This creamy Marry Me tofu is a dreamy dish that’s super easy to make! Soft tofu swims in a rich, flavorful sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu gives the right texture for this dish. If you’re out of tofu, consider using tempeh or seitan for a different twist. Both have a hearty texture and absorb flavors well!
Olive Oil: It’s a great choice for sautéing. If you want a different flavor, avocado oil is a nice substitute. You can also use sesame oil for a nutty taste, but keep in mind it can be quite strong.
Heavy Cream: For a creamy texture, heavy cream is perfect, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works too. For a dairy-free choice, coconut cream is an excellent alternative; just know it will add a subtle coconut flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a lovely depth of flavor; however, if you can’t find them, use canned diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers as a substitute. Diced fresh tomatoes can work too, but they won’t be as intense in flavor.
Basil: Fresh basil adds brightness to the dish. If it’s not available, dried basil works in a pinch! Just use a smaller amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
How Do I Get Perfectly Sautéed Tofu?
Sautéing tofu to golden perfection is key to this dish! Start by pressing your tofu to remove excess water. This helps it brown better and absorb the sauce later.
- Cut the pressed tofu into even cubes. This ensures even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes.
- Let the tofu cook without stirring too much for about 5-7 minutes, so it gets a nice golden crust before flipping.
- Once golden, carefully flip to cook all sides evenly. Don’t rush this step; a good sear adds flavor!
And voilà! You’ll have beautifully sautéed tofu ready to soak up all that creamy goodness in the sauce.
How to Make Creamy Marry Me Tofu
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 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or coconut cream (for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced for garnish
- Optional: 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for umami and slight cheesy flavor)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vegan parmesan cheese (if vegan)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Creamy Marry Me Tofu recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time. So, in about 30-35 minutes, you’ll have a tempting, creamy dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tofu:
Start by pressing the tofu well to remove excess water; this helps it absorb flavors better. Cut your pressed tofu into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they’re even for cooking.
2. Sear the Tofu:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the tofu cubes and sauté them until they are golden brown on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. When ready, remove the tofu and set it aside for now.
3. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Next, throw in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes to enhance their flavor.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now it’s time to create that delicious sauce! Pour in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan) and vegetable broth, stirring everything together. Add the red chili flakes, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
5. Return Tofu to the Skillet:
Gently add the browned tofu back to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir carefully to coat the tofu without breaking it. Let everything simmer together for another 3-5 minutes so the tofu can absorb those flavorful sauces.
6. Finish and Garnish:
Turn off the heat and, if desired, stir in the nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for an extra pop of flavor. Finish by sprinkling fresh sliced basil on top for a burst of freshness!
7. Serve:
Serve the Creamy Marry Me Tofu hot over steamed rice, pasta, or with some crusty bread. Enjoy this silky, rich, and delightful dish!
This creamy tofu dish is not only delicious but also incredibly comforting and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share a meal with you. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Silken Tofu Instead of Firm Tofu?
Silken tofu can work, but it has a much softer texture and may not hold its shape as well. If you prefer a creamier sauce, silken tofu can be blended into the sauce, but for this recipe, firm or extra-firm tofu is recommended for the best results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier or Milder?
If you like it spicy, feel free to increase the amount of red chili flakes or even add a dash of hot sauce. To make it milder, reduce the chili flakes or omit them altogether. You can also balance the heat with a bit of extra cream or coconut cream if it becomes too spicy!
What Can I Substitute for Coconut Cream?
If you don’t have coconut cream on hand, heavy cream is a great substitute. For a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. If staying dairy-free, any plant-based cream will work, but keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little water or broth if it thickens too much. It’s delicious reheated!
