Quick Vegan Dinner: Marry Me Tofu

This Marry Me Tofu recipe is a vegan delight that combines crispy tofu with a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, garlic, spinach, and fresh basil. It’s a luxurious yet surprisingly easy one-pan meal that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. The savory flavors and creamy texture will make this dish a favorite in your home, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Marry Me Tofu is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy tofu in a new and exciting way. The crispy tofu pieces are pan-fried to perfection, creating a delicious contrast with the creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce. The addition of garlic, spinach, and basil infuses the sauce with rich, aromatic flavors. Best of all, it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re a long-time vegan or just starting to explore plant-based dishes, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Tofu Triangles:

• 16 oz super firm tofu (or extra-firm, pressed well)

• 4 tablespoons cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or other high-heat safe oil)

For the Sun-dried Tomato Cream Sauce:

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• ½ teaspoon oregano

• ½ teaspoon red chili flakes

• 1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 cup vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste

• 1 cup cashew cream (or other vegan cream, see Notes)

• 2 cups baby spinach, sliced or chopped

• 4-5 fresh basil leaves, chopped

• ½ cup vegan Parmesan (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Pan Fry the Tofu:

1. Remove your super-firm tofu from the package and pat it dry with a paper towel. Slice the tofu into small triangles or any shape you prefer.

2. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix.

3. Heat the oil in a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Coat the tofu pieces in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides. Carefully place them in the skillet.

5. Pan fry the tofu for about 4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully using a spatula or fork.

6. Once the tofu is cooked, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Lower the heat to low-medium to prepare the sauce.

Prepare the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. If there’s not enough oil left in the pan, add another tablespoon.

2. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute.

3. Add the vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and spinach to the pan. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

4. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes, until it’s warm and the spinach has wilted. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.

5. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil and vegan Parmesan (if using).

6. Return the crispy tofu to the skillet and gently flip the pieces to coat them in the sauce.

Serve:

1. Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or with fresh crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Protein Add-ins: You can add cooked chickpeas or tempeh for added protein in this dish.

• Spicy Kick: Add more red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to make the dish spicier.

• Non-Dairy Cream Alternatives: If you don’t have cashew cream, you can use coconut cream, soy cream, or any plant-based cream of your choice.

• Vegetable Boost: For added nutrition, toss in other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the spinach.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover Marry Me Tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular tofu instead of super-firm tofu?

For best results, super-firm tofu works best as it holds its shape and crisps up better. If using regular tofu, make sure to press it well to remove excess moisture.

2. Can I make the tofu ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tofu ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the sauce.

3. Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes instead of dried ones?

Yes, jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil will work fine. Just be sure to drain and chop them before adding them to the sauce.

4. Can I use a different type of cream for the sauce?

Yes, any non-dairy cream or even coconut milk can be used in place of cashew cream.

5. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that your tofu and vegetable broth are gluten-free.

6. What can I serve this with?

This dish is perfect over rice, pasta, or alongside some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

7. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the tofu and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

8. Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach?

Yes, fresh spinach is recommended for this recipe as it wilts beautifully and adds a nice fresh flavor to the sauce.

9. Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even kale to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

10. Is this dish very spicy?

It has a mild heat from the red chili flakes. If you prefer a spicier dish, feel free to add more chili flakes or hot sauce.

Conclusion

Marry Me Tofu is a rich and creamy dish that’s full of flavor and texture, making it a standout meal for any occasion. The crispy tofu pairs perfectly with the sun-dried tomato cream sauce, while the spinach and basil add freshness to every bite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or a special meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its simple yet luxurious flavors.

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