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

Get ready to fall head over heels with this Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free! Recipe. It’s a comforting, rich dish that perfectly balances crispy tofu with pillowy gnocchi swimming in a luscious, garlicky sauce—you’ll want to make this again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free! Recipe plays a special role, from the crispy tofu’s perfect texture to the sauce’s rich depth and the gnocchi’s pillowy bite—simple components that come together effortlessly for a crowd-pleasing meal.

• Extra-firm tofu: Make sure to press it well to get that perfect crisp on the outside and tender inside.
• Arrowroot starch: This helps create a seriously crispy coating without frying in excess oil.
• Garlic and vegan butter: They form the aromatic base of the sauce, delivering comforting warmth.
• Vegetable broth & white wine: For deglazing and adding a subtle depth of flavor.
• Oat milk or cashew cream: These dairy-free options make the sauce beautifully creamy and smooth.
• Tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes: They add a rich, umami-packed tang that makes this sauce unforgettable.
• Vegan cheese (parmesan or mozzarella): For that melty, cheesy element minus the dairy.
• Vegan gnocchi: Soft, tender, and perfect for soaking up all that flavorful sauce.
• Fresh herbs & chili flakes: Parsley, basil, and a little heat bring brightness and punch to the dish.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations

One of the best parts of this Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free! Recipe is how wonderfully adaptable it is—you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor cravings without losing any of that cozy appeal.

• Swap the tofu: Use tempeh or crispy seitan if you want a different texture or protein source.
• Use different plant milks: Almond or soy milk can be used instead of oat or cashew cream, just watch the consistency.
• Change up the cheese: Nutritional yeast works if you want a nutty cheesy vibe without processed vegan cheese.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in spinach, mushrooms, or kale to make it even heartier and colorful.

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

Step 1: Prepare and Press the Tofu

Start by pressing your tofu to remove excess water—this step is key! Whether you have a tofu press or wrap it in a towel and weigh it down, pressing for at least an hour helps the tofu crisp up beautifully when cooked. Once pressed, cut it into cubes and toss with arrowroot starch, a pinch of sea salt and pepper to prep it for frying.

Step 2: Crisp the Tofu

Heat vegan butter in a large skillet and pan-fry the arrowroot-coated tofu cubes until every side turns golden and irresistibly crispy. This creates that satisfying crunch that makes this dish so special. Once done, set the tofu aside in a bowl while you move on to the sauce.

Step 3: Start Cooking the Sauce

In your skillet, sauté garlic cloves in vegan butter mixed with a tablespoon of reserved sun-dried tomato oil until fragrant and golden—this aroma is pure magic. Then deglaze the pan with vegetable broth and white wine, scraping up those flavorful brown bits for a savory base.

Step 4: Build and Thicken the Sauce

Add oat milk or cashew cream and whisk in flour and your choice of vegan cheese to create creamy richness. Stir in chopped parsley and a pinch of chili flakes to awaken the flavors. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the sauce thickens into a silky, dreamy consistency.

Step 5: Add Tomato Paste and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Fold in the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, seasoning with sea salt and pepper to taste. Cover and let this marry me sauce simmer gently for about 5 more minutes so the flavors meld beautifully—this is the heart of the dish.

Step 6: Cook the Gnocchi

While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your vegan gnocchi according to package instructions—usually around 3 to 4 minutes until they float to the surface. Reserve a bit of the pasta water for thinning the sauce if needed.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Gently stir the crispy tofu and cooked gnocchi into the simmering sauce, adding reserved pasta water if your sauce feels too thick. Let everything warm through and absorb the rich flavors, ensuring each bite is pure comfort in a bowl.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Plate up your delicious creation and top with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and herbal brightness. This final touch takes the dish from tasty to unforgettable—now dig in and savor every creamy, crispy bite!

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

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil and parsley are perfect garnishes that add vivid color and fresh flavor contrast to the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of red chili flakes or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can bring an extra layer of warmth and richness, making every forkful sing with flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with bright, crisp side salads like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts. A slice of crusty, toasted vegan bread is also fantastic for sopping up any leftover marry me sauce—you definitely don’t want to waste a drop!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish in rustic white bowls for a cozy feel or on elegant plates for dinner parties. Scatter chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs on top just before serving to enhance visual appeal. A lemon wedge on the side adds a zesty pop for guests who like a bit of brightness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the tofu separate if you want to preserve its crispiness, then reintroduce it just before serving again.

Freezing

While the sauce and gnocchi freeze well, tofu tends to lose crispiness after thawing. If freezing, place sauce and gnocchi in a freezer-safe container and use within 1 month. Reheat gently and crisp tofu fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently to warm through. Add a splash of water or plant milk if the sauce thickened too much. For tofu, quickly pan-fry again to bring back some of its original crisp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s as comforting as a warm hug yet packed with exciting textures and flavors, this Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free! Recipe is your new go-to. It’s easy to make, joyful to eat, and perfect for sharing or indulging anytime you want something truly special. Give it a try—you just might be dazzled!

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