Tofu Balls
Crisp and flavorful tofu balls packed with garlic, herbs, and ground walnuts, perfect as an appetizer or main dish for vegans and vegetarians alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Press water out of the tofu, placing plates or a weighted cutting board on top for 1/2 hour.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic, chopped onion, grated carrot, and chopped green pepper until tender.
- In a large bowl, combine sautéed vegetables with dried basil, dried oregano, eggs, bread crumbs, ground walnuts, Dijon mustard, sesame oil, soy sauce, and black pepper.
- Crumble the pressed tofu into the mixture and mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and firm.
- Serve hot with your favorite sauce or as part of a main course.
Tips & Substitutions
For a variation, consider adding grated zucchini or finely chopped mushrooms to the mixture for added moisture and flavor. If you don't have ground walnuts, any nut or seed can work as a substitute. You can also use flax eggs instead of chicken eggs for a vegan option. Make sure the tofu is well-pressed to avoid soggy balls.
Serving Suggestions
These tofu balls are fantastic served with a dipping sauce like sweet chili or tahini. They make a great addition to a salad or can be served alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a delightful pairing, try them with Quick French Onion Soup for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tofu balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they regain their crispiness. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tofu Balls contains roughly 1049 calories, with 17g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 93g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (82% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (46% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1980mg per serving (86% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these tofu balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before forming and baking the balls. Just be sure to tightly cover the bowl to maintain freshness.
What can I serve with tofu balls?
Tofu balls pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or as part of a grain bowl. They also go great with dips like hummus or tzatziki for a fun appetizer.
How do I know when the tofu balls are done baking?
The tofu balls are done when they are golden brown and firm to the touch. You can also test one by gently pressing it; if it holds its shape and feels set, they are ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).