Name: The Best Vegan Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1/2 unit yellow onion (roughly chopped); 2/3 cup soaked sunflower seeds (*); 8 ounces cremini mushrooms (quartered); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley ((optional)); 2 teaspoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Black pepper (to taste); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes ((optional)); 1 teaspoon fennel seeds ((optional)); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup rolled oats ((gluten-free if necessary)); 7 ounces extra-firm tofu (grated (1/2 block)); 1 15.5-ounce can garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed); 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed; 1/4 cup vegan Worcestershire sauce; Spray or cooking oil (for frying/baking)

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a plate of hearty meatballs. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, The Best Vegan Meatballs are here to save the day. Packed with flavor, these meatballs are made from wholesome ingredients that provide a satisfying texture and taste. Serve them with spaghetti, toss them in a sub, or enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce—these versatile bites are sure to impress.

Reasons to Love The Best Vegan Meatballs

There are countless reasons to love The Best Vegan Meatballs. They are:

Flavorful: Each bite is bursting with a medley of spices and umami from ingredients like cremini mushrooms and nutritional yeast.
Nutritious: Packed with protein from chickpeas and sunflower seeds, they make for a healthy meal option.
Easy to make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip these up in no time.
Customizable: Feel free to modify the spices or add your favorite herbs to make them your own.
Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and store them for later—perfect for quick meals on busy nights.

Ingredient Checklist

To make The Best Vegan Meatballs, gather the following ingredients:

1/2 yellow onion, roughly chopped
2/3 cup soaked sunflower seeds*
8 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
2 teaspoons olive oil
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Black pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon fennel seeds (optional)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if necessary)
7 ounces extra-firm tofu, grated (1/2 block)
1 15.5-ounce can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1/4 cup vegan Worcestershire sauce
Spray or cooking oil for frying/baking

Kitchen Gear Checklist

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following kitchen gear on hand:

Food processor: Essential for blending the ingredients into a cohesive mixture.
Baking sheet: A non-stick or parchment-lined baking sheet to bake your meatballs.
Large mixing bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate measurements of all ingredients.
Spoon or cookie scoop: For portioning out the meatballs.

Make The Best Vegan Meatballs: A Simple Method

Follow these easy steps to create The Best Vegan Meatballs:

Step 1: Prepare the Sunflower Seeds

In a bowl, soak the sunflower seeds in water for at least 2 hours. This helps to soften them and enhances their flavor. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add the quartered cremini mushrooms and continue to sauté until they are tender and browned, about 5-7 more minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a food processor, combine the sautéed vegetables, soaked sunflower seeds, nutritional yeast, tomato paste, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds, salt, rolled oats, grated tofu, rinsed chickpeas, ground flaxseed, and vegan Worcestershire sauce. Pulse until well combined but still slightly chunky.

Step 4: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form the mixture into balls about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake or Fry

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray the meatballs lightly with cooking oil, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and firm. Alternatively, for a crispy texture, pan-fry them in a skillet over medium heat until browned on all sides.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, serve your The Best Vegan Meatballs with spaghetti, in a sub, or with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the delightful flavors and textures!

Substitutions by Category

If you need to make adjustments or substitutions, consider the following:

Seeds/Nuts: Substitute sunflower seeds with pumpkin seeds or hemp seeds for varied flavors.
Beans: If you don’t have chickpeas, use black beans or lentils instead.
Oats: For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Spices: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices according to your taste preferences.

Cook’s Commentary

For added flavor, consider mixing in some sautéed garlic or shallots.
If you prefer a bit of sweetness, you can add a teaspoon of maple syrup or agave to balance the flavors.
These meatballs are perfect for meal prep; make a double batch and freeze them for easy weeknight dinners.
Try serving them on top of a salad for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Save for Later: Storage Tips

To store your The Best Vegan Meatballs:

Refrigerate cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen. They will keep for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or microwave until heated through.

Troubleshooting Q&A

Why are my vegan meatballs falling apart?

If your meatballs are crumbling, it may be due to not enough binding agents. Adding more ground flaxseed or oats can help hold everything together.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free rolled oats and ensure that your other ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce, are gluten-free as well.

How can I make these meatballs spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the mixture for an extra kick.

What can I serve with vegan meatballs?

These meatballs pair beautifully with spaghetti, in a vegan meatball sub, or even served over a bed of zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter option.

Bring It to the Table

Now that you’ve mastered The Best Vegan Meatballs, gather your friends and family around the table to share this delicious dish. It’s perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying a cozy night in. With their rich flavors and satisfying texture, these vegan meatballs will leave everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a dish that will impress even the most discerning eaters. Happy cooking!