IKEA is launching new plant balls that are going to be available in the take home food section. I had the chance to try a bag before they launched, so I whipped up a quick sauce for them to share with you all. This recipe makes for a great easy dinner for busy weeknights!
Although I am not vegan/vegetarian, I do opt for plant based options often. My honest review of these plant balls is that they were a great replacement for meatballs in this asian inspired dish that I created. The appearance, taste, and texture was similar to a meatball and overall we really enjoyed them. Want to try them out? Here’s the recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 bag IKEA Plant Balls
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup light Tamari (or soy sauce)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey* (see note)
- 1 tsp puree garlic
- 1/2 tsp puree ginger
- 1-2 tsp Sriracha (dependent on personal spicy level preferences)
- 1 tbsp water
- 2 tsp cornstarch
optional:
- Jasmine rice
- Julienne veggies
- Sesame seeds
- Green onion
*if vegan, you can substitute the honey for maple syrup or other sweetener
Directions:
- Add half the sesame oil to your pan, fry plant balls in pan according to directions on bag
- Meanwhile, prepare sauce by adding all ingredients into a small bowl and whisk together
- Remove plant balls from pan, add the remaining sesame oil and gently stir fry your veggies (skip if you aren’t doing veggies). Remove veggies from pan once done (around 3-4 minutes)
- Turn heat to low, add sauce into pan. Continue to stir and heat on medium-low heat until sauce starts to thicken (it is key to make sure you’re continuously stirring to avoid clumping)
- Once sauce has thickened, add your plant balls and veggies back into the pan. Toss to coat
- Serve on top of jasmine rice, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onion
