Description
Soy Garlic Tofu Balls are deliciously pan-fried plant-based meatballs coated in a savory, sweet, and tangy soy garlic sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect for a light meal or appetizer and can be served with rice, noodles, or wraps. The stir-frying method brings out the vibrant flavors of garlic, scallion, and bell pepper combined with a glossy sauce thickened with cornstarch, offering a flavorful vegan-friendly option in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Tofu Balls
- 10 pieces Tofu Balls or other plant-based meatballs of choice
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp room temperature water
- 1/2 tbsp corn starch
Vegetables and Oil
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
- 1 scallion, chopped (green and white parts separated)
- 1/2 small shallot or red onion, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, Chinese black vinegar, soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, room temperature water, and corn starch. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly; adjust quantities to taste if desired.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large pan or wok over medium heat and add the neutral oil. Allow the oil to heat up until shimmering but not smoking.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the white parts of the scallion to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the diced shallot (or red onion) and diced red bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bell peppers are tender, about 3-4 minutes. If you want to include any additional vegetables, stir-fry them now as well.
- Add and Thicken the Sauce: Before adding the sauce to the pan, stir it again to reincorporate the cornstarch that may have settled at the bottom. Pour the sauce into the pan over the sautéed vegetables. Let it simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The sauce will begin to thicken and become glossy as the cornstarch activates and comes to a boil.
- Cook the Tofu Balls: Add the tofu balls (or your choice of plant-based meatballs) into the sauce. Stir gently to coat each ball thoroughly with the sauce. Allow them to cook in the sauce for 2-3 minutes so they absorb flavor and get heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the green parts of the scallion over the dish if desired. Serve the soy garlic tofu balls hot alongside steamed rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce or flatbreads for a delicious vegan meal.
Notes
- You can double the sauce ingredients if using more than 10 tofu balls or adding extra vegetables.
- Adjust the sweetness and acidity of the sauce by modifying sugar and vinegar amounts based on your taste preferences.
- Additional vegetables such as mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots can be stir-fried with the bell pepper for more variety.
- This dish is vegan and can be adapted gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.
- Serve immediately for best texture; tofu balls can become soggy if left too long in sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
