Name: Marry Me Tofu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (14-ounce) block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into cubes; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1/2 cup canned full-fat coconut milk; 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast; 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

Why You’ll Love Marry Me TofuRecipe

Marry Me Tofu delivers luxurious creaminess with plant‑based ingredients. You’ll love it because it transforms simple tofu into crispy, savory bites coated in a velvety garlic‑tomato sauce, all ready in about 30 minutes. It’s also versatile — great over pasta, rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread for dipping.

Ingredients

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

Crispy Tofu Triangles
tofu super firm or extra‑firm
cornstarch
nutritional yeast
salt
ground black pepper
avocado oil or other high‑heat oil

Sun‑dried Tomato Cream Sauce
garlic cloves minced
sun‑dried tomatoes chopped
oregano
red chili flakes
salt and black pepper
vegetable broth
tomato paste
Cashew Cream or other vegan cream
baby spinach sliced or chopped
fresh basil leaves chopped
vegan parmesan (optional)

Directions

Prepare the tofu: Remove excess moisture from the super‑firm tofu and cut it into small triangles.
Coat and fry: Mix cornstarch, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper, then coat tofu pieces and pan‑fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy on all sides. Transfer to a paper towel‑lined plate to cool.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic briefly until fragrant.
Build the sauce: Stir in sun‑dried tomatoes, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Add vegetable broth, tomato paste, vegan cream, and spinach. Simmer until the spinach wilts and the sauce is heated through.
Finish: Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil and optional vegan parmesan. Nestle the fried tofu in the sauce, flipping pieces so they get coated.
Serve: Dish onto cooked pasta, rice, or alongside crusty bread. Serve immediately while hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 30 minutes total — about 10 minutes prep and 20 minutes cook time.

Variations

Air‑fried or baked tofu: Instead of pan‑frying, you can air‑fry or bake the tofu for a lighter version.
Protein swap: White beans, vegan chicken, or seitan bites can replace tofu if desired.
Cream options: Use coconut milk, oat milk, or other plant milks if cashew cream isn’t available.
Add veggies: Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce for more color and texture.
Spice level: Adjust red chili flakes to make it milder or spicier to taste.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of plant milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

What makes this dish “Marry Me” tofu?

It’s named for its indulgent Tuscan‑style cream sauce — so rich and flavorful it’s joked to inspire a proposal.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes — just ensure your cornstarch and other ingredients are certified gluten‑free.

What should I serve with it?

It’s excellent over pasta, rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for dipping.

Can I use firm tofu instead of extra‑firm?

You can, but extra‑firm or super‑firm tofu holds up better and gets crispier when fried.

How do I press tofu properly?

Wrap tofu in a clean towel and place a heavy object on top for 15–30 minutes to squeeze out moisture before cooking.

Is this dish spicy?

The red chili flakes add mild heat — reduce or omit them to make it milder.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — cook tofu and sauce, then refrigerate separately. Reheat and combine when ready to serve.

Can I freeze leftovers?

You can freeze the tofu and sauce, but texture may change slightly. Thaw overnight before reheating.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) while simmering to thicken the sauce.

Is cashew cream necessary?

No — you can substitute other vegan creams or full‑fat plant milks for a creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Marry Me Tofu recipe is a delightful vegan take on a beloved comfort food classic. With its crispy tofu and creamy, sun‑dried tomato sauce, it’s satisfying, easy to prepare, and versatile for different diets and occasions. Whether for a cozy weeknight meal or an impressive dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite.