Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Crispy tofu in creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is a quick and delicious dinner idea. After making this many times, I’ve discovered the trick to perfectly crispy tofu every time. The crispy tofu in the rich, tangy sauce is irresistible. Keep reading for my best tips or jump to the recipe card. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Korean Gochujang Butter Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe and Chilled Mediterranean Tomato and Roasted Pepper Soup.
Why This Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner Is Pure Comfort
- Golden crispy tofu with a tender inside
- Rich, tangy sun-dried tomato sauce that's better than takeout
- Easy to make and on the table in 20 minutes
- Perfect for meal prepping and leftovers
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
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Oregano
- Basil
- Optional: Fresh basil
- Optional: Parmesan cheese
- Optional: Balsamic glaze
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Tofu: Press the tofu before cooking for better texture.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Tofu Press — Removes excess water for crispier tofu. → See on Amazon
- Immersion Blender — Smooths the sauce for a creamy texture. → 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 for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the tofu: Cut the tofu into cubes, toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then cook in a pan until crispy.
- Make the sauce: Sauté onion and garlic, add sun-dried tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine and serve: Add the crispy tofu to the sauce, toss to coat, and serve with your choice of toppings.
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 prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
- Time-saving tip: Make a double batch and freeze half for later.
- Nutrition tip: Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a more balanced meal.
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 4 days. Make-ahead tip: Press the tofu and chop the ingredients ahead of time.
Freezing Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Freeze cooked tofu in sauce for up to 2 months.
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: For a spicy version, add a diced jalapeño to the pan when sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Best substitution: Use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes for a chunkier sauce.
- Make-ahead: Press the tofu and chop the ingredients ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water or vegetable broth.
Want to level up this recipe?
Cast Iron Skillet — Even heat distribution for perfectly cooked tofu. → Check price on Amazon
Crispy Tofu in Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce Dinner
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Extra-firm tofu
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Garlic
- Onion
- Canned crushed tomatoes
Seasonings
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Red pepper flakes
- Oregano
- Basil
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 for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the tofu: Cut the tofu into cubes, toss in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then cook in a pan until crispy.
- Make the sauce: Sauté onion and garlic, add sun-dried tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Combine and serve: Add the crispy tofu to the sauce, toss to coat, and serve with your choice of toppings.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy version, add a diced jalapeño to the pan when sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Best substitution: Use canned diced tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes for a chunkier sauce.
- Make-ahead: Press the tofu and chop the ingredients ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little water or vegetable broth.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked tofu in sauce for up to 2 months.
- 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: Press the tofu and chop the ingredients ahead of time.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sat. Fat: 2g
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, press the tofu and chop the ingredients ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge until ready to cook.
You didn't press the tofu long enough or at all. Always press the tofu for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
Yes, toss the tofu cubes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Freeze cooked tofu in sauce in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container once frozen solid.
No, silken tofu is too soft and will not hold its shape when cooked. Use extra-firm or firm tofu instead.
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!
