A creamy, quick tofu dish that feels a little fancy but stays very easy.
Introduction
Marry Me Tofu is a creamy, tangy sun-dried tomato sauce with crispy tofu and gnocchi. It tastes rich but uses simple ingredients and small steps. If you like cozy, simple dinners, try a similar warm bowl like this Marry Me Chicken Soup for more ideas.
Why make this recipe
This recipe is fast, tasty, and fills you up. It uses pantry items like sun-dried tomatoes and coconut milk. The tofu gives protein and the gnocchi makes it hearty. You can make it on weeknights or for guests. It is also easy to change to your taste.
How to make Marry Me Tofu
Follow the steps in the Directions to get crispy tofu and a creamy sauce. Work in two pans: one for tofu and one for sauce and gnocchi. Press the tofu first so it gets firm and brown. Cook gnocchi last and mix it into the sauce. For a different base, serve it with fluffy basmati rice instead of gnocchi.
Ingredients :
1 block of extra-firm tofu, 2 tablespoons olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste, 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, 1 cup canned coconut milk, 1/2 cup nutritional yeast, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 package of gnocchi, Fresh basil for garnish
Directions :
- Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut into cubes.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the tofu cubes. Season with salt and pepper and cook until crispy and golden brown.
- In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant.
- Add coconut milk and nutritional yeast to the sun-dried tomato mixture, then stir in Italian seasoning.
- Cook gnocchi according to package instructions, then drain and add to the sauce.
- Toss in the crispy tofu and gently mix until well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
How to serve Marry Me Tofu
Serve it hot in bowls. Spoon the sauce over the gnocchi and tofu. Add fresh basil on top. A side salad or steamed vegetables make it a full meal. You can also add red pepper flakes if you like heat.
How to store Marry Me Tofu
Cool the dish to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of water or coconut milk when reheating.
Tips to make Marry Me Tofu
- Press tofu well for the best crisp. Use a heavy pan or a tofu press for 15–30 minutes.
- Do not crowd the pan when frying tofu; cook in batches if needed.
- Toast the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes but do not burn them. Low-medium heat works best.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer sauce.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or nutritional yeast at the end.
Variation
- Add spinach or kale to the sauce for greens.
- Use pasta or rice instead of gnocchi.
- Swap tofu for cooked chicken or chickpeas for more protein variety.
- Stir in a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
FAQs
Q: Can I use firm tofu instead of extra-firm?
A: Yes, but press it well so it is firm enough to crisp.
Q: Is nutritional yeast required?
A: It adds a cheesy, savory flavor, but you can skip it or use grated vegan cheese.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free gnocchi or serve with rice.
Q: How long does it take to make?
A: About 25–35 minutes from start to finish.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze the sauce and tofu, but gnocchi may change texture. Freeze sauce only for best results.
Conclusion
For another take on this popular dish, see the detailed version at It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken’s Marry Me Tofu recipe and compare ideas with the Nora Cooks Marry Me Tofu page.
Marry Me Tofu
Ingredients
For the Tofu
- 1 block extra-firm tofu Press well before cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup canned coconut milk Use full-fat for a richer sauce
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast Optional for a cheesy flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Gnocchi
- 1 package gnocchi Cook according to package instructions
For Garnish
- Fresh basil For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut into cubes.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the tofu cubes. Season with salt and pepper and cook until crispy and golden brown.
Making the Sauce
- In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant.
- Add coconut milk and nutritional yeast to the sun-dried tomato mixture, then stir in Italian seasoning.
Final Assembly
- Cook gnocchi according to package instructions, then drain and add to the sauce.
- Toss in the crispy tofu and gently mix until well combined.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.