If you are on the hunt for a dish that combines bold, vibrant flavors with comforting textures, look no further than the Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free Recipe. This dish brings together irresistibly crispy tofu and pillowy gnocchi, all smothered in a luscious, garlicky tomato cream sauce that is totally plant-based and free of any dairy. It hits all the right notes—crisp, creamy, tangy, and spicy—making it a perfect meal to impress your loved ones or treat yourself on any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a white pan with a gold handle, there are several small cubes of tofu being cooked. The tofu pieces are light beige with slight golden brown spots and some small dark specks. A white spatula with a light wooden handle is seen inside the pan, touching a few tofu cubes. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here has been carefully chosen to create a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, yet the list remains straightforward and easy to shop for. From the crisp arrowroot-coated tofu to the rich vegan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, each element plays a crucial role in making this dish truly special.

16 ounces extra-firm tofu: Pressed and cubed, this forms the crispy protein base of the dish.
1 tbsp arrowroot starch: Perfect for giving the tofu an unbeatable crunch.
Sea salt + pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors.
2 tbsp vegan butter: Adds richness and helps create that golden sauté on garlic and tofu.
7–8 large garlic cloves: Infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base for simmering the sauce.
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish with a zesty, fresh contrast.
1 1/2 cups oat milk or cashew cream: Creates a creamy texture that’s completely dairy-free.
2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to just the right consistency.
2 tbsp tomato paste: Packs in umami and rich tomato flavor.
1/2 cup vegan cheese (parmesan or mozzarella): Melts into the sauce for indulgent creaminess.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herby brightness at the end.
1–2 tsp red chili flakes: Brings a gentle kick of spice that elevates the dish.
1 6-ounce jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a concentrated sweetness.
Sun-dried tomato oil (reserved 1 tbsp): Adds an extra layer of richness and deep tomato notes.
16 ounces vegan gnocchi: Soft, tender dumplings that soak up the delicious sauce perfectly.
Fresh basil to top: Garnishes the dish with a pop of green and fresh herbal aroma.

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

Step 1: Prepare and Press the Tofu

Start by pressing your extra-firm tofu to remove as much moisture as possible—this is the secret to getting it nice and crispy later on. Cube the tofu evenly to ensure every bite gets that perfect crunchy exterior. Toss the cubes with arrowroot starch and a pinch of salt and pepper for that vital seasoning and texture boost.

Step 2: Crisp the Tofu

Heat vegan butter in a large pan and fry the coated tofu cubes until they turn golden and crunchy on all sides. The arrowroot starch gives the tofu a wonderfully crisp coating that contrasts beautifully with the soft gnocchi and creamy sauce. Set the crispy tofu aside for now while you move on to the sauce.

Step 3: Start Boiling Water for Gnocchi

While crisping the tofu, get a large pot of salted water boiling. The gnocchi will cook quickly once it hits the water, so bringing it to a boil early ensures everything comes together smoothly.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Sauce Base

In the same pan you used for the tofu, sauté the minced garlic in vegan butter with a tablespoon of the reserved sun-dried tomato oil. Cook until the garlic is golden and fragrant, which will infuse the sauce with incredible depth. This step is crucial for a rich, flavorsome base.

Step 5: Add Liquids and Thicken the Sauce

Deglaze the pan by adding vegetable broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up any tasty browned bits. Stir in oat milk or cashew cream with the flour to thicken, then melt in vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for creaminess. Toss in the parsley and chili flakes here to build layers of flavor. Let everything simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce with Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir the tomato paste and chopped sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce, seasoning with sea salt and freshly cracked pepper. Cover the pan and let it simmer on low for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.

Step 7: Cook the Vegan Gnocchi

Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water and cook following package instructions or until they float—the universal sign they’re ready. Scoop out the gnocchi, reserving a bit of pasta water in case the sauce needs loosening.

Step 8: Combine and Heat Through

Gently fold the crisp tofu and cooked gnocchi into the tomato garlic sauce, stirring carefully to coat everything evenly. If your sauce feels too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until the texture is velvety and smooth.

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

A white speckled bowl contains a thick orange-brown sauce with soft gnocchi pieces in it, each dumpling coated well and slightly shiny. The gnocchi are plump and golden, sitting in a creamy sauce with visible herbs and small green sprigs scattered on top. The sauce has a smooth texture with tiny black pepper bits spread evenly, all placed on a white marbled surface with a folded white cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil leaves which lend a fresh, aromatic note that complements the rich and zesty sauce. Adding another pinch of red chili flakes will give an exciting spicy kick for those who love some heat.

Side Dishes

This Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free Recipe pairs beautifully with lightly steamed or roasted green vegetables like asparagus or broccolini. A crisp, simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette also balances the richness perfectly and brings some crunchy freshness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish in rustic bowls with torn basil and parsley scattered on top for an inviting, homey feel. For a romantic dinner, plate it elegantly on large white dishes, topping each serving with a drizzle of sun-dried tomato oil and delicate basil leaves to impress your special guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tofu and gnocchi absorb the sauce beautifully even as leftovers, making for delicious next-day meals.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly after thawing. For best quality, freeze the tofu and sauce separately from the gnocchi, and thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet on medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or oat milk to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid microwaving for a better texture on tofu and sauce components.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tofu for this recipe?

Extra-firm tofu is best for this recipe as it holds its shape during cooking and crisps up nicely. Silken or soft tofu would be too delicate and likely fall apart in the sauce.

What can I substitute if I don’t have arrowroot starch?

Cornstarch or tapioca starch are good alternatives that will also create a crispy coating on the tofu.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat that comes from the red chili flakes, which you can adjust to your taste or omit completely for a milder dish.

Can I make homemade gnocchi instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade gnocchi works wonderfully and adds a lovely personal touch. Just make sure they are cooked until they float to ensure perfect doneness.

What vegan cheeses work best in this recipe?

Vegan parmesan-style cheeses provide a salty umami flavor, while vegan mozzarella adds melty creaminess. Nutritional yeast is also a great option if you want to keep things simple and pantry-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Marry Me Crispy Tofu with Gnocchi – Vegan & Dairy Free Recipe is one of those dishes that truly feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its combination of crispy tofu, tender gnocchi, and a dreamy tomato cream sauce, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation. Give it a try and see how this plant-based masterpiece can win hearts and satisfy cravings in the most delicious way possible.