Author: Marry Me Tofu is so creamy and flavorful, that it might inspire a proposal! This easy delicious recipe takes just 30 minutes to whip up. Serve this vegan tofu recipe over pasta, rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes or with crusty bread for a meal that will win everyone's heart. 💞
FEATURED COMMENT:
Five stars are not enough. It's a 10! This recipe is in my regular rotation and I look forward to it. The only complaint is there are no leftovers! - Marg ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Inspired by the trending Marry Me Chicken recipe I decided to make a vegan version of this dish using tofu. If you're new to cooking tofu, check out my Tofu 101 guide for all the basics on pressing, seasoning, and getting that perfect texture. Tofu is torn into pieces (which gives it a chicken-like texture), then lightly floured and then pan-fried to make it crispy and golden. Then a simple garlic cream sauce is made complimented with sun-dried tomatoes and basil. This creamy dish is so delicious that making it for your partner might just lead to a surprise proposal!
But it's not just for lovebirds. This tofu recipe is a real crowd-pleaser and perfect for a family dinner. You won't believe how easy it is to whip up with just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes of your time. So, whether you're in the mood for a romantic dinner or a cozy family meal, get ready to fall in love with Marry Me Tofu!
Ingredients in Marry Me Tofu:
Tofu: I like to use extra-firm tofu for the best texture. Drain the tofu, but there is no need to press it. Pressing the tofu removes excess water, but in this case we want to keep the moisture so the tofu is tender and juicy once it's cooked. I like to tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces which gives texture much more similar to chicken, and the rough texture grips the sauce better.
Flour: I use all-purpose flour but if you are gluten-free you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or cornstarch.
Vegan Cooking Cream: these days, many stores carry vegan heavy cream options made from ingredients such as oats, cashews, or coconut which are great for cooking and using in this recipe. If you want a homemade option, try my recipe for hemp cream or cashew cream (omit any sweeteners or flavorings). Another option is full-fat coconut milk (the kind in the can), but note the sauce will have a coconut taste. You can also use your favorite plain plant-based milk, just make sure it is one that is high in fat so that it doesn't split.
Nutritional yeast: nutritional yeast has a cheesy flavor so I like to add it to the sauce. If you prefer you could substitute it for equal amounts vegan parmesan or omit it completely.
Sun-dried tomatoes: add a ton of rich tomato-y flavor. If you are not a fan you could try substituting them for roasted red peppers.
Spices and seasonings: Fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper make the sauce rich and full of flavor.
How to Make Marry Me Tofu:
Add the tofu, flour, salt, and pepper to a medium bowl and gently toss to evenly coat the tofu in the flour mixture.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the tofu pieces discarding any extra flour. Fry the tofu for a few minutes per side until golden brown all over. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside on a plate.
Return the pan to the stove and reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook for about 60 seconds until it just starts to brown. Pour in the vegetable broth and use your spoon to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan while stirring. Add the vegan cooking cream, nutritional yeast, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and salt. Mix well, bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes.
Return to the tofu to the pan with the sauce and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes. Heat through and cook a few minutes more.
Garnish with the basil and serve hot over pasta, rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes or with crusty bread.
Marry Me Tofu is...
- creamy, flavorful, and delicious
- easy to make
- so delicious it might inspire a proposal
More tofu recipes that will make hearts melt:
- Easy Peanut Tofu
- The Best Air Fryer Tofu
- Easy Sticky Teriyaki Tofu
- Tofish & Chips
- Baked Tofu Bites
- Tofu Bolognese
If you try this recipe let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Marry Me Tofu
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Ingredients
For the tofu:
- 1 block (350g/ 12.3oz) extra-firm tofu, drained, and torn into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, (gluten-free if preferred)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Marry Me Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup vegan heavy cream, (see notes for options)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, (reduce or omit if you don't like spice)
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt, (or to taste)
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained if in oil and chopped
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Add the tofu, flour, salt, and pepper to a medium bowl and gently toss to evenly coat the tofu in the flour mixture.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the tofu pieces discarding any extra flour. Fry the tofu for a few minutes per side until golden brown all over. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Return the pan to the stove and reduce the heat to medium. Add the garlic and cook for about 60 seconds until it just starts to brown. Pour in the vegetable broth and use your spoon to scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan while stirring. Add the vegan cooking cream, nutritional yeast, crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and salt. Mix well, bring to a simmer and cook for a few minutes.
- Return to the tofu to the pan with the sauce and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes. Heat through and cook a few minutes more.
- Garnish with the basil and serve hot over pasta, rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes or with crusty bread.
Debbie says
Wow - this is SO good! Definitely a go-to and keeper recipe, and now one of my favs. I do NOT want any proposals, but I love myself enough to keep making it just for me and enjoying every bite 🙂
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
I love it! So happy you enjoyed it Debbie 🙂
Mel says
This is insanely satisfying over egg noodles or basmati rice. My teenagers know it as “THE tofu recipe you love.” Comfort food at its finest. Sometimes I add frozen peas just because I like them.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Wonderful!
Sam says
Just made this as a dinner for myself and I am about to marry myself and any friend/relative/coworker that is ever coming over for dinner. Will be added to my rotation for sure. So easy yet so perfect
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hahahaha! Great review!
Maddie says
This is a great recipe! I used canned coconut milk (Taste of Thai is a really neutral tasting brand), and mixed in bowtie pasta. I did end up air frying the tofu because not pressing it caused it to take forever to brow in the pan. Everyone enjoyed it, even my picky 4 year old. It would be great with some red wine, side salad, fresh bread, and dessert for a cozy home date night.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
We're so happy you enjoyed it! And your 4 year old too!
Laura says
Amazing! I uses the coconut milk!
Em says
I tried it last night, it was really good
Amy J. says
My husband and I both loved this! It’s so flavorful. I used oat milk with 2T of flour to make the creamy sauce. It turned out great. Definitely on rotation!
Teresa Clark says
She's not kidding. Somebody makes this for you enough, you might be wiling to marry them. 😉 Absolutely delicious, and like most of her recipes, easy and out a difficult dish! Just TASTES like it took ages. Yummm
Tiffany says
Love love love this recipe! Even my carnivorous friends enjoyed this!
Marg McPhedran-Axford says
Five stars are not enough. It's a 10! This recipe is in my regular rotation and I look forward to it . The only complaint is there are no leftovers!
Carol Kusama says
My husband isn’t vegan and he loves this dish too!
Judy Harrison says
Of all your recipes that I have tried (there are many) this is one of my very favorites. Love it.
Evelyn says
I have made the Marry Me Tofu several times for my daughter and son-in-law and they just absolutely love it - actually so do I! I don’t change a thing! Perfect recipe!
Sara says
So good! My mom vegan mom loves this recipe.
Steve says
really tasty. I added a few soy curls to up the protein count.
Donna Sassaman says
I've made this recipe several times and shall many more times! It great for a potluck lunch or dinner as well as family meals. Whether vegan, vegetarian, or opportunivore, Marry Me Tofu is a hit! It's good served on rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles. Yum, yum, yum! Thanks, Sam!
Dana Whitekus says
This is super easy to make and FULL of flavor. It is one of my husband's absolute favorite meals. I make it at least every other week and just change what it is served with. Quinoa, rice, pasta...whatever I have on hand.
Jennifer Bivins says
So good. Best ever
Nigel says
Great! Love it.
robin hartman says
This is the first recipe I choose to make to impress anyone. Vegan or not! It’s amazing and so easy!
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