If you have been searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, comforting texture, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, the Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful vegan meal combines crispy, golden tofu with pillowy gnocchi swimming in a luscious garlic and tomato-infused sauce that’s both creamy and satisfying. Every bite offers a beautiful balance of hearty richness, exciting spice from red chili flakes, and the freshness of herbs that make this dish truly unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or just treating yourself, this recipe will have you hooked from the very first forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi Recipe shines because of its simple, thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in bringing together a medley of textures and flavors that complement each other perfectly, making the cooking process feel effortless and utterly rewarding.
- 16 ounces extra-firm tofu: Pressed and cubed for that perfect crispy texture.
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch: Helps give the tofu a golden, crunchy crust.
- Sea salt + pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout.
- 2 tbsp vegan butter: Adds creamy richness and helps crisp the tofu.
- 7-8 large garlic cloves: Provides aromatic depth and savoriness.
- 1 1/2 cups (360 mL) vegetable broth: Forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) white wine*: Adds acidity and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups (360 mL) oat milk or cashew cream: Creates the luscious creamy texture.
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour*: Thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Brings vibrant color and tangy depth.
- 1/2 cup vegan cheese (parmesan or mozzarella): Provides salty, melty goodness.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal notes.
- 1-2 tsp red chili flakes: Adds a subtle kick to excite your taste buds.
- 1 6-ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (reserve 1 tbsp oil): Infuses the sauce with intense tomato flavor.
- 16 ounces vegan gnocchi (homemade or store bought*): The perfect pillowy carbohydrate partner.
- Fresh basil to top: Fresh herbaceous finish that elevates the entire dish.
How to Make Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Tofu
Start by pressing your extra-firm tofu to ensure all excess moisture is removed—this is crucial for achieving maximum crispiness. Once pressed, cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes and toss them in arrowroot starch with a sprinkle of sea salt and pepper. This coating will create that irresistibly crunchy exterior we all love.
Step 2: Crisp the Tofu
Heat vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat and pan-fry your coated tofu cubes until golden brown on all sides. This step locks in that satisfying crunch and adds a buttery layer of flavor. Once perfectly crispy, transfer the tofu back into a bowl and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Prep the Sauce Base
Bring a large pot of water to boil for cooking the gnocchi. While waiting for the water, prepare the sauce right in the same pan by starting with sautéing the garlic cloves in vegan butter mixed with the reserved sun-dried tomato oil. This aromatic mix is the foundation of the sauce’s rich flavor profile.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Deglaze the garlic-infused pan with the vegetable broth and white wine, stirring to lift any flavorful bits from the bottom. Slowly whisk in oat milk or cashew cream alongside the flour, and then melt in your choice of vegan cheese. Stir in chopped parsley and red chili flakes for freshness and a subtle heat. Let this simmer gently to thicken for 2 to 3 minutes, building a luscious sauce that clings to every bite.
Step 5: Add Tomato & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Mix in the tomato paste and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, seasoning with sea salt and pepper to taste. Cover and let the sauce continue to simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and marry beautifully.
Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi
By now, your boiling water should be ready. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, typically 3 to 4 minutes. Keep about a quarter cup to half a cup of the cooking water—isn’t it clever how pasta water often saves the sauce? It helps loosen it up if needed.
Step 7: Combine and Finish
Gently fold the crispy tofu and gnocchi into the simmering sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you get the perfect creamy consistency. Let everything meld together for a minute or two on low heat, so each gnocchi and tofu bite gets coated in that dreamy sauce.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Dish out this epic Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi Recipe into bowls, finishing with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil. The colors, aromas, and textures all come together in one stunning plate that promises comfort, warmth, and a touch of elegance.
How to Serve Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
To make your dish even more inviting, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving. Adding a dash of red chili flakes or a drizzle of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil gives an extra pop of flavor and a beautiful glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with light, crisp side salads or steamed greens like spinach or broccolini. Their freshness balances the creamy richness of the tofu and gnocchi. To impress guests, serve alongside crusty garlic bread or a simple roasted vegetable medley.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the gnocchi and tofu on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra sauce and chili flakes for self-dressing. Or plate it elegantly in shallow bowls, layering tofu pieces on top to showcase their crispiness. Presentation is your chance to show off the irresistible beauty of this dish!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it rests, so be prepared to loosen it with a bit of water or plant milk when reheating.
Freezing
Because of the creamy sauce and gnocchi texture, freezing is not recommended. The gnocchi may become mushy and the sauce could separate. It’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh for the most delicious experience.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the sauce smooth and evenly coating the tofu and gnocchi. If needed, add small amounts of vegetable broth or oat milk to bring back its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of oat milk or cashew cream?
Absolutely! If you’re not strictly vegan or dairy-free, regular milk or cream will work fine. Just keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly and reduce the dish’s vegan-friendly status.
What if I don’t have arrowroot starch? Can I use cornstarch?
Cornstarch is a fine substitute for arrowroot starch in this recipe and will help achieve that crispy tofu exterior just as well.
Is it possible to make the gnocchi from scratch for this recipe?
Definitely! Homemade gnocchi has a lovely fresh texture that complements this recipe perfectly, but store-bought vegan gnocchi is a wonderful shortcut without compromising on taste.
How spicy is the Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi Recipe?
The red chili flakes add a moderate warmth that you can adjust to your liking. If you prefer it milder, feel free to reduce the amount or omit entirely.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose and choose gluten-free gnocchi and vegan cheese options. Double-check all ingredients to keep it safe.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi Recipe is truly a hidden gem that brings comfort, excitement, and a hint of romance to your dining table. It’s approachable enough for weeknight cooking yet impressive enough to serve guests. Don’t hesitate to dive in and discover how wonderful plant-based cooking can be when flavors and textures come together this perfectly. Trust me, once you try it, you might just want to make it a regular in your recipe rotation!
Print
Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Vegan, Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious and creamy vegan dish featuring crispy tofu and tender gnocchi in a rich, garlicky tomato sauce, perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Tofu and Coating
- 16 ounces extra-firm tofu
- 1 tbsp arrowroot starch
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp vegan butter
- 7–8 large garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 cups (360 mL) vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup (120 mL) white wine*
- 1 1/2 cups (360 mL) oat milk or cashew cream
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour*
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup vegan cheese (parmesan or vegan mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1–2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 6-ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (reserve 1 tbsp oil)
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
Gnocchi
- 16 ounces vegan gnocchi (homemade or store bought*)
- Fresh basil, for topping
Instructions
- Prep the Tofu: Press the tofu using a tofu press or by placing it under weight for 1-2 hours to remove excess moisture. Cube the pressed tofu and toss it in a bowl with arrowroot starch, sea salt, and pepper to coat evenly.
- Crisp the Tofu: Heat vegan butter in a large pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the arrowroot-coated tofu cubes until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove the tofu from the pan and set aside in a bowl.
- Boil Water for Gnocchi: Begin heating a large pot of water to a boil, so it’s ready by the time the sauce finishes.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same or a separate large pan or skillet, melt vegan butter along with 1 tbsp of reserved sun-dried tomato oil. Add the minced garlic cloves and sauté until they turn golden brown, releasing their aroma.
- Deglaze and Create Sauce Base: Pour in the vegetable broth and white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor. Stir in the oat milk or cashew cream, followed by the all-purpose flour and vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. Mix well until smooth.
- Add Herbs and Simmer: Stir in chopped fresh parsley and red chili flakes to taste. Reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Finish the Sauce: Add in the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pan and allow the sauce to cook on a low simmer for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
- Cook Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook for 3-4 minutes or according to package instructions, until the gnocchi float to the surface. Reserve 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooking water before draining.
- Combine Tofu and Gnocchi with Sauce: Add the crispy tofu and cooked gnocchi to the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Gently mix to combine all ingredients well.
- Serve: Dish out the gnocchi and tofu mixture onto plates or bowls. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately. Enjoy your comforting Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi!
Notes
- Pressing tofu beforehand is key to achieving crispy texture.
- White wine can be omitted or replaced with additional vegetable broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Store-bought vegan cream or oat milk works well, but homemade cashew cream adds extra richness.
- You can adjust the chili flakes according to your spice preference.
- Reserving some pasta water helps to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
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