Tofu meatballs are a fantastic vegan alternative to meat-based meatballs. These vegetarian meatballs are packed with protein and flavor, making them a satisfying option for any meal. The sticky ginger sesame glaze elevates the dish, offering a sweet and savory kick. With the right combination of fresh herbs, spices, and tofu, this recipe creates the best vegan tofu meatballs—perfect for any occasion, whether you’re serving them as finger food or a main course over rice.
What Makes Tofu Meatballs Special?
Tofu meatballs are unique because they combine the texture and versatility of tofu with the flavor-packed punch of traditional meatballs. While they don’t mimic the taste of ground beef directly, tofu absorbs flavors incredibly well, allowing you to create delicious and high-protein tofu meatballs. These meatless meatballs can be seasoned with everything from black pepper and garlic powder to nutritional yeast and onion powder. The result is a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to impress.
Ingredients Overview
Tofu “Meatballs”
- Extra-firm tofu: Essential for creating the right texture. Make sure you press it well to remove excess moisture.
- Flax egg: This vegan egg substitute helps bind the tofu mixture together.
- Green onions: Adds a fresh kick to the tofu mixture.
- BBQ sauce & soy sauce: These sauces give the meatballs a rich umami flavor.
- Flour or breadcrumbs: Binds the mixture together. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Cornstarch: Helps to give the tofu balls a crispy exterior.
- Black pepper: For added depth of flavor.
Glaze Ingredients
- Soy sauce: Forms the savory base of the sticky glaze.
- Sesame oil: Provides a nutty richness to the sauce.
- Agave or honey: The sweetness in the glaze balances the savory notes.
- Garlic & ginger: Fresh flavors that make the glaze pop.
- Lime juice: Adds a zesty brightness to the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
- Cooked rice: Perfect to serve these tofu meatballs over.
- Vegetables of choice: Try cabbage or even sautéed black beans for a hearty side.
- Sesame seeds & green onions: For garnish, giving the dish a crunchy texture and visual appeal.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Extra-firm tofu
The cornerstone of this recipe is extra-firm tofu, which provides structure to your tofu meatballs. Make sure to press it thoroughly using a tofu press to remove excess water. If you don’t have extra-firm tofu, firm tofu will work, but silken tofu is too soft.
Flax egg alternative
The flax egg is a mixture of ground flax seeds and water, used to bind the tofu mixture. You can also use chia seeds or a commercial vegan egg replacer.
Flour and gluten-free options
For those avoiding gluten, gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour work just as well to bind the tofu mixture. You can even use oat flour if you prefer.
Soy sauce variations
If you want a gluten-free option, opt for tamari. Coconut aminos can also be a great substitute if you want a soy-free version.
Helpful Tools for Making Tofu Meatballs
- Tofu press: Removes excess water for the perfect texture.
- Food processor: Helps to break down the tofu quickly, creating a fine crumble.
- Parchment paper: Keeps your tofu balls from sticking when baking or freezing them.
How to Make These Sticky Ginger Sesame Tofu Meatballs Recipe
Preparing the tofu mixture
Press the tofu to remove excess moisture. This is crucial for ensuring the tofu holds its shape when formed into meatballs.
Crumble the tofu into a large bowl using your hands until no large chunks remain. You can also use a food processor for a quicker process.
Make the flax egg by mixing ground flax seeds with water and letting it sit until it forms a gel-like consistency.
Add green onions, soy sauce, BBQ sauce, cornstarch, and flour to the tofu.
Mix until the tofu mixture is cohesive and firm enough to hold its shape.
Forming the tofu meatballs
Use your hands to gently squeeze the tofu mixture into small balls. The mixture should be firm but still malleable.
If desired, place the tofu balls in the fridge for about an hour. This will make them easier to cook.
Cooking the tofu meatballs
Heat a neutral oil (such as olive oil) in a pan over medium heat and fry the tofu balls until they’re golden brown on all sides.
Alternatively, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also use an air fryer for a healthier option.
Sticky Ginger Sesame Glaze Preparation
In a small saucepan, mix together soy sauce, ginger, garlic, lime juice, and agave or honey.
Cook the glaze for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.
Cooking Instructions
Once your tofu balls are golden brown, add the sticky glaze to the pan.
Carefully toss the tofu balls in the glaze, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Let them cook for another minute to absorb the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your tofu meatballs on top of rice with a side of your favorite vegetables. You can also serve them with different sauces like tomato sauce, marinara sauce, or even a simple dipping sauce like teriyaki sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Tofu Meatballs
- Pressing the tofu is essential to avoid excess moisture. It ensures the meatballs hold their shape.
- Meal prep these tofu balls by freezing them for later. Just reheat them in the oven or air fryer for a quick meal.
- Add nutritional yeast for extra flavor or experiment with italian seasoning to switch up the flavor profile.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Store any leftover tofu meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for up to 4 days.
- Freeze tofu meatballs in a recipe box for up to 3 months and reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer.
FAQs
Yes, tofu meatballs freeze beautifully. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Ensure you press the tofu thoroughly and use enough flour or breadcrumbs to bind the mixture.
Absolutely! Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for the binding agent.
Tamari or coconut aminos are excellent alternatives if you’re avoiding soy.
Sticky Ginger Sesame Tofu Meatballs
Ingredients
Tofu "Meatballs"
- 1 block extra firm tofu, drained and pressed
- 2 tbsp ground flax seed and 3 tbsp water
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced (save the tops for garnish)
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (I used dark mushroom soy sauce it's so delicious if you can find it)
- 3-5 tbsp flour or breadcrumbs for binding (I used chickpea flour)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Glaze
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- 1 ½ tbsp agave or honey
- 1 large clove minced garlic
- 1 tbsp minced ginger
- 1-2 tbsp lime juice
To serve
- cooked rice
- cooked vegetable of choice (I used cabbage)
- sesame seeds and green onions for garnish
Instructions
Tofu "Meatballs"
- Start by making your flax "egg" by mixing together the ground flax and water in a small bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, crumble tofu very finely using your hands. There should be no large chunks left behind. Make sure you tofu has been thoroughly pressed to remove all water or the meatballs may not hold their shape.
- Next, add in your green onions, soy sauce, bbq sauce, flax eggs, cornstarch and flour. Mix together and make sure that the consistency is thick and sticks together. Add more flour as needed until they will form easily.
- Use your hands to gently squeeze the batter to form into balls. I find squeezing gently works better than rolling.
- Allow to harden up in the fridge for an hour if desired, this is not necessary but can make them a little easier to cook.
Glaze
- In a small bowl mix together the soy sauce, ginger, garlic, lime juice and agave.
Cooking
- Carefully add the tofu balls into a non-stick pan on medium heat with a little cooking oil of choice.
- Fry them for around 10 minutes, flipping to ensure all sides are golden brown.
- Add the glaze and cook for another minute or until the tofu balls are evenly coated. Stir carefully to prevent the balls from falling apart.
- Serve on top of rice with your favourite vegetable, and top with sesame seeds and green onions. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Conclusion: Sticky Ginger Sesame Tofu Meatballs Recipe
Tofu meatballs are a great way to enjoy a vegetarian version of a classic dish. This super easy recipe is perfect for both seasoned vegans and tofu newbies alike. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving these high-protein tofu meatballs at your next dinner party, they’re sure to be a hit.
These tofu meatballs were amazing! They came out way better than I expected they would and that sticky ginger sauce was so delicious!! I made some rice and other grilled veggies with this and was the perfect meal. I will be coming back to this recipe again!
Thank you SO much! I know I was skeptical of tofu meatballs at first but you just have to try it hahah! I’m so happy you like this enough to make it again! THank you!
This recipe was amazing! I didn’t know tofu could taste so good and would form such great meatballs. I think I will try to make a vegan meatball sub with this recipe. I will let you know how it goes.
Thank you so much Daniella! I will have to put out a recipe with tofu meatballs. I would recommend using tomato paste instead of BBQ sauce, and Italian seasoning in a version for meatball subs. Hope that helps and let me know how it goes! 🙂
This was so good!
I’m so happy you liked it!
Loved these tofu meatballs!
thank you so much!! me too! 🙂
I didn’t know you could make meatballs out of tofu but was so impressed with the way this recipe turned out!!
I know right! SO crazy how versatile tofu is! I’m so happy you loved it 🙂