Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Crispy tofu in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is a quick and easy dinner that’s better than takeout. 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 cashews for a rich, flavorful meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Moroccan Harissa Lentil Soup and Fresh Thai Mango Green Papaya Salad with Chili Lime Dressing.
Why This Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Better than takeout
- Ready in 20 minutes
- Creamy, rich, and flavorful sauce
- Perfectly crispy tofu
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
- Cashews
- Garlic
- Onion
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Olive oil
- Optional: Fresh basil
- Optional: Red pepper flakes
- Optional: Vegan parmesan
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Tofu: Press the tofu before frying for better texture.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Tofu press — Presses out excess water for crispier tofu. → See on Amazon
- High-speed blender — Blends cashews into a smooth, 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 press out as much liquid as possible.
- Cook the tofu: Cut the tofu into cubes and fry in a pan until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Blend sun-dried tomatoes, cashews, garlic, onion, and seasonings until smooth. Cook in the same pan until thickened.
- Combine and serve: Add the tofu back to the pan, toss to coat in the sauce. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil and red pepper flakes.
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.
- : For a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes.
- : Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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 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 this dish.
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 key to getting it crispy.
- Best substitution: Chickpeas can be used instead of tofu for a different texture.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
Want to level up this recipe?
Cast iron skillet — Evenly cooks the tofu and heats the sauce perfectly. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Extra firm tofu
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Cashews
- Garlic
- Onion
Seasonings
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Olive oil
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil
- Red pepper flakes
- Vegan parmesan
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and press out as much liquid as possible.
- Cook the tofu: Cut the tofu into cubes and fry in a pan until crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Blend sun-dried tomatoes, cashews, garlic, onion, and seasonings until smooth. Cook in the same pan until thickened.
- Combine and serve: Add the tofu back to the pan, toss to coat in the sauce. Serve hot, topped with fresh basil and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Chef tip: Pressing the tofu is key to getting it crispy.
- Best substitution: Chickpeas can be used instead of tofu for a different texture.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or halved.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended for this dish.
- 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: 350
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 4g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner FAQs
Make sure to press the tofu before frying. Also, ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the tofu.
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead of time. Reheat when ready to serve.
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Always check your ingredient labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
No, this dish is not suitable for freezing.
This dish goes well with a side of Fresh Thai Mango Green Papaya Salad with Chili Lime Dressing or Creamy Moroccan Harissa Lentil Soup for Dinner.
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!
