Name: Marry Me Tofu Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 16 ounce super firm tofu (or extra-firm, pressed well); 4 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or other high-heat safe oil); 5 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped); 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste); 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 cup Cashew Cream (or other vegan cream); 2 cups baby spinach (sliced or chopped); 4-5 fresh basil leaves (chopped); 1/2 cup Vegan Parmesan (optional)

If you’ve been searching for a dish that delivers incredible flavor with comforting, hearty vibes, the Marry Me Tofu Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe transforms humble tofu into a golden, crispy delight surrounded by a rich, creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant herbs. Every bite is a celebration of textures and layers that invite you to savor the vegan-friendly goodness. Trust me, once you make this Marry Me Tofu Recipe, it might just become your new weeknight favorite that you’ll want to share with everyone you know.

Ingredients You’ll Need

There is a gray frying pan with seven golden-brown pieces of fried food in it, each piece shaped like a rounded diamond or leaf. The pieces have a crispy texture with some darker spots where they are cooked more. The pan has oil visible around the pieces, giving a shiny look. The pan handle is curved and metal, and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Marry Me Tofu Recipe are simple yet essential, each playing a specific role in building the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the crispy tofu crust to the creamy, herb-soaked sauce, you’ll see how every component elevates the dish.

16 ounce super firm tofu: Choosing super firm tofu and pressing it well ensures a great texture that crisps up beautifully without falling apart.
4 tablespoons cornstarch: This helps create that irresistible crunchy coating on the tofu when pan-fried.
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast: Adds a subtle cheesy, nutty flavor that complements the sauce perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Seasoning the tofu coating so every bite is flavorful from the outside in.
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the tofu seasoning.
3 tablespoons avocado oil: A high smoke point oil ideal for frying the tofu to golden perfection.
5 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic brings warmth and aroma to the sauce, making it irresistible.
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): These punch up the sauce with intense, tangy sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon oregano: Earthy and aromatic, oregano ties the herbs in the sauce together beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes: Just the right hint of heat to brighten the creamy sauce.
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Balances and enhances the sauce flavors perfectly.
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: A subtle peppery note for the sauce’s depth.
1 cup vegetable broth: Adds savoriness and thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.
1 tablespoon tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and enriches the color.
1 cup cashew cream: Or any vegan cream, this creates the luscious, silky texture that makes the sauce so decadent.
2 cups baby spinach (sliced or chopped): Adds a fresh, vibrant green and gentle earthiness to brighten the dish.
4-5 fresh basil leaves (chopped): Fresh basil lifts the whole dish with its sweet, peppery aroma.
1/2 cup vegan Parmesan (optional): For a cheesy finish that ties all the flavors together in harmony.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Marry Me Tofu Recipe

Step 1: Pan Fry the Tofu

Start by removing your super-firm tofu from its package and patting it dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is super important because moisture will prevent a nice crisp crust from forming. Slice the tofu into small triangles or your preferred shape for beautiful presentation. Next, toss the tofu in a bowl with cornstarch, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper, ensuring every piece is evenly coated. Heat the avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the tofu pieces carefully. Cook each side about 4 minutes until they’re golden and crunchy. This crispy tofu base is what sets this dish apart.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

Using the same skillet, turn the heat down to low-medium. If the pan is dry, add a bit more oil and then toss in the minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes — no browning, just that bright garlicky aroma. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper, stirring to awaken all those warm spices for about one minute. Slowly pour in the vegetable broth followed by the tomato paste, cashew cream, and baby spinach. Stir everything together and let it gently simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the spinach wilts. This sauce is creamy, tangy, and perfectly herbed, the essence of the Marry Me Tofu Recipe.

Step 3: Combine and Finish

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves and vegan Parmesan if you like. Then nestle the fried tofu pieces back into the sauce and gently flip them over so every piece is luxuriously coated. This final step will let the tofu soak in the flavors while maintaining its crispy edges, resulting in a delightful harmony of textures.

How to Serve Marry Me Tofu Recipe

The dish shows a round deep pan filled with a creamy orange sauce mixed with green leafy herbs and small bits of red tomatoes. On top of the sauce, there are seven large, golden-brown, oval shaped pieces arranged evenly, looking soft and cooked. A woman's hand is holding a spoon scooping up the sauce and one of the golden pieces from the center. The pan is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a little extra fresh basil or more vegan Parmesan on top for extra herbal brightness and a cheesy finish. A drizzle of good quality olive oil can also add a lovely sheen and richness to the final plate.

Side Dishes

The creamy sauce paired with crispy tofu is so versatile that it goes wonderfully over fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or alongside some fresh crusty bread for dipping. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness nicely, adding freshness to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Marry Me Tofu Recipe stuffed inside warm pita pockets or wrapped in large lettuce leaves for a hand-held meal. You could even turn it into a comforting bowl by adding roasted veggies and your favorite grains—making it a colorful and satisfying feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Marry Me Tofu Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The tofu will soften a bit as it sits in the sauce, but the flavors deepen and develop overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover tofu and sauce combined, but note that the texture of tofu may become slightly more delicate after thawing. For best results, freeze in small portions and consume within 1-2 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the tofu and sauce in a skillet over low-medium heat until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make tofu rubbery; slow reheating preserves its texture and the creaminess of the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use regular firm tofu instead of super firm?

You can, but super firm tofu holds its shape better when pan-fried and develops a more satisfying crunch, which really enhances the Marry Me Tofu Recipe experience.

Is there a substitute for cashew cream?

If you don’t have cashew cream, you can use other vegan creams like coconut cream or even a thick oat cream. Each will slightly change the flavor profile but keep the sauce creamy and luscious.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

For a lower-fat version, you can try baking the tofu instead of frying it and use a little vegetable broth to sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. The texture will be different but still delicious.

How spicy is the Marry Me Tofu Recipe?

The dish has a gentle kick thanks to the red chili flakes, but it’s easily adjustable. You can reduce or omit the chili flakes if you prefer a milder flavor or add more for extra heat.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just ensure the vegetable broth and any vegan Parmesan you use are certified gluten-free, and all other ingredients should naturally be safe for a gluten-free diet.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Tofu Recipe is genuinely one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and shows tofu in its most delicious light. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is sure to impress and earn a special spot in your kitchen rotation. Give it a try and prepare to fall in love with tofu all over again!

Marry Me Tofu Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need