Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Crispy tofu in creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is a quick and easy dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting the tofu perfectly crispy is to press it first. The creamy sauce is made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and coconut milk, making it rich and flavorful. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Keto Zucchini Parmesan Fritters with Sour Cream Dip and Classic Creamy Potato Gratin Recipe for Easy Dinner Sides.
Why This Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
- Rich and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce
- Easy to make and ready in 30 minutes
- Healthy and packed with protein
What You'll Need for Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- Extra-firm tofu
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Coconut milk
- Garlic
- Basil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Olive oil
- Optional: Parsley
- Optional: Vegan parmesan
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Tofu: Pressing the tofu is crucial for getting it crispy.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Tofu Press — Ensures perfectly crispy tofu → See on Amazon
- Immersion Blender — Makes smooth and creamy sauce → See on Amazon
How to Make Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
- Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to press out the liquid.
- Cut the tofu: Cut the tofu into cubes and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Fry the tofu: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook until crispy on all sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes, coconut milk, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Combine and serve: Add the tofu back to the pan and coat in the sauce. Serve hot with optional toppings.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
- Common mistake and fix: Don't skip pressing the tofu. It's the key to getting it crispy.
- Substitution: You can use canned tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes if you prefer.
- Make-ahead: The tofu can be pressed and cut ahead of time. The sauce can also be made ahead and reheated.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: The tofu can be pressed and cut ahead of time. The sauce can also be made ahead and reheated.
Freezing Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Not recommended for freezing.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Pressing the tofu is crucial for getting it crispy.
- Best substitution: You can use canned tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes if you prefer.
- Make-ahead: The tofu can be pressed and cut ahead of time. The sauce can also be made ahead and reheated.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
Want to level up this recipe?
Non-stick pan — Ensures the tofu doesn't stick and cooks evenly → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Extra-firm tofu
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Coconut milk
- Garlic
- Basil
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Parsley
- Vegan parmesan
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to press out the liquid.
- Cut the tofu: Cut the tofu into cubes and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Fry the tofu: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook until crispy on all sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes, coconut milk, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Combine and serve: Add the tofu back to the pan and coat in the sauce. Serve hot with optional toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: Pressing the tofu is crucial for getting it crispy.
- Best substitution: You can use canned tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes if you prefer.
- Make-ahead: The tofu can be pressed and cut ahead of time. The sauce can also be made ahead and reheated.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Make ahead: The tofu can be pressed and cut ahead of time. The sauce can also be made ahead and reheated.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 3g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner FAQs
Yes, you can press and cut the tofu ahead of time. The sauce can also be made ahead and reheated.
You likely skipped pressing the tofu. This is crucial for getting it crispy.
Yes, you can cook the tofu in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Canned tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
Use a non-stick pan and make sure it's well-oiled before adding the tofu.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
