Tofu Meatballs in Sweet & Sour Sauce

Ingredients

• 21 ounces of white firm tofu
• 1 shallot (or 1/2 onion)
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tbsp dry minced wood ear mushrooms (soaked in warm water for 20 minutes)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 3/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp saté (optional)
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 small chili (finely chopped)
• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1/4 tsp five-spice powder
• 1 tsp cornstarch diluted in 4 tbsp water
• 3 tbsp chopped green onions

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Tofu Balls ---

2. 2

   Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

3. 3

   Place the tofu in a nut milk bag and press it to drain excess water, depending on the tofu, you should remove 1/4 cup to 1/3 cup of water. This step is essential; otherwise, the balls won't hold together if the tofu is too moist. Transfer the drained tofu to a mixing bowl and set aside.

4. 4

   Very finely mince the shallot, garlic, and dried mushroom. If you have a food processor, pulse a few times to get a fine mixture. Make sure the shallot and mushrooms are finely minced; otherwise, the balls won't hold together well. Add the minced onion, garlic, and mushroom to the tofu bowl.

5. 5

   Next, add the seasonings: maple syrup, soy sauce, ground black pepper, salt, and saté if using. Mix well until fully combined. You should have a soft mixture.

6. 6

   Form 2 and 1/2 tbsp balls and roll them gently between your hands. The balls will be quite soft but should hold together well. Place the tofu balls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through baking (be gentle when flipping to not break them). Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 10 minutes before removing from the baking sheet.

7. 7

   --- Sweet & Sour Sauce ---

8. 8

   Cut off the core of the tomatoes and place them in a blender with 1/4 cup of water and a clove of garlic. Blend until you get a smooth tomato purée.

9. 9

   Heat the tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, fry the chili for about 2 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the tomato purée. Bring back the heat to medium and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the tomato purée has turned into a deep red color.

10. 10

    Pour in the soy sauce, maple syrup, and five-spice, and cook for 2 more minutes. Add the diluted cornstarch and stir to combine. Cook for one more minute, or until the sauce has thickened.

11. 11

    Next, add the tofu balls, and cook for 5 more minutes, stirring regularly to coat the balls with the sauce.

12. 12

    Top with chopped green onions, and serve on top of rice, noodles, or with sautéed greens! Tofu balls are best served immediately but will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.