If you're a fan of the viral "Marry Me Chicken" recipe that has taken social media by storm, get ready to fall head over heels for our vegan version - Marry Me Tofu! This plant-based delight captures all the flavors and textures of the original dish without compromising on taste or ethical choices. Using a combination of savory mushrooms, crispy tofu, and a rich sun-dried tomato coconut milk sauce, this recipe is sure to win your heart and taste buds. Let's dive into the magic of Marry Me Tofu!
Why You'll Love Marry Me Tofu:
- Deliciously Vegan: Marry Me Tofu offers the perfect marriage of flavors, showcasing that plant-based meals can be just as indulgent and satisfying as their non-vegan counterparts.
- Crispy Tofu Magic: The pan-fried golden-brown tofu adds a delightful crunch to each bite, creating a texture that's reminiscent of seared chicken but with a compassionate twist.
- Creamy Coconut Milk Sauce: The luscious sun-dried tomato coconut milk sauce is a creamy masterpiece, elevating the dish to a level of richness that will leave you wondering if you're indulging in a restaurant-quality meal.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of umami-rich sun-dried tomatoes, vegan parmesan, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.
- Versatile and Customizable: Marry Me Tofu is a versatile canvas. Feel free to switch up the ingredients, explore different textures, and make it your own. It's a recipe that welcomes your creative touch.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both seasoned chefs and those taking their first steps into the world of vegan cooking.
Jump to:
Ingredients
- 1 block of extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- mushrooms
- cornstarch
- Spice mix (to taste)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- For the Sun-Dried Tomato Coconut Milk Sauce:
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, soaked in hot water for 15 minutes and drained (save the water)
- 1 can coconut milk
- ½ cup vegan parmesan
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Cooked jasmine rice
Instructions
Dredge tofu steaks in cornsterch and seasonings. Pan fry until golden brown on all sides. Set aside on a bowl with paper towel.
Saute aromatics, add in seasonings too! Keep stirring until they are translucent.
Throw in mushrooms! Keep stirring till mushrooms are cooked throughout.
Add coconut milk and more herbs.
Add in vegan parmesan and let it melt through. Throw in chopped sun dried tomatoes as well.
Lay pan fried tofu on top of sauce.
Serve on rice or pasta.
- Prepare the Tofu:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
- Pan-fry the tofu cubes until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Season with the spice mix, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Coconut Milk Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the soaked sun-dried tomatoes, coconut milk, vegan parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer on medium heat until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Serve:
- Gently fold the crispy tofu into the sun-dried tomato coconut milk sauce.
- Serve the Marry Me Tofu over a bed of cooked jasmine rice.
Hint: Achieving the Perfect Crisp
For an extra level of indulgence in your Marry Me Tofu, achieving the perfect crisp on your tofu is key. Before pan-frying, make sure to press your extra-firm tofu to remove excess water. This step is crucial for obtaining that golden-brown, crunchy exterior.
Substitutions
- Tofu: Replace tofu with soy curls or Gardein scallopini for a different texture.
- Coconut Milk: Swap coconut milk with almond milk for a lighter version.
- Vegan Parmesan: Use nutritional yeast or your favorite vegan cheese alternative.
- Jasmine Rice: Experiment with angel hair pasta or gluten-free pasta for a diverse twist.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Nutty Flavor: Incorporate raw sunflower seeds or raw cashews into the sauce for a nutty touch.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in green beans, red peppers, or any veggies of your choice for added nutrition.
Top tip
Enhance the overall experience of your Marry Me Tofu by infusing your jasmine rice with additional flavor. Instead of cooking the rice in plain water, use the water from soaking the sun-dried tomatoes. This adds a subtle yet distinct richness to the rice, complementing the savory and creamy elements of the dish.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta or serve the Marry Me Tofu over rice for a gluten-free option.
Q: Can I store leftovers? A: Store any remaining Marry Me Tofu in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat and enjoy within the next few days.
Q: How do I make it tiktok-worthy? A: Capture the magic of pan-frying tofu and creating the creamy sauce. Share your cooking journey and use the hashtag #MarryMeTofu!
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Marry Me Tofu (Vegan Marry Me Chicken) Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Tofu:
- 1 block of extra-firm tofu pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- Spice mix to taste
- cornstarch
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Sun-Dried Tomato Coconut Milk Sauce:
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes soaked in hot water for 15 minutes and drained (save the water)
- 1 can coconut milk
- mushrooms
- ½ cup vegan parmesan
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For Serving:
- Cooked jasmine rice
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil.
- Pan-fry the dredged tofu steaks until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Season with the spice mix, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Make the Sun-Dried Tomato Coconut Milk Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and onion sauté until fragrant.
- Add mushrooms the soaked sun-dried tomatoes, coconut milk, vegan parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil.
- Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer on medium heat until the sauce thickens.
- Combine and Serve:
- Gently fold the crispy tofu into the sun-dried tomato coconut milk sauce.
- Serve the Marry Me Tofu over a bed of cooked jasmine rice.
