These Filipino Pork and Tofu Adobo Meatballs are baked and then cooked in a garlicky vinegar and soy base sauce. Oh and it's on the table in 30 min!
I first made a version of these meatballs when my daughter's friend stayed for dinner. We think she had 4 meatballs! She didn't even know there was tofu in there. The kid liked it so much I had to give the recipe to her parents. It's that good. So now I am sharing the recipe with you all.
The meatballs are made with a combination of ground pork and tofu and the sauce is flavored with garlic, vinegar and soy sauce. You know Filipino adobo!
It's possible to make these in 30 minutes so that you all can get to eating right away.
Ingredients
Ground Pork - Use at least 80/20 ground pork, but the more fat the better so that the meatballs are not dry.
Tofu - You will need the medium texture Tofu. If you live in the US and go to a regular grocery store you will notice that all of them only sell Firm or Super Firm Tofu. Why? I don't know. It needs to be the medium texture so that it has the same texture as the pork. If it's too firm, it will be super rubbery. If you use super soft then it won't hold together. Go out of your way to go to an Asian grocery store to get the medium Tofu.
Egg - One large egg to use as a binder.
Garlic - I know I am using the tube here. You will need garlic in the meatball and in the sauce. If you are mincing your own use a total of 12 cloves and mince well. If you are using the tube like me, squeeze out 1 heaping tablespoon for the meatball and another 1 heaping tablespoon for the adobo sauce.
Ground Pepper - My kid does not like her Filipino Pork and Tofu Adobo Meatballs super peppery so I just add just a dash. You can add more if you want.
Soy Sauce - You will need 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. My go to brand is silver swan. Especially when making Filipino Adobo.
Vinegar - You will need ¼ cup of vinegar.
Water - ¾ cup of water will do.
Cornstarch - 1 Teaspoon of cornstarch to make the sauce thick.
Bay Leaves - It really doesn't add anything other than adding some color to the adobo. Let's be real here.
How To Make Filipino Pork and Tofu Adobo Meatballs
Here are the step by step instructions on how to make the meatballs.
Combine the ground pork, tofu, garlic and egg in a large bowl. Add a little bit of ground pepper.
Mix well with clean hands making sure everything is combined.
Use an ice cream scooper or 2 spoons to help scoop out the meatballs. Place them on a foil lined baking tray drizzled with oil.
Bake in the oven at 400F for 20 minutes.
While the meatballs are cooking make the sauce.
In a small bowl mix together ¾ cup water, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, ¼ cup vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Mix well.
Transfer to a small sauce pan and add in the 3 bay leaves. Bring up to a boil while stirring with a whisk. Cook for 5-8 minutes until it get's thick. Take off the heat once done.
When the meatballs are done cooking leave to rest for 5 minutes, so that it's easier to peel them off the foil.
Transfer to an oven safe serving platter or pan.
Pour the sauce over the meatballs. Place back in the oven for 5 minutes to heat heat through.
Take the Filipino Pork and Tofu Adobo Meatballs out of the oven and serve right away.
What to Serve Filipino Pork and Tofu Adobo Meatballs With
These can be served as both an appetizer or the protein for your main meal. It would be great to serve during New Year Noche Buena, to represent the lucky found balls. IYKYK.
During the week, have it with rice and some sautéed veggies for a nice quick and healthy meal.
For more Filipino inspired goodness in your life follow along on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest. Or subscribe to get these recipes in your inbox. And if you make this recipe. I would love to see it. Tag your Instagram snaps with @rezelkealoha and #rezelkealohaeats.
Equipment
- Baking Pan 13x18 inches
- Small Sauce Pan
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 Pound Ground Pork
- 8 oz Medium Texture Tofu
- 6 Cloves Minced Garlic or 1 Tablespoon
- Ground Pepper (To Taste)
Filipino Adobo Sauce
- ¾ Cup Water
- 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
- ¼ Cup Vinegar
- 6 Cloves Minced Garlic or 1 Tablespoon
- 1 Teaspoon Cornstarch
- 3 Bay Leaves
Instructions
- Line a baking tray with foil and grease with oil. Pre-heat oven to 400F.
- Combine 1 pound ground pork, 8 oz tofu, garlic and egg in a large bowl. Add a little bit of ground pepper to your taste. Mix well with clean hands making sure everything is combined.
- Use an ice cream scooper or 2 spoons to help scoop out the meatballs. Place them on a foil lined baking tray drizzled with oil.Bake in the oven at 400F for 20 minutes.
- While the meatballs are cooking make the sauce.In a small bowl mix together ¾ cup water, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, ¼ cup vinegar, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Mix well.
- Transfer to a small sauce pan and add in the 3 bay leaves. Bring up to a boil while stirring with a whisk. Cook for 5-8 minutes until it get's thick. Take off the heat once done.
- When the meatballs are done cooking leave to rest for 5 minutes, so that it's easier to peel them off the foil.
- Transfer to an oven safe serving platter or pan.
- Pour the sauce over the meatballs. Place back in the oven for 5 minutes to heat heat through.
- Take the Filipino Pork and Tofu Adobo Meatballs out of the oven and serve right away.
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