Tasty Tofu Walnut ‘Meatballs’: A Vegetarian Delight
Welcome to my recipe for delicious and nutritious Tofu Walnut “Meatballs” – the perfect plant-based main dish for any occasion. Whether you are a vegan, vegetarian or meat lover, you will be amazed by the texture, flavor and health benefits of these amazing tofu meatballs.
As a vegan chef, I believe there’s no need to sacrifice flavor or nutrition when it comes to deciding on what to cook. With this recipe, you will enjoy a fulfilling meal that satisfies your taste buds as well as your hunger. Not only is it packed with plant-based protein from the extra firm tofu and walnuts, but also provides fiber-rich oats, minerals and healthy fats.
Traditional meatballs are usually high in saturated fat and cholesterol which can negatively impact our health over time. In contrast, these vegan meatballs made with tofu and walnut are low in fat and calories yet high in nutrients that support our wellbeing.
But don’t just take my word for it – let your taste buds be the judge! Whether you’re new to vegan cuisine or looking for an easy make-ahead meal option, keep reading to discover just how easy it is to whip up these delightful vegan meatballs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a hearty and delicious vegan recipe that will satisfy your cravings for meat? Look no further than these amazing tofu walnut “meatballs”! These little balls of plant-based goodness are packed with flavor and are sure to satisfy even the most die-hard meat lover. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
Firstly, these meatballs are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time at all. And if you’re short on time, you’ll be happy to know that they’re also incredibly versatile. You can bake them, fry them, or even cook them in your slow cooker!
But what really sets these meatballs apart is the texture. Thanks to the combination of extra-firm tofu and chopped walnuts, they have a satisfying “meaty” texture that’s both tender and chewy. And when combined with savory seasonings like soy sauce, onion powder, and garlic powder, they pack a serious flavor punch.
Best of all, these tofu walnut “meatballs” are 100% vegan and gluten-free, making them a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal that’s quick and easy to make or a dish to impress your vegan friends at your next dinner party, these delicious meatless meatballs won’t disappoint.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try! We guarantee that once you’ve tasted these tasty tofu walnut “meatballs”, you won’t even miss the real thing.
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredients you will need to create these delicious tofu walnut meatballs. Don’t worry; this recipe only requires our five simple vegan ingredients that you most likely already have in your kitchen.
Here are the five main components of our recipe:
1. Extra Firm Tofu (16 oz)
We will use extra firm tofu for this recipe since it has the right texture and will hold together best when used in meatballs.
2. Oats (1/2 cup)
Oats will be used to add structure to meatballs, and it is also a great binder, replacing traditional breadcrumbs that contain gluten.
3. Walnuts (1 cup)
Walnuts add a delicious nutty flavor and texture to the meatballs, making them crunchy on the outside and soft inside.
4. Soy Sauce (3 Tbsp)
Soy sauce is a great ingredient that adds saltiness, umami flavor, and an excellent depth of flavor to the meatballs.
5. Spices
Our recipe includes garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to add more flavor to our meatballs.
In addition to these ingredients, you’ll also need water, olive oil for frying, and additional salt or soy sauce for seasoning. Now that we’ve covered the necessary components let’s move on to preparing this beautiful dish!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have covered the ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe. This recipe is quite simple and can be made relatively quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Step 1: Prepare the Walnuts and Tofu
Firstly, take 1 cup of walnuts and grind them in a food processor until they turn into coarse crumbs. Next, take 14 oz of extra firm tofu and crumble it using your hands.
Step 2: Mix All Ingredients Together
Add 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, and 1 tbsp of soy sauce to the crumbled tofu. Then, add in the ground walnuts to the mixture. Use a spoon or your clean hand to mix all ingredients thoroughly until you form dough-like mixture.
Step 3: Shape Meatballs
Scoop about 2 tbsp of mixture and roll it into ball shapes (around golf-ball size) with your hands until all mixture is used up. The amount should make about 12-15 meatballs.
Step 4: Bake Meatballs
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place each formed meatball on the prepared baking sheet around two inches apart from each other. Brush generously with olive oil or any cooking oil of your preference.
Bake for around 20-25 minutes or until nice golden brown color formed up. Turn the meatballs over halfway through to get an even crispy result.
Congratulations! You did a fantastic job making these scrumptious tofu walnut meatballs! There’s no need to worry if you have any leftovers as these vegan meatballs are great served hot or cold!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about cooking is that you can always customize and experiment with recipes to fit your preferences or dietary restrictions. And with this tofu walnut “meatballs” recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can make to create a dish that suits your taste buds.
Firstly, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute the oats in the recipe with certified gluten-free rolled oats or use quinoa flakes instead. You could also swap out the walnuts for other nuts or seeds such as almonds, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
If you are allergic to nuts, omit the walnuts entirely and add some cooked black beans to the mix for a protein boost. Chickpea flour is another nut-free alternative that can provide good texture and flavor to vegan meatballs.
Additionally, if you want to add more depth of flavor to your meatballs, try mixing in some finely chopped mushrooms during the preparation process or adding some nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. Adding 1-2 tablespoons of miso paste instead of soy sauce will give them an umami punch with less saltiness.
To make these into lentil meatballs: swap out tofu with cooked lentils (you need about 3 cups cooked) and blend with seasonings as per recipe.
These versatile vegan meatballs are perfect served over pasta and tomato sauce but they also go well in other dishes such as sandwiches, wraps or rice bowls. The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving these tofu walnut meatballs!
Serving and Pairing
These Tofu Walnut “Meatballs” are truly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
1) In Spaghetti: Serve these meatballs with some hearty spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce. The result? A comforting, classic dish that is completely plant-based and packed with flavor.
2) On Salad: These protein-packed meatballs pair perfectly with a fresh, crisp salad. Top your favorite greens with these tasty meatballs and drizzle them with a zesty vinaigrette for a light and refreshing meal.
3) As an Appetizer: Whip up a batch of these meatballs for your next gathering, and watch as they fly off the plate! Serve them with toothpicks and an assortment of dipping sauces for a fun, finger-food experience.
4) On Their Own: These savory “meatballs” can be enjoyed all on their own as a satisfying main course. Pair them with your favorite sides like steamed veggies, roasted potatoes or rice to create a complete, plant-based meal.
No matter how you choose to serve these delicious tofu walnut “meatballs,” one thing is for certain: they are sure to satisfy any appetite and leave you feeling full and content.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Good news! These tofu walnut “meatballs” are perfect for meal prepping, storing and reheating. Here are some tips to help you with make-ahead and storage.
Make-Ahead: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month. This makes them perfect to bring for lunch, dinner or a potluck party. You can easily double or triple the recipe and make it your go-to meal prep option.
Storing: If you want to store the meatballs in the fridge, let them cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. Be sure that the container is big enough for the meatballs to fit without being squished, as this could cause them to lose their shape. If you’re storing them in the freezer, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It’s important to label and date each container so that you know how long they’ve been stored.
Reheating: To reheat your stored tofu walnut “meatballs,” simply remove them from the fridge/freezer and let them thaw if necessary. You can either reheat them in a microwave-safe dish for 45-60 seconds, or heat them up in a pan with some olive oil over medium heat until they’re warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until they’re hot all the way through.
These tofu walnut “meatballs” are incredibly versatile and make a great addition to any meal. You can serve them with pasta and marinara sauce, make an irresistible meatball sub sandwich with some vegan cheese on top, or just have a few as a protein-packed snack. With these easy make-ahead options, it’s never been easier to have delicious and comforting vegan meatballs ready whenever you want them!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making tofu walnut “meatballs,” there are a few tips and tricks that can help ensure perfect results every time. As an articulate assistant to a vegan chef, I’ve learned some of the secrets to the best vegan meatballs made from this powerful plant-based protein source.
Firstly, be sure to use extra firm tofu. This type of tofu has less water and more protein than softer varieties, which can crumble easily when being molded into balls. It’s also essential to press all of the liquid out of the tofu before using it in your recipe. Place the tofu block between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel, place something heavy on top such as a cast iron skillet, and let it sit for 15-30 minutes until most of the water is drained.
Another secret to great vegan meatballs is having a good food processor. This is especially important when making the walnut breadcrumb mixture that will hold everything together. If you don’t have a food processor, you can chop the walnuts by hand and mix everything together in a large bowl using your hands, but it may not achieve the same consistency.
To get the perfect texture and flavor, add some oats to absorb any excess moisture in the mixture. This will also make sure that everything sticks together nicely and turns out moist rather than dry or crumbly. Adding a sprinkle of salt, onion powder, garlic powder, soy sauce and olive oil adds depth of flavour.
It’s important to keep in mind that these vegan meatballs will not taste like traditional meatballs made with beef or pork, but they do have their unique deliciousness that’s worth giving them a try! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs too when making these meatballs. For example cumin gives them an extra kick while smoked paprika adds smoky depth.
Lastly, bake your tofu walnut meatballs at a high temperature (400°F) for crispy gold outsides and perfectly cooked insides without making them too dry. Serve as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauces or add tomato sauce on pasta for traditional comforting dish!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Tofu Walnut “Meatballs” recipe is a delicious and nutritious option for anyone looking for vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free alternatives to traditional meatballs. With just a handful of ingredients and five easy steps, you can whip up a batch of these vegan meatballs in no time.
Whether you’re a die-hard vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The combination of protein-packed tofu and fiber-rich oats makes for a hearty and filling main dish that will leave you feeling fueled and satisfied.
So why not give this recipe a try? Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you. And with so many variations and substitutions to choose from, you can customize these vegan meatballs to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
Remember, cooking vegan doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With simple recipes like this one, you can enjoy delicious, healthy meals without sacrificing flavor or convenience. So print out this recipe, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some truly tasty tofu walnut “meatballs”!
Tofu Walnut “meatballs” (Vegan) Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups bread, torn into small pieces
- 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup oats, quick-cooking
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons vegan chicken seasoning (Chicknish, Butler's Chick-Style, or other)
- 16 ounces extra firm tofu
- 1/2 cup water (if needed)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Mix first 4 ingredients in a large bowl.
- Add seasonings and mix until combined.
- Drain tofu and crumble with hands into the meatball mixture, mix.
- Add soy sauce and mix until all ingredients are incorporated.
- With clean hands, roll about a tablespoon's worth of mixture into a ball. If it is too dry to stick together, up to 1/2 cup water can be added. (I don't ever have to add water.).
- Continue to roll mixture into balls, and place onto a greased baking sheet, an inch or two apart. I use a cookie dough scoop to get mine a uniform size.
- Bake at 350 for 30-40 minutes (depending on size), until nicely browned.
- Cool and transfer to container or bag for freezing, or serve hot as desired.
- (These work well as appetizers, or as part of a main dish with barbecue sauce, brown gravy, vegan stroganoff sauce, or Asian sauces.).
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.