Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Crispy tofu in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is a quick and delicious dinner that’s better than takeout. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to crispy tofu is to press it first. The crispy texture pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. Start by pressing the tofu, then cut it into cubes. In a pan, sauté the tofu until crispy, then set it aside. In the same pan, make the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Add the tofu back to the pan, coat it in the sauce, and serve over rice or pasta. Keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Chicken Avocado Wrap Recipe for Quick Dinner and Easy Homemade Vegan Salami Recipe for Plant-Based Dinner.
Why This Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
- Creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is rich and flavorful
- Quick and easy dinner, perfect for busy weeknights
- Better than takeout, healthier, and more affordable
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
- Garlic
- Onion
- Cream
- Vegetable broth
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Basil
- Optional: Parsley
- Optional: Red pepper flakes
- Optional: Vegan parmesan
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Tofu: Extra-firm tofu works best for this recipe.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the richest flavor.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Tofu Press — Presses tofu to remove excess water, ensuring crispy texture. → See on Amazon
- Immersion Blender — Makes smooth and creamy sauce in minutes. → 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 or paper towels. Place a heavy object on top and let it sit for 15-30 minutes to press out excess water.
- Cut the tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Cook the tofu: In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Cook until softened. Add sun-dried tomatoes, vegetable broth, and cream. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir in cornstarch mixed with water to thicken further.
- Combine and serve: Add the tofu back to the pan, coat it in the sauce, and serve over rice or pasta.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
- Pressing tofu: Pressing tofu is crucial for a crispy texture. Don't skip this step.
- Common mistake and fix: If your sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
- Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your liking.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over medium heat.
Storing & Reheating Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
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: For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Best substitution: If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes and a bit of tomato paste for a similar flavor.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
- Troubleshooting: If the tofu is not crispy, it may not have been pressed long enough. Try pressing it again and cooking it longer.
Want to level up this recipe?
Non-stick pan — Ensures even cooking and easy cleanup. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Extra-firm tofu
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Garlic
- Onion
- Cream
- Vegetable broth
- Cornstarch
Seasonings
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Basil
Optional Toppings
- Parsley
- Red pepper flakes
- Vegan parmesan
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Place a heavy object on top and let it sit for 15-30 minutes to press out excess water.
- Cut the tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into 1-inch cubes.
- Cook the tofu: In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add the tofu cubes and cook until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Cook until softened. Add sun-dried tomatoes, vegetable broth, and cream. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir in cornstarch mixed with water to thicken further.
- Combine and serve: Add the tofu back to the pan, coat it in the sauce, and serve over rice or pasta.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Best substitution: If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes and a bit of tomato paste for a similar flavor.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to serve more people.
- Troubleshooting: If the tofu is not crispy, it may not have been pressed long enough. Try pressing it again and cooking it longer.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container 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 sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 10g
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, the sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. The tofu is best cooked fresh for the best texture.
The tofu may not have been pressed long enough. Try pressing it again and cooking it longer. Also, ensure your pan is hot enough and not overcrowded with tofu.
Not recommended for freezing. The texture of the tofu will change when frozen.
Yes, you can press and cook the tofu in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes. Then follow the same steps to make the sauce and combine.
This recipe is great served over rice, pasta, or with a side of steamed vegetables.
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!
