Tofu Meatballs

Looking for meatless Monday dinner inspiration? These tofu meatballs are a plant-based twist on baked meatball recipes. Tofu may be a surprising alternative to ground meat, but it has a soft and chewy texture that resembles the real deal. Like meat, it’s also a protein-packed ingredient.

To make meatballs out of tofu, we combine extra-firm tofu with bread crumbs, a beaten egg, grated Parmesan, and a blend of Italian herbs and spices. The mixture is rolled into meatballs, and the meatballs are baked in the oven. The result is tofu meatballs that are tender on the inside, crisp on the outside and full of the classic flavors you expect on spaghetti night.

Ingredients for Tofu Meatballs

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• Tofu: A 16-ounce package of tofu acts as the “meat” in our meatballs. Choose extra-firm tofu, which offers the closest texture to actual meat when crumbled. For the best results, drain any liquid the tofu is packaged in, pat the tofu dry with a paper towel and consider pressing the tofu to remove as much liquid as possible before proceeding with the recipe. Well-drained tofu will absorb the most flavor and be easier to shape.
• Bread crumbs: Bread crumbs help the meatball tofu mixture hold together, making it easier to shape. Dry bread crumbs work the best in this recipe since they’ll help absorb moisture from the tofu. You can use plain bread crumbs since we’ll add herbs and spices for flavor.
• Egg: A beaten egg helps bind the meatball mixture together so it doesn’t fall apart when rolling the meatballs or baking them. To make vegan meatballs, replace the egg with an egg substitute, such as a flax or chia egg.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan is the secret to an extra-flavorful tofu meatball recipe. Parmesan adds cheesy, nutty and savory umami notes to the meatballs. For a vegan-friendly alternative, use nutritional yeast, which delivers a cheesy taste without dairy.
• Seasoning: A mix of fresh and dried herbs and spices, including parsley, oregano, basil, garlic powder and onion powder, give the meatballs a classic Italian flavor.
• Olive oil: Brushing the tofu meatballs recipe with a light coating of olive oil helps keep them from drying out during baking and achieve a crisp, golden brown exterior.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the baking sheet

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place a wire rack on top of a 15x10x1-inch baking sheet and coat it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Squeeze water out of the tofu

Crumble the tofu into a clean kitchen towel. Gather the ends of the towel together and squeeze the tofu to drain any excess liquid.

Editor’s Tip: Pressing the liquid out of the tofu helps the meatballs hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart in the oven. Skipping this step is one of the biggest mistakes you can make with tofu. For best results, press the tofu before crumbling it into the towel.

Step 3: Prepare the meatball mixture

Place the crumbled tofu in a large bowl. Add the bread crumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, oregano, basil, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Shape the meatballs

Shape the tofu mixture into 1-1/2-inch balls. Arrange the meatballs on the wire rack, leaving 1-inch of space between them.

Editor’s Tip: A small cookie or ice cream scoop makes it easy to portion the mixture into evenly sized meatballs.

Step 5: Bake the meatballs

Brush the tofu meatballs with olive oil. Bake until golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

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Tofu Meatball Variations

• Customize the seasoning: If you’re not in the mood for Italian flavors, you can transform this tofu meatball recipe into a new flavor by adding or substituting other herbs and spices. Here are some ideas:
  • Asian meatballs: Omit the Italian seasonings and add Asian-inspired flavor with fresh minced garlic, grated ginger root and finely chopped green onions.
  • Barbecue meatballs: Season the tofu mixture with chili powder and smoked paprika for a smoky barbecue flavor.
  • Greek meatballs: For a Mediterranean twist, add finely chopped fresh dill and/or mint and substitute crumbled feta cheese for the Parmesan.
  • Spicy meatballs: Add red chili pepper flakes or cayenne pepper along with the other seasonings to give your meatballs some kick.
• Add a glaze or sauce: Topping these meatballs with a ladle of marinara sauce will amp up the Italian flavors. If you experiment with the seasonings mentioned above, try pairing the meatballs with soy sauce, barbecue sauce, tzatziki or ranch for dipping.

How to Store Tofu Meatballs

After baking, allow the meatballs to cool to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight storage container and store the meatballs in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat the meatballs in the microwave, in a 350° oven or on the stovetop in a pot of simmering sauce.

Can you freeze tofu meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze this tofu meatballs recipe. After they’ve cooked and cooled, place the meatballs in a freezer-safe storage container or bag and freeze them for up to three months. You can reheat the meatballs from frozen in a 350° oven or air fryer.

Can you make tofu meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can speed up dinner prep by preparing the meatball mixture and shaping your meatballs in advance. Arrange the uncooked meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, cover with storage wrap and refrigerate for up to two days. Before cooking, coat the meatballs with olive oil and bake as directed.

Tofu Meatball Tips

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Are tofu meatballs good for you?

These tofu meatballs can be a nutritious addition to meals, even if you aren’t strictly vegetarian. The tofu in these meatballs is high in protein, low in saturated fat and naturally free from cholesterol. It’s also a good source of iron and calcium. Because they’re baked, these meatballs are a lighter and healthier option than fried meatballs.

Why are my tofu meatballs falling apart?

Excess moisture in the tofu is the biggest culprit for soggy meatballs that fall apart. Be sure to purchase extra-firm tofu, which has considerably less water than silken tofu, and drain as much liquid as possible from the tofu before adding it to the meatball mixture.

Can you make tofu meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this tofu meatball recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs in the meatball mixture. The other ingredients don’t contain gluten but could be processed in facilities that manufacture gluten-containing foods. If cross-contamination is a concern, ensure the ingredients are certified gluten-free on the label.

Are these tofu meatballs vegetarian?

This tofu meatballs recipe is vegetarian-friendly for vegetarians who consume eggs. If you need an egg-free or vegan version, you can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg. To make a flaxseed egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water and let the mixture sit for five minutes or until thickened.

What can you serve with tofu meatballs?

Tofu meatballs are just as versatile as traditional meatballs, and there are so many ways you can enjoy them. Pair them with sauce and pasta for a spaghetti dinner, add them to a grain bowl with roasted veggies, or slice them and use them as a fun pizza topping. You can even arrange the meatballs on a platter alongside toothpicks and a fun dip, such as creamy ranch or marinara, and serve them as an appetizer.