This Creamy Marry Me Tofu is a treat that even non-vegans will love! With a rich, tasty sauce, tofu is transformed into a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Every bite is so good, you’ll want to shout “I do!” 😂 I love serving it over rice or veggies. It’s not just easy to whip up, but it makes dinner feel special without all the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Firm tofu is perfect here as it holds its shape and absorbs flavor well. If you can’t find firm tofu, extra-firm works too. For a nut-free option, try using tempeh, which has a similar texture.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives a rich creaminess. If you prefer, use cashew cream or another plant-based cream alternative. Just keep in mind, it may change the flavor a bit.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a lovely tang and depth. If they’re not available, diced fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers could be used instead, but you might need to adjust cooking time.
Nutritional Yeast: This ingredient adds a cheesy flavor but is optional. If you don’t have it, you can use a bit of vegan cheese instead or just skip it altogether.
What’s the Best Way to Press Tofu?
Pressing tofu is key to getting rid of excess moisture, which helps it brown nicely. Here’s how to do it:
- Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Place it on a plate, then add something heavy on top, like a cast-iron skillet or a few cans. This will help squeeze out the water.
- Let it sit for 15-20 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how much water comes out!
How Can I Make the Sauce Extra Creamy?
For an even creamier sauce, you can blend the coconut milk with a bit of soaked cashews before adding it to the skillet. This adds richness and thickens the sauce further, making it even more delicious!
Creamy Marry Me Tofu – Easy, Delicious Vegan Meal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 14 oz (400g) firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (or other plant-based cream)
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice or pasta, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking. So, in about 30 minutes, you’ll have an amazing meal on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tofu:
Start by pressing the tofu for at least 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture. This helps get the tofu nice and crispy. After that, cut the pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes.
2. Cook the Tofu:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook them until they are golden brown on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once they’re crispy, take them out of the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes until you can smell their delicious aroma!
4. Add Creamy Elements:
Now, pour in the coconut milk and give it a good stir. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—those bits add flavor!
5. Flavor the Sauce:
Mix in the nutritional yeast (if you’re using it), smoked paprika, red chili flakes, and soy sauce. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
6. Combine Tofu and Sauce:
Bring back the browned tofu into the skillet. Toss everything together gently to coat the tofu evenly in the creamy sauce. Let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
7. Add Basil and Season:
Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves for that fresh flavor. Season everything with salt and black pepper to taste—sample to see if you want more!
8. Serve:
Now it’s time to serve! Spoon this creamy tofu and sauce over your choice of cooked rice, pasta, or steamed veggies. For a final touch, garnish with some extra fresh basil leaves.
9. Enjoy:
Savor your delicious, vegan Creamy Marry Me Tofu meal with family or friends. You’ll definitely want to make this again!
FAQ for Creamy Marry Me Tofu
Can I Use Other Types of Tofu?
Yes! Firm or extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe as they hold their shape. Soft or silken tofu may not provide the desired texture since they can break apart more easily during cooking.
Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that your coconut milk and any other ingredients are labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free meal!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or plant-based cream to keep it creamy!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the sauce-making step. Just make sure to cook them until they’re tender before adding the tofu back to the pan.
