Crispy Tofu and Pork Meatballs

These Crispy Tofu and Pork Meatballs are a delightful combination of tender tofu, savory pork, and aromatic spices. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they’re perfect as appetizers, snacks, or as part of a main dish.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) old tofu
• 2 eggs
• 1 piece ginger, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 3–4 star anise
• 1 small handful Sichuan peppercorns
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced
• 300 g (10.5 oz) pork belly, minced
• 30 g (2 tbsp) bread crumbs
• 30 g (2 tbsp) crispy meat powder (or substitute with more bread crumbs)
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 30 g (2 tbsp) cooking oil for frying

Directions

1. Prepare the Tofu:

• Place the tofu in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of salt and pour in enough boiling water to cover it.
• Let the tofu sit for 1–2 minutes to remove its beany smell. Drain and let cool.

2. Prepare Aromatics:

• In a bowl, combine the ginger slices, chopped green onions, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns. Pour in hot water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain to make aromatic water.

3. Mash the Tofu:

• Once cooled, crumble the tofu into small pieces with your hands or a fork. Add the eggs and mix thoroughly until the tofu and eggs are well combined.

4. Combine Ingredients:

• Add the minced carrot, minced pork belly, bread crumbs, crispy meat powder (or additional bread crumbs), soy sauce, oyster sauce, salt, and pepper to the tofu mixture.
• Gradually mix in the aromatic water while stirring to create a slightly sticky, well-combined mixture.

5. Shape the Meatballs:

• Use your hands to form small meatballs, about the size of a ping-pong ball (approximately 20 grams each).

6. Fry the Meatballs:

• Heat the cooking oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat.
• Fry the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per batch. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

7. Serve:

• Serve the crispy meatballs warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or garlic aioli.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as an appetizer with dipping sauces.
• Pair with steamed rice and sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Add to soups or stews for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips

• Ensure the tofu is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the mixture.
• Adjust seasoning to taste; add more soy sauce or pepper if desired.
• Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.

Nutritional Benefits

• Tofu: A great source of plant-based protein and calcium.
• Carrots: Provide fiber and essential vitamins, such as vitamin A.
• Pork belly: Adds richness and flavor, along with protein.

Dietary Information

• Not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets.
• Gluten-free if using gluten-free breadcrumbs and soy sauce.

Nutritional Facts (per meatball, based on 20 meatballs)

• Calories: 70 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g

Storage

• Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze raw or cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A perfect combination of crispy texture and tender filling.
• Packed with aromatic flavors from ginger, Sichuan peppercorns, and star anise.
• Easy to prepare and versatile for meals or snacks.
• A crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.

Conclusion
These Crispy Tofu and Pork Meatballs are bursting with flavor and texture, making them a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. Perfect as a snack or main dish, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Try them today and enjoy their irresistible taste!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these meatballs vegetarian?
   Yes, replace the pork with finely chopped mushrooms or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
2. What can I use instead of crispy meat powder?
   You can use additional bread crumbs or crushed crackers.
3. How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
   Ensure the mixture is well-combined and not too wet. Adding more breadcrumbs can help bind the mixture.
4. Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?
   Yes, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. What dipping sauces go well with these meatballs?
   Soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or garlic aioli pair beautifully.
6. Can I use ground chicken instead of pork?
   Absolutely, ground chicken works well as a substitute.
7. Can I make the mixture ahead of time?
   Yes, prepare the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before shaping and cooking.
8. How do I reheat leftover meatballs?
   Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
9. Can I add other vegetables to the mixture?
   Yes, finely chopped zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms are great additions.
10. What can I serve these meatballs with?
    Serve with rice, noodles, or as part of a salad for a complete meal.