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Irresistible vegan chicken balls coated in sweet and sour sauce.

Vegan Chicken Balls

These Vegan Chicken Balls are packed with protein and flavor, combining extra-firm tofu and a blend of spices for a delightful plant-based comfort food option.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Plant-Based, Vegan
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Vegan Chicken Balls
  • 350 grams Extra-firm tofu Ensure it’s well-pressed to remove excess moisture.
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper Use white pepper for milder taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Paprika Smoked paprika can add a deeper flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Nutritional yeast Provides a cheesy flavor; skip if preferred.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vegan chicken stock powder Regular vegetable broth works too.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sesame oil Olive oil can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder Ensure it’s fresh for effectiveness.
  • 1 cup Water (divided) Essential for moistening the mixture.
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch Creates a crispy exterior; not needed if avoiding starch.
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup Swap with BBQ sauce for a different taste.
  • 1/2 cup White vinegar Lemon juice is a good alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar Use agave or maple syrup if desired.

Method
 

For the Sweet and Sour Sauce
  1. Mix together ketchup, water, white vinegar, and brown sugar in a saucepan.
  2. Cook on medium heat until the sauce thickens.
For the Vegan Chicken Balls
  1. Crumble the tofu into a large bowl and mix in all the dry ingredients until incorporated.
  2. Slowly add in water until a thick batter forms.
  3. Mold the mixture into balls and coat with breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
  4. Fry or bake until golden brown.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. You can freeze the uncooked balls before frying. To cook from frozen, simply add a few extra minutes to the frying time.