Breaded Tofu with Falafel Mix
I first saw the idea to use Trader Joe’s falafel mix as a breading on TikTok, and I knew I had to try it. They made theirs with chicken, but I knew I wanted to use extra firm tofu instead. I don’t make falafel often, so I usually have leftover mix in the pantry so I it made sense to use it with another recipe.
I made a point to double bread the tofu so I could get it as crispy as possible. I will forever think that air fryer is the way to cook everything, but these are also tasty baked in the oven or pan sautéed. Any way you choose to cook these will turn out amazing. I will say, when baking, the breading would sometimes fall off while eating, that never happened when I air fried them.
I meant to add fresh herbs to the mix, but totally forget until after the fact when making this batch. I did add the measurements for you to add them because I have done it before, and they are a great addition. I ended up garnishing with chives and dill to add some color and flavor. I also had the time to refrigerate these while I prepped the other parts of the meal for the blog. That gave the breading time to set on the tofu. That helps keep the breading to the tofu when cooking.
I paired these with Rice Rine Dovi (peanut butter rice) which I will share with you tomorrow. I also made epic air fried lemon parmesan broccolini that I will show you in a couple of days. I’ll update this recipe with those links when they go live on the blog. I dipped the tofu bites in TJ’s garlic spread dip, but it is also amazing with their vegan tzatziki dip. The garlic dip was just what I had on hand.
The falafel mix gives the tofu an almost cornmeal texture that I love and is a different texture from traditional breaded tofu. This will definitely be a recipe I make in the future because it’s easy and delish.
Have you ever thought to use falafel mix as a breading? What did you use it on? I would love to hear what other things you would use this mix with. Let me know in the comments below.
Thanks for reading,
Jessica
Breaded Tofu with Falafel Mix
Ingredients
- 1 Block super firm block of tofu (I like TJ’s high protein super firm tofu)
- 1 Cup Trader Joe’s Falafel box mix (Sub Ziyad Falafel Dry Mix if you can’t find Trader Joe’s or any falafel mix that is vegan)
- 4 TBSP Olive oil (I like using TJ’s Herbes de Provence infused oil)
- 1 TBSP Herbes de Provence
- 1 TSP TJ’s 21 Seasoning Salute*
- 1 TSP Garlic powder
- 1 TSP TJ’s Green Goddess seasoning*
- ½ TSP TJ’s Za’atar seasoning blend*
- ¼ TSP TJ’s Ajika seasoning blend*
- ½ TSP TJ’s Everything but the Leftovers seasoning*
- ½ TSP TJ’s Mushroom Umami seasoning*
- 1 TBSP Fresh dill (more for garnish)
- 1 TBSP Fresh chives (more for garnish)
- TJ’s Garlic spread dip or vegan tzatziki dip to dip tofu in. I used the garlic dip this time.
- *Optional seasonings if you have a Trader Joe’s near you. If not, you can leave out. Add more garlic powder if doing so.
Instructions
- If baking, preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Press and cut tofu into bite size pieces, making sure to make them uniform.
- Mix falafel mix with all the dried seasonings and fresh herbs. Stir well and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Pour oil onto another plate/bowl.
- Take tofu and coat in olive oil on all sides, but don’t over coat it.
- Toss in breading to coat well.
- Toss back into oil again.
- Toss back into the breading to double coat the tofu.
- Place on another plate and repeat with the remaining tofu. (If you have time, place in fridge to let the breading set on tofu)
- If air frying, cook at 385 degrees for 12-15 minutes, tossing basket halfway.
- If baking, layout on lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until crispy.
- Serve with TJ’s garlic spread dip or their vegan tzatziki dip.
- Tofu can be stored in fridge for up to five days. I would reheat them by air frying or baking.
Notes:
Cook time is just an estimate. I would cook them 3-4 hours, but they will be okay at around 1 ½ -2 hours if you are cut for time. As long as the bitterness is cooked out and they are soft, you are good.
