Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Crispy tofu in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is a quick, easy dinner that’s packed with flavor. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to getting the tofu crispy is to pat it dry and press it first. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is rich and comforting, perfect for a cozy dinner at home. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Crispy Dill Pickle Parmesan Chicken Recipe for Dinner and Creamy Cauliflower Sausage Kale Soup Recipe.
Why This Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- The tofu gets perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is rich, tangy, and full of flavor.
- This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights.
- It's a great source of plant-based 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
- Garlic
- Onion
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Optional: Fresh basil
- Optional: Parmesan cheese
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess moisture for better texture.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Tofu Press — Pressing tofu removes excess moisture, making it crispier. → See on Amazon
- Immersion Blender — An immersion blender makes it easy to blend the sauce right in the pan. → 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 press out as much liquid as possible.
- Cut the tofu: Cut the tofu into cubes.
- Cook the tofu: Heat olive oil in a pan, add the tofu, and cook until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Cook the onions and garlic: In the same pan, cook the onions and garlic until softened.
- Blend the sauce: Add the sun-dried tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Combine and serve: Add the tofu back to the pan, stir to combine, and serve with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
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, but the flavor won't be as rich.
- Make-ahead: The tofu can be pressed and cut ahead of time. The sauce can be made ahead of time 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 be made ahead of time and reheated.
Freezing Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
This dish does not freeze well.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 10-15 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: Pressing the tofu is key to getting it crispy.
- Best substitution: You can use canned tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes, but the flavor won't be as rich.
- Make-ahead: The tofu can be pressed and cut ahead of time. The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If the tofu isn't crisping, it might be because it's not dry enough. Try patting it dry again and adding more oil to the pan.
Want to level up this recipe?
Non-stick pan — A good 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
- Garlic
- Onion
Seasonings
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and press out as much liquid as possible.
- Cut the tofu: Cut the tofu into cubes.
- Cook the tofu: Heat olive oil in a pan, add the tofu, and cook until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Cook the onions and garlic: In the same pan, cook the onions and garlic until softened.
- Blend the sauce: Add the sun-dried tomatoes, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Combine and serve: Add the tofu back to the pan, stir to combine, and serve with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Chef tip: Pressing the tofu is key to getting it crispy.
- Best substitution: You can use canned tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes, but the flavor won't be as rich.
- Make-ahead: The tofu can be pressed and cut ahead of time. The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled.
- Troubleshooting: If the tofu isn't crisping, it might be because it's not dry enough. Try patting it dry again and adding more oil to the pan.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This dish does not freeze well.
- Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°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 be made ahead of time and reheated.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- 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, the tofu can be pressed and cut ahead of time. The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated.
The tofu might not be dry enough. Try patting it dry again and adding more oil to the pan.
Yes, but the flavor won't be as rich.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
No, this dish does not freeze well.
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!
