sides are golden brown and slightly crisp, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, remove the tofu from the pan and set it aside.
3. Making the Sauce:
In the same pan, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—this adds delicious flavor! Next, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
4. Combining Ingredients:
Now it’s time to make it creamy! Pour in the coconut milk (or heavy cream) and vegetable broth. Stir everything well to combine and then add the Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, nutritional yeast (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is nicely combined.
5. Simmering the Sauce:
Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes. This will thicken it slightly and develop all those wonderful flavors.
6. Bringing It All Together:
Return the browned tofu cubes to the skillet, gently stirring to coat them evenly with the creamy sauce. Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes, just to warm it up.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, garnish your dish with fresh basil slices for a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle a little extra red pepper flakes or black pepper on top if you like some extra heat.
8. Serving:
Serve your creamy marry me tofu hot! It goes wonderfully over cooked rice, pasta, or with steamed vegetables for a cozy meal. Enjoy this delicious and comforting dish!
This recipe balances creamy richness with the savory taste of sun-dried tomatoes and the freshness of basil—perfect for a warm, welcoming dinner! Enjoy making (and eating) this delightful dish!
FAQ for Creamy Marry Me Tofu Recipe
Can I Use Silken Tofu Instead of Firm Tofu?
Silken tofu can be used, but it will yield a different texture. If you choose silken tofu, treat it gently as it’s softer and more delicate. It might not be able to hold its shape as well, but it will still create a lovely creamy sauce!
What Can I Substitute for Coconut Milk?
If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can use heavy cream for a richer sauce or a plant-based cream like cashew cream or almond cream for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftover Creamy Marry Me Tofu can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
While it’s possible to freeze this dish, the texture of the tofu may change upon thawing. If you plan to freeze it, I recommend storing the sauce separately and combining them after reheating for best results.
