Looking for delicious and satisfying vegan recipe ideas? These incredibly tender, meaty, and smoky vegan meatballs are just what you need! Whether served with pasta and marinara sauce, added to stews, or paired with your favorite gravy, these plant-based meatballs will impress even the most dedicated meat lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably Meaty Texture: Thanks to a unique blend of soy curls and vital wheat gluten, these vegan meatballs offer an authentic, meat-like chewiness.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just 11 basic ingredients, you can whip up these meatballs in no time.
- Perfect for Sauces and Stews: Unlike other plant-based options, these meatballs hold their shape well and won’t fall apart in sauces or soups.
- High-Protein Meal: Each serving packs over 23g of protein, making it a fantastic plant-based protein source.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering vegan meatballs:
- 1 cup soy curls
- 1/2 cup cooked white navy beans
- 3 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1/4 tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/8 tsp liquid smoke
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup vital wheat gluten
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Rehydrate the Soy Curls
Place the soy curls in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 15–20 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to remove any soybean flavor. Squeeze out excess moisture.
2. Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, blend the cooked navy beans, oil, nutritional yeast, soy sauce, sugar, onion powder, smoked paprika, dark soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, and water until smooth.
3. Process the Soy Curls
Add the rehydrated soy curls to the food processor and pulse for a few seconds until they reach a finely chopped texture. Be careful not to over-process!
4. Add the Vital Wheat Gluten
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and mix in the vital wheat gluten until it forms a thick paste similar to ground meat.
5. Shape and Steam the Meatballs
Divide the mixture into small balls (about 1.5 tablespoons each) and shape them with your hands. Place them in a steamer and steam for 50 minutes.
6. Cool and Serve
Once steamed, let the meatballs cool for at least 15 minutes. Then, sauté them in a pan until golden brown before adding them to your favorite dishes.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile vegan meatballs can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Tossed in a Sauce: Pair them with marinara, Buffalo sauce, or char siu glaze.
- Cooked in a Gravy: Simmer in a creamy mushroom or Swedish-style sauce.
- Stuffed in a Sandwich: Add them to a hearty sub or banh mi for a flavorful bite.
- Served with Grains: Place them over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Vegan Meatballs
- Measure Vital Wheat Gluten Correctly: Spoon it into a measuring cup and level it off rather than scooping directly.
- Don’t Let the Mixture Sit Too Long: Once the gluten is added, shape the meatballs immediately to maintain the right texture.
- Avoid Substitutions: This recipe is carefully balanced, and ingredient changes may affect the final texture.
Freezing and Storage
These meatballs freeze exceptionally well! Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Unfortunately, no. Vital wheat gluten is essential for the texture of this recipe.
Can I bake these instead of steaming?
You can bake them after steaming, but steaming is necessary to cook the wheat gluten and keep the meatballs moist.
How long do they last in the fridge?
They will stay fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use them in stews or soups?
Absolutely! These meatballs hold their shape well in liquid-based dishes.
Final Thoughts
These are hands-down the best vegan meatballs you’ll ever try! Their perfect texture, smoky flavor, and protein-packed goodness make them an excellent addition to your collection of vegan recipe ideas. Give them a try, and they might just become a new favorite in your kitchen!