Description
This vegan Marry Me Tofu is a rich, creamy, and flavorful one-pan dish featuring crispy tofu triangles in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce with garlic, spinach, and fresh basil. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect quick and comforting meal suitable for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Crispy Tofu Triangles
- 16 ounce super firm tofu, 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
Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
- 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)
Instructions
- Pan Fry the Tofu: Remove the super-firm tofu from the package and pat it dry with a paper towel. Slice into small triangles or preferred shapes. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Heat avocado oil in a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the tofu pieces in the cornstarch mixture and pan-fry for about 4 minutes on one side until golden and crispy. Flip carefully, cook the other side, then remove tofu and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce heat to low-medium. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If oil is insufficient, add a tablespoon more. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper and cook for 1 minute.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add vegetable broth, tomato paste, cashew cream, and spinach to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until warm and spinach has wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili flakes as needed.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in fresh basil and vegan Parmesan if using. Return the fried tofu pieces to the pan and gently flip to coat them in the sauce. Serve immediately, ideally over rice, cooked pasta, or with fresh crusty bread.
Notes
- Use super firm or extra-firm tofu pressed well to ensure it crisps nicely.
- Cashew cream can be homemade or store-bought for a rich vegan alternative.
- Adjust red chili flakes to control spiciness based on preference.
- Serve with your choice of starch like rice, pasta, or bread to complete the meal.
- For oil, avocado oil is preferred for its high smoke point but other neutral high-heat oils work as well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan, American fusion
