Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown sphere that's bursting with umami flavor and packed with protein - that's exactly what you'll experience with these mind-blowing Soy Garlic Tofu Balls! Whether you're a vegetarian, a foodie, or just someone looking to spice up their meal routine, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Prepare to transform a humble block of tofu into a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone asking, "Wait, this is really tofu?"
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block firm tofu, pressed and crumbled
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by pressing the tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap the tofu block in clean kitchen towels or paper towels and place a heavy object like a cast-iron skillet on top. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to drain completely.
- Crumble the pressed tofu into a large mixing bowl using your hands or a fork, creating a fine, even texture.
- Add minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch to the crumbled tofu. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture starts to hold together.
- Incorporate breadcrumbs into the mixture, continuing to mix until you can form compact balls that hold their shape.
- Using clean hands, roll the mixture into small, uniform balls approximately 1-inch in diameter. Place the formed balls on a clean plate.
- Heat vegetable or neutral cooking oil in a deep skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to allow the tofu balls to float.
- Carefully drop the tofu balls into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Remove the tofu balls using a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, and serve hot with a dipping sauce like sweet chili or soy-based sauce.
Tips
- Pressing is paramount: Ensure you remove as much moisture from the tofu as possible. The drier the tofu, the crispier and more cohesive your balls will be.
- Temperature matters: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain oil at 350°F (175°C) for consistent, even browning.
- Don't overcrowd: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure each tofu ball gets perfectly crispy.
- Experiment with seasonings: While this recipe uses garlic and soy sauce, feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to customize the flavor profile.
- Make ahead and reheat: These tofu balls can be made in advance and quickly reheated in an air fryer or oven to maintain their crispiness.
- Dipping sauce is key: Serve with sweet chili, soy-based, or even a spicy sriracha sauce to elevate the flavor experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
