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.
Louise says
Yummy!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thanks so much, Louise! 😄 So glad you enjoyed it!
Claire says
My 7 yr old is usually very good at trying new things but when I told her I would be making this tonight, she flat out refused. Cooked it up for me & her Dad, she tried a little bit then turned into a rabid beast begging for more! Very delicious. We love trying all your recipes thank you!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Wow that is so amazing!!! I am so happy your 7 year old loved it too! 🙂
Kim says
I have recently made the commitment to eat vegetarian (myself) while also incorporating meatless meals for the rest of the family. This recipe satisfied all of us! I made the recipe as described, but diced warm rotisserie chicken into three bowls (for 'them') and scooped the sauce from the recipe on top of that - with some basmati rice. My husband and two adult sons LOVED it! Then I added the cooked tofu to what was left of the sauce and used that for me. I know it's a real keeper because my sons went back for more - even though all that was left was tofu...and they still LOVED it!! Thank you - you have fans in all four of us!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Wow, this absolutely made my day! 🥰 I’m so happy it was a hit with the whole family, and I’m cheering you on in your veggie journey! 💚
Lori WB says
This is hands down my favorite recipe. It's my go-to when I want something amazing and simple to make. The first time I made it, I substituted chickpea tofu because that's what I had in the fridge. Talk about a game changer! Still good with regular tofu, but the chickpea tofu just elevated it beyond belief.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Ooooh I must try it with chickpea tofu too!! Thanks Lori!!
Nicole says
Would vegan whipping cream work for this recipe?
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yes it should work quite well. If you find it's too rich, you can use a little less of the cream along with some plant milk.
Stella says
I can't have soy products, so a block of tofu has to be substituted for lentil tofu. Is 1 cup of lentils the equivalent of a block of tofu?
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yes! It sounds like you may be looking for this recipe: Lentil Tofu
Stella says
Yes, this is the recipe I've been using for tofu. I just wasn't sure if the quantity I made was the same as what you ask for in your recipe. Mine fills an 8x8 square pyrex dish. Thank you!
Melissa says
I feel like I missed something. Looking at your pictures, your sauce looks thick. Mine was very soupy and watery. The only flour in the recipe was for coating the tofu but should there be some added into the sauce to thicken it? It was tasty but not thick. Thanks!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
It sounds like it might have been your cream - which kind did you use?
In a pinch, you could do a cornstarch slurry to thicken it up.
Kimberly says
So good, I made it yesterday and had it today. So creamy and flavor packed. It's was quick and easy to make too.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Fantastic!
Kaela says
I didn’t know there was a trending meat version of this (not surprising since I happily don’t remember what chicken tastes like), but THIS is the version that should be trending. So easy, creamy and delicious. Thank you so so much for this and all the yummy recipes! Definitely a favorite that I enjoy on my own and sharing with others.
Judith says
This recipe will get your creative mind going. Alone it is great but also allows you to add ingredients without losing the original flavor. I added mushrooms, spinach, navy beans, cooked macaroni and a splash of white wine. Let your creative mind go wild because the base recipe allows you to experiment
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yes! We love to hear all about the creative ways it can be used!
Ariana says
Is this low FODMAP?
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Unfortunately, we're not experts in low FODMAP foods but given that onions and garlic are included, we would suspect the recipe would need significant adjustments to meet a low FODMAP diet.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Ariana, just want to update that I've added some helpful tips on how to adapt my recipes to make them low FODMAP here. I hope you find it helpful! 🙂
Ashleigh says
May I please ask at which point you added the wine? That sounds delicious. Thank you!
Judith says
I added the wine once all other ingredients were incorporated, so towards the end. I keep an inexpensive bottle of Chardonnay just for cooking and added about 1/4 cup.
Arooj says
Delicious!!
Sue says
It really is greater than the sum of its parts. Absolutely delicious. However, when I make it again, I'm going to try one of the cream alternatives in your cookbooks. I used Country Crock's cream alternative and for us, it had a (ahem) laxative effect. No way to say that nicely.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
We're glad you enjoyed the recipe! We hope you can find a creamy alternative that works better for you. 🙂
Cierra says
Such a great recipe! I made a few tweaks to my preference. I baked the tofu and coated it in oil, spices, and cornstarch prior. Then for the sauce I browned some sliced onions before cooking the garlic. I also added a bit of tomato paste and used Italian style bouillon for the broth. Also used dried basil because lazy, but my husband loooved this meal!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
I'm so thrilled you loved it and were able to make it your own Cierra!! 🙂
Cheryl says
Delicious! Put it over mashed potatoes and it was so good! It came out a bit thick due to using cornstarch so I thinned it out with more broth and it was just fine. Thank you for a great recipe that is super easy and fast.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
I'm so happy you loved it so much Cheryl!! Mmmmmmm mashed potatoes sound perfect!
Mark says
Excellent, it's become a favourite.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! So happy it's a new fave Mark 🙂
Carolyn says
The cream sauce was great but I had the feeling this was missing something. I'm usually crazy about your recipes. After much thought, I think I'll fry some mushrooms to a golden and crispy brown before adding the garlic and making the sauce. I think that will give me the flavor I'm looking for with this recipe. The basics are good, I guess I just want a little different flavor profile.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So happy you're enjoying so many of my recipes Carolyn! Adding crispy mushrooms sounds like a delicious addition! Enjoy!!
Jasmine says
I used Brami pasta for some extra protein (BEST protein pasta) and finished it off in the sauce. I also marinated the tofu in an italian marinade for 6 hours. Absolutely delicious!
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
That sounds delicious!
Diana says
OMG. The best thing I've eaten in a long time!!! Where has this recipe been the last 13 years I've been vegan??? My entire family devours this every time I make it and they aren't even VEGAN! It's that good. I've made it over rice, mashed potatoes and pasta - it all works! I like to eat the leftovers (if they are any) dipped with fresh, crusty bread.
Jess @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hooray! Such kind words! We're so happy that you and your family enjoy this recipe so much. 🙂
Kate says
This is the recipe that convinced me I could go vegan! It is so delicious. Thank you for all of your great recipes.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
OMG! YAY! Congratulations Kate! 🙂
Ashley says
I'm not vegan, but love to find recipes where I can reduce my meat consumption. This one is so good! Sauce is perfectly spicy and creamy and we really enjoyed it!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
I'm so thrilled you enjoyed it Ashley!
Gabbie says
Absolutely DELICIOUS! Didn’t have cream on hand so I subbed cream cheese (~6 oz) and it was sooo yummy
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Love that idea! So happy you enjoyed it Gabbie!!
Tici says
I wish I could attach a picture! mine turned out beautiful and so delicious, even my omnivore family members cleaned their plates. the sauce was rich and creamy, the tofu was crispy and I just stirred in orecciette which soaked up the sauce and thickened it delightfully. Thanks for the recipe!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Ooh I love that! So thrilled everyone loved it Tici! And if your on Instagram my handle is @itdoesnttastelikechicken I would love to see a pic on there! 🙂