When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a dish that combines richness, flavor, and ease—this One Pot Marry Me Tofu hits all the right notes. It’s creamy, savory, with a bit of spice, and best of all, it only takes one pot to make.
The tofu gets crispy and golden while soaking up all the delicious flavors from the marry-me sauce, creating a dish that’s hearty enough for dinner but light enough to make on any weeknight. This recipe will easily become one of your go-to meals!
1. Marry Me Tofu Recipe
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 cooking 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
Prepare the Tofu: Start by pressing the tofu for 15-20 minutes to remove any excess water. Once pressed, tear the tofu into bite-sized pieces. This step helps the tofu absorb more of the flavor from the sauce. In a shallow bowl, toss the tofu with flour, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Cook the Tofu: Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Once hot, add the tofu pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Once crispy, remove the tofu and set it aside.
Make the Marry Me Sauce: In the same pot, add the olive oil and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Add the vegetable broth, vegan cream, nutritional yeast, red pepper flakes, oregano, thyme, and salt. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
Combine Tofu and Sauce: Add the sun-dried tomatoes and crispy tofu back into the pot. Stir gently to coat the tofu in the sauce. Let everything simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Finish and Garnish: Once the sauce has thickened slightly, turn off the heat. Add in the fresh basil leaves and give everything a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve your One Pot Marry Me Tofu hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
2. Tips for Perfect Marry Me Tofu
Press the Tofu: It’s essential to press the tofu before cooking. Removing excess moisture will give it a better texture and help it absorb more flavor from the sauce. A tofu press works wonders, but if you don’t have one, wrapping the tofu in a clean towel and placing something heavy on top will do the trick.
Crisp the Tofu Properly: Make sure to cook the tofu in batches, giving each piece space in the pan. Crowding the pan will cause the tofu to steam rather than crisp. Also, let the tofu cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to get that perfect golden-brown crust.
Adjust the Spice: The crushed red pepper flakes add a nice kick to the sauce, but you can always reduce the amount or leave them out entirely if you’re not a fan of spice. If you like it extra spicy, feel free to add more!
Use Full-Fat Vegan Cream: For a rich and creamy sauce, use a full-fat vegan cooking cream. If you prefer a lighter version, coconut cream is a great alternative. Just keep in mind that coconut cream will add a subtle coconut flavor to the dish.
3. Serving Suggestions
With Rice or Quinoa: Pair your One Pot Marry Me Tofu with a side of rice or quinoa to soak up all the delicious sauce. I love serving it with jasmine rice—it adds a subtle floral note that complements the rich sauce.
On Pasta: This dish works beautifully with pasta too. The creamy marry-me sauce can be tossed with spaghetti or fettuccine for a decadent, comforting meal.
With Roasted Veggies: For a balanced meal, serve the tofu with a side of roasted veggies. Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or even cauliflower would be the perfect match.
Add Greens: You can also serve the tofu over sautéed kale or spinach for an extra boost of nutrition and color.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The tofu may soften slightly as it sits in the sauce, but it will still be delicious.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. You may want to add a splash of vegetable broth or vegan cream to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but be careful not to overcook.
This One Pot Marry Me Tofu is definitely a keeper. The creamy, garlicky sauce has such a delicious depth of flavor, and the crispy tofu is just the right texture to absorb the sauce without losing its crunch. It’s the kind of dish that will make you fall in love with tofu all over again, especially if you’ve ever been a little unsure about tofu’s texture.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You get all the rich, comforting flavors of a creamy pasta or curry, but it’s entirely plant-based. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen.
