Chinese No-meat Balls

Vegetarian Chinese No-meat Balls Recipe - Made with Soy Crumbles, Ginger, and Garlic

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chinese No-meat Balls are a delicious and flavorful vegetarian alternative to traditional meatballs. Made with beef-flavored soy crumbles and a savory sauce, these meatballs are sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Chinese meatball recipes, which are typically made with ground meat such as pork or beef. By using soy crumbles as a meat substitute, this recipe offers a vegetarian twist on a classic dish.

Ingredients

1 package (14 oz (397 g)) beef-flavored soy crumbles [1]
2 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp sugar
2 tsp rice vinegar
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp lower-sodium soy sauce
1 cup vegetable broth
1.5 tsp dark sesame oil
2 tsp minced fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced

How to prepare

Mix together the soy crumbles, 2 tsp of fresh ginger, and 1 clove of garlic.
Form the mixture into 24 balls, each measuring 1 inch in diameter.
Brown the balls in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Meanwhile, combine the cornstarch, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and vegetable broth. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat 0.5 tsp of sesame oil over medium heat.
Add the ginger and garlic and cook briefly, making sure not to let them brown.
Stir in the vegetable broth mixture and heat until boiling, stirring occasionally.
Mix in the green onions and remaining 1 tsp of sesame oil, then remove from heat.
Pour the sauce over the browned meatballs.
Serve warm with toothpicks.

Variations

Substitute the soy crumbles with ground tofu for a different texture.
Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatball mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

References

↑ Morningstar Ground Meatless, Green Giant Harvest Burgers for Recipes and Lightlife Gimme Lean are a few of the soy crumble choices.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to brown the meatballs evenly on all sides for a crispy exterior.

- Adjust the seasoning of the sauce to suit your taste preferences.

- Serve the meatballs with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chinese No-meat Balls as an appetizer or main dish with steamed rice or noodles.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meatballs before adding the sauce helps to develop a rich flavor.

- Simmering the meatballs in the sauce allows them to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

- Substitute vegetable broth with mushroom broth for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Reheat them in the sauce before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the meatballs on a platter garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Chinese No-meat Balls with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chinese No-meat Balls contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chinese No-meat Balls contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chinese No-meat Balls contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Chinese No-meat Balls contains approximately 10 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chinese No-meat Balls are a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Chinese No-meat Balls are a nutritious and delicious vegetarian dish that is high in protein and low in fat. They are a great option for those looking to reduce their meat consumption without sacrificing flavor.

Summary

Chinese No-meat Balls are a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Enjoy these meatballs as an appetizer or main dish for a tasty and nutritious meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was visiting my friend Lily in her cozy kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I could smell the delicious aroma of spices and herbs wafting through the air.

Lily greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she handed me a cup of steaming hot tea. As we sat down at her kitchen table, she pulled out a worn and tattered cookbook from her shelf. It was filled with all sorts of exotic recipes from around the world, and one in particular caught my eye - Chinese No-meat Balls.

As I flipped through the pages, I could see that this recipe was a vegetarian twist on a classic Chinese dish. Instead of using traditional meat, it called for a mixture of tofu, mushrooms, and a variety of seasonings to create a flavorful and satisfying alternative.

Lily explained to me that she had learned this recipe from a dear friend of hers who had spent time living in China. She said that it was a favorite among her family and friends, and that she was excited to share it with me.

I watched intently as Lily gathered all the ingredients needed for the recipe. Tofu, mushrooms, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a few other key ingredients were all laid out on the kitchen counter. I could hardly contain my excitement as she began to chop and mix everything together.

As the scent of the herbs and spices filled the room, I could feel my mouth watering in anticipation. Lily shaped the mixture into small balls and placed them on a baking sheet, ready to be cooked to perfection.

After a short time in the oven, the Chinese No-meat Balls were done. The aroma that filled the kitchen was simply intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste them.

I took a bite of the first ball, and my taste buds exploded with flavor. The combination of the tofu and mushrooms, paired with the savory seasonings, created a dish that was both comforting and satisfying. I couldn't believe that something so simple could be so delicious.

Lily and I enjoyed the Chinese No-meat Balls together, savoring each bite and sharing stories of our own culinary adventures. As we finished our meal, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I have made the Chinese No-meat Balls many times for my family and friends. Each time, they are met with rave reviews and requests for the recipe. I love sharing this dish with others, knowing that it brings joy and nourishment to those who enjoy it.

I am grateful to Lily for introducing me to this incredible recipe, and for inspiring me to explore new and exciting flavors in my own cooking. The Chinese No-meat Balls will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.