Weekly Buddhist Diet: Vegetarian Lion’s Head Meatballs
Weekly Buddhist Diet: Vegetarian Lion’s Head Meatballs
Fourth week of October 2025
Summary:
Vegetarian Lion’s Head Meatballs are a classic Chinese dish reimagined with wholesome plant-based ingredients. Instead of minced meat, this version uses tofu, shiitake mushrooms, and water chestnuts to achieve a soft yet structured texture. The tofu provides protein and a silky base, the mushrooms bring a deep umami aroma, and the water chestnuts add a refreshing crunch. The mixture is formed into large balls, lightly pan-fried until golden, and then simmered in vegetable broth to absorb flavor and achieve a tender, melt-in-the-mouth consistency. The finished dish glows golden in color with a savory, clean broth and a delightful balance of texture and taste. Rich in protein, fiber, and essential minerals, this dish is nutritious yet light, making it a perfect main course for vegetarians. It symbolizes unity and prosperity, often served during festive meals or family gatherings, representing the refined beauty of Chinese vegetarian cuisine.
Ingredients:
· Tofu 300g (pressed and mashed)
· Shiitake mushrooms 3 (finely chopped)
· Water chestnuts 3 (minced)
· Carrot 30g (finely chopped)
· Light soy sauce 1 tablespoon
· Cornstarch 2 tablespoons
· Sesame oil 1 teaspoon
· Salt to taste
· Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (for frying)
· Vegetable broth 400ml
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients
Press the tofu to remove excess moisture and mash it. Finely chop the mushrooms, water chestnuts, and carrot. Place all in a mixing bowl. - Make the Filling
Add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and cornstarch. Stir well until the mixture becomes cohesive and sticky enough to form balls. - Shape and Fry
Divide into about six large balls. Heat oil in a pan and fry over low heat until golden brown on all sides. - Simmer in Broth
Transfer the fried balls to a pot with vegetable broth. Cover and simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse. - Reduce and Season
Uncover and cook for a few more minutes to slightly reduce the broth. Adjust salt or soy sauce to taste. - Serve and Enjoy
Place the meatballs on a plate, spoon over some broth, and serve hot.
Plant-Based Wellness Tip:
Tofu provides high-quality plant protein, mushrooms boost immunity, and water chestnuts help cool the body and aid digestion, making this a balanced and nourishing dish.
Eat healthy, enjoy plant-based meals every week!
