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SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS
Those Vegan Chefs

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

5 from 1 vote
Asian-style Tofu Meatballs made vegan are a delectable testament to the creative prowess of vegan cuisine. Transforming humble tofu into savory meatballs redefines the classic flavor profile of sweet and sour with a cruelty-free twist.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American, Asian
Calories: 337
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Tofu Meatballs
  • 15 oz tofu firm, pressed and grated
  • 2 Tbsp garbanzo bean flour
  • 1 tsp tapioca starch
  • ¾ cup panko
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 Tbsp ginger fresh, grated on Microplane
  • 1 shallot tiny sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 scallions sliced thinly
  • ¼ tsp red chili flakes
  • ½ tsp mushroom powder
  • ½ tsp 5 spice
  • ¼ tsp salt kosher
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • ½ tsp toasted sesame oil
Sweet and Sour Sauce
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 Tbsp sugar
  • 1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp sweet soy sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 tsp corn starch
  • ½ cup scallion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup pineapple small diced
  • 1 cup sweet peppers thinly sliced
  • 1 cup red onion small diced

Method
 

How to Make Tofu Meatballs
  1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
  2. Press the tofu for 15 minutes. Use a box grater to shred the tofu.
  3. Heat a sauté pan over medium, and add the extra virgin olive oil, minced ginger, garlic, and scallions. Sauté for 2 minutes. Add the red chili flakes, mushroom powder, and salt, and cook for another minute.
  4. Add the miso and cook for another minute.
  5. Turn the heat off, and add the maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar. Stir to combine.
  6. Place the shredded
  7. Tofu in a bowl. Add the panko, and mix to combine. Add the soy sauce.
  8. Stern the garbanzo bean powder and tapioca starch, Gently mix to combine.
  9. Add the cooked ginger and scallions. Mix to combine.
  10. Firmly press a portion of the tofu mixture into your palm, and roll to form a ball that is round and compact. Roll the tofu ball in panko.
  11. Place the tofu balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper lightly coated with sesame oil.
  12. Bake the tofu balls until golden browned and firm about 25 minutes. I usually flip the meatballs midway through cooking to brown both sides.
How to Make Sweet and Sour Sauce
  1. Combine all of the ingredients, and stir to mix.
  2. In a large heavy pan over medium heat, sauté the onion for 1 minute, add the peppers, and cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Add the pineapple cooking for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Combine all of the wet ingredients in a small bowl with the cornstarch and mix.
  5. Pour the sauce onto the vegetables, stirring and cooking until thick.

Notes

Nutritional values are an estimate.