Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free!

This Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free! is a delightful dish perfect for any occasion, especially date nights. Its creamy and rich sun-dried tomato sauce envelops crispy tofu and tender gnocchi, making it a memorable meal. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing a loved one, this recipe stands out for its flavor and ease of preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of crispy tofu in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce creates a flavor explosion that everyone will love.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
• Vegan & Dairy Free: Enjoy this rich dish without any animal products, making it great for vegans and those avoiding dairy.
• Versatile Ingredients: Substitute ingredients easily based on what you have at home. Use different veggies or pasta types to customize your meal.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve this dish topped with fresh basil for an elegant touch that looks as good as it tastes.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Tools and Preparation

To make Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan
• Pot for boiling water
• Tofu press or heavy weight
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan: This allows you to fry the tofu evenly and prepare the sauce all in one place.
• Pot for boiling water: A large pot ensures that the gnocchi cooks properly without sticking together.
• Tofu press: Pressing the tofu removes excess moisture, helping achieve that desired crispiness when frying.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free!:

For the Tofu:

• 16 ounces extra-firm tofu
• 1 tbsp arrowroot starch
• Sea salt + pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp vegan butter
• 7-8 large garlic cloves
• 1 1/2 cups (360 mL) vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup (120 mL) white apple vinegar
• 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 (either 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 + pepper to taste

For the Gnocchi:

• 16 ounces vegan gnocchi (homemade gnocchi or store bought)
• Fresh basil to top

How to Make Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free!

Step 1: Press the Tofu

Press the tofu using a tofu press or by placing a heavy object on top. Let it sit for about 1-2 hours before you start preparing the recipe. Once pressed, cube the tofu and toss it in a mixing bowl with arrowroot starch, sea salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Fry the Tofu

In a large pan, heat up vegan butter over medium heat. Add the coated tofu cubes and fry until they are golden brown. Once done, set them aside in the bowl.

Step 3: Boil Water for Gnocchi

Begin heating a large pot of water on high heat. You can turn on the heat right before starting your sauce so they cook simultaneously.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same pan used for frying tofu, add more vegan butter along with sautéed garlic cloves until golden brown. Pour in vegetable broth and white apple vinegar to deglaze. Next, add oat milk or cashew cream, flour, vegan cheese, parsley, and optional chili flakes. Stir well and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Step 5: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Mix in tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into your sauce along with sea salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 6: Cook Gnocchi

When your water is boiling, add the gnocchi. Cook according to package instructions or until they float to the surface (about 3-4 minutes). Reserve some pasta water if necessary.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Stir in your fried tofu and cooked gnocchi into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water if your sauce seems too thick.

Step 8: Serve

Plate your delicious Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi topped with fresh basil. Enjoy your delightful vegan meal!

How to Serve Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free!

Serving Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your taste. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and garnishes that enhance its rich flavors and textures.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for a burst of herbal freshness.
• Parsley: Garnish with chopped parsley for added color and flavor.

With A Side Salad

• Mixed Greens: A light salad of mixed greens dressed in balsamic vinaigrette complements the creaminess of the tofu and gnocchi.
• Caesar Salad: A vegan Caesar salad can add crunch and a zesty kick to your meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve toasted garlic bread on the side to scoop up the sauce and enjoy the full flavors.
• Focaccia: Soft focaccia is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Seasonal Veggies: Roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus provide a healthy balance to this rich dish.

How to Perfect Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free!

Perfecting Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi takes just a few simple techniques. Implement these tips for an even more delicious experience.

• Boldly Season Your Tofu: Don’t skimp on seasoning the tofu before frying. This enhances its flavor significantly.
• Use High-Quality Vegan Cream: Opt for a thick and creamy vegan heavy cream for a richer sauce texture.
• Adjust Sauce Thickness: If your sauce turns out too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
• Experiment with Cheese Alternatives: Try different vegan cheese options like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast for varied flavors.
• Add Extra Veggies: Incorporate spinach or kale into the sauce for added nutrition and color.
• Serve Immediately: Enjoy this dish fresh off the stove for the best texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free!

To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi with these delightful side dishes. Each complements the main dish beautifully while adding variety to your dinner table.

1. Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Simple yet flavorful; roast broccoli florets in olive oil, garlic, and sea salt until tender.
2. Classic Caesar Salad: A crisp salad dressed in vegan Caesar dressing adds crunch and zest alongside creamy gnocchi.
3. Lemon Zucchini Noodles: Lightly sautéed zucchini noodles tossed in lemon juice offer a refreshing contrast to rich tofu.
4. Sautéed Spinach with Garlic: Quick-cooked spinach sautéed in garlic provides a nutritious boost packed with flavor.
5. Brussels Sprouts Chips: Baked Brussels sprout leaves seasoned with salt make for a crunchy snack that pairs well.
6. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: This hearty salad filled with olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers brings Mediterranean flair to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free!, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not pressing the tofu properly: If you don’t press the tofu, it will be watery and won’t crisp up well. Make sure to press it for at least an hour before cooking.
• Using too much oil: While oil helps in frying, using too much can make your dish greasy. Stick to 1-2 tablespoons for a perfect balance.
• Overcooking the gnocchi: Cooking gnocchi for too long can lead to a mushy texture. Follow package instructions closely and only cook until they float.
• Skipping the seasoning: Under-seasoning can dull the flavors of your sauce. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper to enhance the dish.
• Rushing the sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer is key for flavor development. Take your time; it’s worth the wait.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free!

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container.
• Best if used within 1-2 months for best taste.

Reheating Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free!

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short increments, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or vegan broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free!

Can I use different types of tofu?

Yes! While extra-firm tofu works best for crispiness, firm tofu can also be used if you adjust cooking times accordingly.

What can I substitute for vegan cheese?

You can use nutritional yeast or any non-dairy cheese alternative you prefer for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free gnocchi and all-purpose flour alternatives like almond flour or cornstarch.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free! is not only delicious but also versatile enough to cater to various dietary preferences. You can customize it by adding seasonal vegetables or adjusting spice levels. This creamy, satisfying dish is perfect for date night or any cozy dinner at home. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!