Name: Tofu Meatballs (easy)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 package of of extra-firm Tofu, drained and pressed; ½ cup oat flour; 1 flax egg ((1 tbsp flax meal + 2 tbsp water)); 2 tbsp ketchup, or tomato paste; 2 tbsp miso paste; 1 tbsp dijon mustard; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning mix; 2 tbsp nutritional yeast; 1 tsp of each onion and garlic powder

Easy to make tofu meatballs with less than 10 ingredients. Bake or air-fry these and serve with your favorite sauce, glaze, and sides! Or enjoy just on their own. A delicious and nutritious meat alternative.

Jump to:

💡 The recipe in a nutshell
📋 Ingredients
👩🏽‍🍳 How to make tofu meatballs
🥣 Serving ideas
💭 Common questions
📖 Recipe

tofu meatballs assembled as a pyramid on a plate

💡 The recipe in a nutshell

Vegan (dairy-free & no eggs)
Easy-to-make
Only 10 ingredients
Bake, or air-fry
Delicious and nutritious
Versatile: enjoy on their own, with your favorite sauce or glaze

📋 Ingredients

Tofu: use firm or extra firm, and make sure to drain and press it before using. We recommend using a tofu press, as it is mess-free and easy. However, placing the tofu in between (paper) towels and a few heavy objects on top such as pans, plates or books works too.

Oat Flour: absorbs moisture, enhances flavor, helps bind the meatballs, and adds nutritional value!

Flax Egg: a great vegan egg substitute made with flax seed meal to help bind the meatballs together while adding nutrients such as omega-3s.

Tomato Ketchup or Paste: adds color, flavor, and texture.

Seasonings: since tofu is fairly neutral in flavor we need to give these meatballs the right flavor. Add miso paste, dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, nutritional yeast, onion, and garlic powder.

raw tofu meatballs assembled on baking sheet

👩🏽‍🍳 How to make tofu meatballs

Making tofu meatballs from scratch is easy. Follow these simple steps:

Drain and press tofu in advance. We recommend using a tofu press for it.
Make the meatball mixture by adding all ingredients to a food processor, and pulse until well combined. (The mixture should easily form a ball when pressed together.)
Shape meatballs by rolling them into your hands. Place on a baking sheet or in an air-fryer basket. Brush, or spray with oil.
Bake or air-fry and enjoy on their own, with sauce, or glazed.

You can find a detailed printable recipe at the end of this article.

🥣 Serving ideas

You may ask yourself what to serve with tofu meatballs. Here are some of our favorite foods to pair them with:

tofu meatballs on whole wheat spaghetti with tomato sauce

💭 Common questions

How to store tofu meatballs? Store leftover meatballs in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.

How to reheat tofu meatballs? Reheat tofu meatballs shortly in the oven, in a skillet or saucepan set over medium-low heat, or in the microwave.

Can you freeze tofu meatballs? Yes, you can freeze tofu meatballs. However, keep in mind that freezing tofu alters its texture so it may end up softer than before freezing. Store in a freezer-safe airtight container or bag for up to 3 months. Let balls thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Can I make tofu meatballs for meal prep? Yes, absolutely! This is an awesome recipe for meal prep. Store them pre-cooking, or cooked, in the fridge in an air-tight container for up to 4 to 5 days. Keep away from sauce when storing long term, and add shortly before eating.

📖 Recipe