Marry Me Tofu

Ingredients

• 1 block extra-firm tofu (Pressed and torn into bite-sized pieces; approximately 14 oz (397 g).)
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 2 tsp paprika (For the tofu coating.)
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning (For the tofu coating.)
• 2 tsp salt (For the tofu coating.)
• black pepper (To taste.)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp olive oil (For coating the tofu.)
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil (For the sauce.)
• 1 tsp red chili flakes (Adjust to taste.)
• 1 yellow onion (Diced; approximately 1 medium onion.)
• 2 tbsp Calabrian chili paste
• 2 tbsp garlic (Minced.)
• 0.25 cup sun-dried tomatoes (Chopped.)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika (For the sauce.)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (For the sauce.)
• 0.5 cup vegetable broth (The creator used Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Base.)
• 0.25 cup heavy cream
• fresh cilantro (Chopped; use as much as desired.)
• steamed rice (For serving; estimate 2 cups cooked rice.)

Steps

1. 1

   Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then tear it by hand into irregular, bite-sized pieces. The torn edges will become especially crisp during air-frying.

2. 2

   Place the torn tofu in a bowl. Add the nutritional yeast, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, cornstarch, olive oil, and soy sauce. Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated and lightly dusted with the seasoning mixture.

3. 3

   Preheat an air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated tofu in the basket in as close to a single layer as possible.

4. 4

   Air-fry the tofu for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Continue until the pieces are crisp and golden on the irregular edges.

5. 5

   While the tofu cooks, heat the olive oil for the sauce in a skillet over medium heat.

6. 6

   Add the red chili flakes, diced onion, Calabrian chili paste, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the skillet.

7. 7

   Sauté the sauce base for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion begins to soften and the garlic and spices are fragrant. Do not let the garlic scorch.

8. 8

   Pour in the vegetable broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine the liquids with the tomato and chili mixture.

9. 9

   Reduce the heat to low and simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is slightly thickened and creamy.

10. 10

    Add the crispy air-fried tofu and chopped fresh cilantro to the skillet.

11. 11

    Gently toss the tofu in the sauce until every piece is coated, taking care not to break the crisp pieces apart.

12. 12

    Serve the Marry Me Tofu over warm steamed rice and finish with additional chopped cilantro if desired.

Notes

The sauce is spicy; reduce the red chili flakes or Calabrian chili paste to taste. Serve immediately for the best contrast between the crisp tofu and creamy sauce.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• vegetarian
• air-fried
• crispy tofu
• spicy
• comfort food
• weeknight dinner