This Creamy Marry Me Tofu is a delightful dish that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. Silky tofu is mixed with a rich and creamy sauce that makes it hard to resist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: I suggest using firm or extra-firm tofu, as it holds its shape well and gets a nice golden color when cooked. If you’re looking for a protein boost, tempeh can be a good substitute, though the texture will be different.
Heavy Cream: For a creamy taste, heavy cream is perfect. If you’re vegan or want a lighter option, full-fat coconut milk works wonderfully, adding a slight sweetness. You can also use cashew cream for a nut-based alternative.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring great flavor! If you can’t find them, consider using fresh diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different yet tasty profile. Just sauté them a bit longer to soften.
Nutritional Yeast: This ingredient adds a cheesy flavor to the dish. If you don’t have any or prefer not to use it, you can skip it or add a bit of vegan cheese instead for creaminess.
How Do I Press Tofu Like a Pro?
Pressing tofu is key to getting rid of excess moisture, which allows it to absorb more flavor and achieve a golden crust when sautéed. Here’s how to do it right:
- Wrap the block of tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Place a heavy object on top, like a cast-iron skillet or a few cans.
- Let it sit for about 15-20 minutes. This step makes a big difference!
After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes and cook until golden. Enjoy the added texture and flavor!
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Tofu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 14 oz (400g) firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for vegan)
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping the tofu and ingredients, and another 25 minutes cooking everything to creamy perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Press the Tofu:
To achieve the best texture, first, you need to remove excess moisture from the tofu. Wrap the tofu block in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels, then place a heavy object on top, such as a cast-iron skillet. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes while you get your other ingredients ready.
2. Prepare the Tofu:
Once the tofu is pressed, cut it into bite-sized cubes. This will help it cook evenly and soak up the delicious sauce later on.
3. Sauté the Tofu:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and sauté them for about 5-7 minutes or until they are lightly golden on all sides. Once done, remove the tofu from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes until you can smell their wonderful fragrance. This will add a lot of flavor to your dish!
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the vegetable broth and stir the pan to scrape up any browned bits—this is where all the flavor lies! Next, add the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
6. Combine Ingredients:
Stir in nutritional yeast if you’re using it for that cheesy flavor, along with red chili flakes and soy sauce. Mix everything together and let the sauce thicken for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add Tofu Back to the Skillet:
Return the sautéed tofu to the skillet and gently coat it with the creamy sauce. Cook together for another 2-3 minutes until the tofu is warmed through and well-mixed with the sauce.
8. Season and Serve:
Season your dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Just before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of flavor. This creamy marry me tofu pairs beautifully with steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up that delectable sauce. Enjoy!
FAQ for Creamy Marry Me Tofu
Can I Use Silken Tofu Instead?
While you can use silken tofu, it has a much softer texture and may break apart easily during cooking. For this recipe, firm or extra-firm tofu is recommended for the best texture and to hold its shape while sautéing.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you love heat, you can increase the amount of red chili flakes or even add sliced fresh chili peppers. For a smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika as well.
What Can I Substitute for Nutritional Yeast?
If you don’t have nutritional yeast on hand or prefer not to use it, you can either skip it or add shredded vegan cheese instead. This will still provide a creamy quality without the “cheesy” taste that nutritional yeast offers.
