Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is a quick, easy, and delicious dinner that’s better than takeout. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the crispy tofu and creamy sauce. The trick I discovered is to press the tofu and use cornstarch for a golden crust. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is irresistible, and it’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home. Keep reading for my best tips or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Cucumber and Easy Lemon Curd Chia Pudding for a Refreshing Breakfast.
Why This Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Golden crispy tofu with a perfect texture
- Rich, creamy, and tangy sun-dried tomato sauce
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Better than takeout and healthier too
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
- Creamy sun-dried tomato sauce
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Red pepper flakes
- Optional: Fresh basil
- Optional: Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Balsamic glaze
📝 Ingredient Notes
- Extra-firm tofu: Pressing the tofu is crucial for a crispy texture.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Tofu Press — Presses out excess water for crispy tofu → See on Amazon
- Food Processor — Smooths out sun-dried tomatoes for 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 place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for 15 minutes to press out excess water.
- Prepare the tofu: Cut the tofu into cubes and toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan and add the tofu. Cook until golden and crispy on all sides.
- Make the sauce: In a food processor, combine sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a pan and cook until heated through.
- Combine and serve: Add the crispy tofu to the pan with the sauce. Toss to coat. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
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 a crispy texture.
- Pro tip: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Pro tip: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
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 sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated. The tofu is best cooked fresh.
Freezing Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Not suitable 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 gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the sun-dried tomatoes with fresh tomatoes in the off-season.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the tofu is not crispy, it might not have been pressed enough. Try again and press for longer.
Want to level up this recipe?
Cast Iron Skillet — Even heat distribution for perfect crispy tofu → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Extra-firm tofu
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Garlic
- Creamy sun-dried tomato sauce
Seasonings
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Red pepper flakes
Optional Toppings
- Fresh basil
- Parmesan cheese
- Balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Press the tofu: Wrap the tofu in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top. Let it sit for 15 minutes to press out excess water.
- Prepare the tofu: Cut the tofu into cubes and toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a pan and add the tofu. Cook until golden and crispy on all sides.
- Make the sauce: In a food processor, combine sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a pan and cook until heated through.
- Combine and serve: Add the crispy tofu to the pan with the sauce. Toss to coat. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Best substitution: You can substitute the sun-dried tomatoes with fresh tomatoes in the off-season.
- Make-ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Scaling: This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the tofu is not crispy, it might not have been pressed enough. Try again and press for longer.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not suitable 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. The tofu is best cooked fresh.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbs: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- 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 sauce can be made ahead of time. The tofu is best cooked fresh for optimal crispiness.
The key to crispy tofu is to press out as much water as possible. Make sure to press the tofu for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
Yes, you can make the tofu in the air fryer for a healthier version. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
This recipe pairs well with Easy Roasted Beet Salad with Feta and Cucumber or Easy Lemon Curd Chia Pudding for a refreshing breakfast.
Yes, you can use canned tomatoes instead. However, the flavor will be slightly different. For a more authentic taste, use sun-dried tomatoes.
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!
