Contributed by Joslyn Lim on Ninja's Recipe Sharing Group.
Check out more vegetarian recipes on Joslyn's Instagram page.
"These tender tofu balls are in a sweet, mild spicy and full of umami flavour sauce. An amazing alternative to Italian meatballs!"
Ingredients for Tofu Balls:
- 2 blocks of extra firm tofu/tau kwa
- 4-6 large shiitake mushrooms
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (tamari/liquid aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground white pepper
- 1/2 tsp five-spice powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp sesame oil
Ingredients for Tomato Sauce:
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 red chili (finely chopped)
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp five-spice powder
- half can of tomato puree
- 2 tbsp chili paste
- 1 tsp dried basil flakes / 2 dried bay leaves
- 1 cup of water
- Some lime juice
- Coconut sugar and salt to taste.
Method (Tofu balls):
- 1. Start by pressing the extra firm tofu and then chop with shiitake mushroom using the "Chop Function" from Ninja Intellisense Kitchen System (Precision Processor).
- 2. Once the tofu and mushrooms are finely chopped, pour it into a mixing bowl and mix with salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Roll the tofu ball in your hand and shape it according to the size of your preference.
- 3. You may brush the tofu ball with oil (Optional). Preheat the Ninja Foodi OP300 to 180°C and bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown. Flip the tofu ball carefully halfway through.
- 4. Pour the sauce over the tofu balls and it's ready to serve!
Images by Joslyn Lim