Get ready to transform your boring tofu into a mouthwatering sensation that will have everyone begging for seconds! These crispy, golden Tofu Balls are not just another vegetarian dish – they're a culinary adventure that combines Asian-inspired flavors with a tantalizing sweet and spicy kick that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a tofu skeptic or a plant-based food lover, these irresistible bite-sized delights are about to change the way you think about vegetarian cooking forever!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
Instructions
- Drain tofu block and press between paper towels or clean kitchen towel for 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Pat completely dry.
- Crumble the pressed tofu into a large mixing bowl using your hands or a fork, creating small, fine crumbles.
- Add breadcrumbs, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, and ginger powder to the tofu. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Fold in chopped green onions, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Using clean hands, form the mixture into small, uniform balls approximately 1-inch in diameter. Compact them firmly so they hold together.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place tofu balls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning, until they are golden and crispy on the outside.
- While baking, prepare the sweet spicy sauce by mixing sweet chili sauce and sriracha in a small bowl.
- Remove tofu balls from oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, drizzled with the sweet spicy sauce or use as a dipping sauce on the side.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Make sure to press your tofu thoroughly. The drier the tofu, the crispier and more cohesive your balls will be. Use a tofu press or stack heavy books on paper towel-wrapped tofu for maximum moisture removal.
- Binding is Key: If your mixture seems too crumbly, add an extra tablespoon of breadcrumbs or a beaten egg to help the balls hold together better.
- Size Matters: Keep your tofu balls uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon for consistent sizing.
- Crispy Perfection: For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the tofu balls with cooking oil before baking, or finish them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes for a golden-brown exterior.
- Sauce Hack: Customize your sweet spicy sauce by adjusting the ratio of sweet chili sauce to sriracha. More sriracha for heat lovers, more sweet chili sauce for those who prefer a milder kick!
- Make Ahead Friendly: These tofu balls can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking. They also freeze well for up to a month, making them a perfect meal prep option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
