Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi : A Comforting Vegan Dish to Fall in Love With
If you love a creamy Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi, flavor-packed meal that’s both satisfying and vegan-friendly, then this Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi is about to steal your heart! This dish is packed with crispy tofu, soft and pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, savory tomato-infused sauce that will make you fall in love with every bite. It’s a plant-based twist on the classic “Marry Me” chicken recipe, delivering indulgence without the dairy or meat.
Let’s dive into this ultimate comfort food recipe, perfect for date nights, cozy evenings, or when you simply crave something special!
The Secret Behind the “Marry Me” Sauce
The name “Marry Me” comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it could convince someone to propose after just one bite! The secret lies in the sauce—a luscious, creamy combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, vegetable broth, white wine, and dairy-free cream. The balance of umami flavors, mild heat from red chili flakes, and the perfect thickness make this sauce truly irresistible.
The crispy tofu and gnocchi absorb this rich sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi
•100% Vegan & Dairy-Free – Perfect for plant-based diets without sacrificing indulgence.
•Rich & Creamy – The sauce is luxuriously thick, with a velvety texture from oat milk or cashew cream.
•Crispy Tofu Goodness – The tofu is coated in arrowroot starch and pan-fried to golden perfection.
•Comfort Food at Its Best – This meal is warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
•Simple Yet Elegant – Though easy to prepare, this dish looks and tastes gourmet.
How to Make Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
1.Press the tofu using a tofu press for 1–2 hours or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top.
2.Cube the tofu into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
3.Coat the tofu with arrowroot starch, a pinch of salt, and black pepper, tossing to evenly coat.
Step 2: Crisp the Tofu
4. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add vegan butter.
5.Once melted, add the coated tofu cubes and pan-fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides (about 5–7 minutes).
6.Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
7. In the same pan, add 1 tbsp of reserved sun-dried tomato oil and vegan butter.
8.Sauté garlic until fragrant and golden brown.
9.Pour in vegetable broth and white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
10. Whisk in flour, followed by oat milk (or cashew cream) and vegan cheese.
11. Stir in tomato paste, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, and chili flakes.
12.Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
13.While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
14.Add vegan gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (about 3–4 minutes).
15.Drain the gnocchi, reserving 1/4–1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 5: Combine Everything
16.Add the crispy tofu and cooked gnocchi to the sauce, stirring gently to coat everything.
17.If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
18.Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
19.Plate the gnocchi and tofu mixture, topping with fresh basil for extra flavor.
20. Serve warm and enjoy your Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi!
Tips & Substitutions of Vegan Crispy Tofu Gnocchi Recipe :
•No white wine? Substitute with extra vegetable broth or a splash of lemon juice.
•Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gnocchi and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative.
•Soy-Free? Swap tofu with chickpeas or pan-seared oyster mushrooms.
•Make It Cheesier: Add extra vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for a stronger cheesy flavor.
FAQs
What makes this dish “Marry Me” tofu?
The rich, creamy sauce combined with crispy tofu and soft gnocchi creates a dish so irresistible, it’s “proposal-worthy!”
Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or oat milk to loosen the sauce.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Absolutely! Just check the label to ensure it’s vegan as some brands contain dairy or eggs.
How can I make it oil-free?
Sauté the garlic in vegetable broth instead of oil, and use an oil-free vegan butter alternative.
What’s the best way to press tofu?
Use a tofu press for 1–2 hours for best results, or wrap tofu in a towel and place a heavy object on top to remove excess moisture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and tofu ahead, then cook the gnocchi fresh before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi is proof that plant-based meals can be both luxurious and comforting. With a creamy, dreamy sauce, crispy golden tofu, and pillowy gnocchi, it’s a dish that brings warmth and indulgence to any dinner table.
Try it for yourself and let the flavors do the talking—who knows, it might just win someone’s heart! ❤️
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Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Diet: Vegan
Description
If you love a creamy, flavor-packed meal that’s both satisfying and vegan-friendly, then this Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi is about to steal your heart! This dish is packed with crispy tofu, soft and pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, savory tomato-infused sauce that will make you fall in love with every bite. It’s a plant-based twist on the classic “Marry Me” chicken recipe, delivering indulgence without the dairy or meat.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create this mouthwatering dish:
For the Crispy Tofu
• 16 ounces extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1 tbsp arrowroot starch (or cornstarch)
• Sea salt + pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp vegan butter (or olive oil)
For the Creamy Sauce
• 7–8 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/2 cups (360 mL) vegetable broth
•1/2 cup (120 mL) white wine (or sub with extra broth)
• 1 1/2 cups (360 mL) oat milk or cashew cream
•2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
•1/2 cup vegan cheese (parmesan or mozzarella)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
•1–2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
•1 6-ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (reserve 1 tbsp oil)
• Sea salt + pepper, to taste
For the Gnocchi
•16 ounces vegan gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
•Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tofu
1.Press the tofu using a tofu press for 1–2 hours or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top.
2.Cube the tofu into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
3.Coat the tofu with arrowroot starch, a pinch of salt, and black pepper, tossing to evenly coat.
Step 2: Crisp the Tofu
4. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add vegan butter.
5.Once melted, add the coated tofu cubes and pan-fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides (about 5–7 minutes).
6.Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
7. In the same pan, add 1 tbsp of reserved sun-dried tomato oil and vegan butter.
8.Sauté garlic until fragrant and golden brown.
9.Pour in vegetable broth and white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
10. Whisk in flour, followed by oat milk (or cashew cream) and vegan cheese.
11. Stir in tomato paste, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, and chili flakes.
12.Reduce heat and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
13.While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
14.Add vegan gnocchi and cook according to package instructions (about 3–4 minutes).
15.Drain the gnocchi, reserving 1/4–1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 5: Combine Everything
16.Add the crispy tofu and cooked gnocchi to the sauce, stirring gently to coat everything.
17.If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
18.Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
19.Plate the gnocchi and tofu mixture, topping with fresh basil for extra flavor.
20. Serve warm and enjoy your Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi!
Notes
•No white wine? Substitute with extra vegetable broth or a splash of lemon juice.
•Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free gnocchi and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative.
•Soy-Free? Swap tofu with chickpeas or pan-seared oyster mushrooms.
•Make It Cheesier: Add extra vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for a stronger cheesy flavor.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: SAUTE
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
If you love this recipe, share it with friends and tag your creations on social media! #VeganMarryMeTofu
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I’m Billy, a classically trained culinary school graduate from The Culinary Institute of America with over 12 years in the restaurant industry and over 19 years of cooking experience.
