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Crispy air-fried tofu balls glazed in a sticky, flavorful soy garlic sauce, served as a snack, appetizer, or main with rice or noodles.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 tofu balls or plant-based meatballs of your choice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar
  • ½ tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp room temperature water
  • ½ tbsp corn starch
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 scallion, chopped (green and white parts separated)
  • ½ small shallot or red onion, diced
  • ½ red bell pepper, diced and seeded

Instructions

  1. Press tofu well to remove excess moisture if making tofu balls from scratch so they hold together and crisp.
  2. Crisp tofu balls in an air fryer or oven until golden and firm.
  3. Whisk together minced garlic, Chinese black (or rice) vinegar, soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, room-temperature water, and corn starch in a small bowl.
  4. Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat and add neutral oil.
  5. Add the white parts of the scallion and sauté about 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Add diced shallot (or red onion) and diced red bell pepper and cook until the pepper softens; add any additional veggies now.
  7. Do not crowd the pan when stir-frying or glazing; work in batches if needed.
  8. Give the sauce a quick whisk, pour it into the pan, and simmer over medium heat, stirring often.
  9. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil and simmer until glossy and thickened.
  10. Add the crisped tofu balls to the pan, toss to coat thoroughly, and simmer in the sauce for 2–3 minutes.
  11. Turn off the heat and remove the pan from the burner.

Notes

Mix the sauce just before using and stir before pouring as cornstarch settles at the bottom., Press tofu extra well to remove moisture for best crispiness., Do not overcrowd pan to ensure even cooking and coating., Sauté garlic gently to avoid bitterness., Adjust sauce thickness by adding water or simmering longer., Crisp tofu balls first for best texture before glazing.

  • Author: Ashley
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5 tofu balls per serving
  • Calories: Approximately 250 kcal per serving
  • Fat: 10g per serving
  • Carbohydrates: 20g per serving
  • Protein: 15g per serving