Vegan Tofu Shawarma
A flavor-packed, plant-based twist on the classic Middle Eastern street food, featuring crispy, spice-rubbed tofu that mimics the savory depth of traditional shawarma.
Ingredients
- •14 oz (400g) extra-firm tofu, pressed and torn into bite-sized chunks
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •1 tablespoon shawarma spice blend (cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, smoked paprika, and cardamom)
- •1 teaspoon garlic powder
- •1 teaspoon onion powder
- •1/2 teaspoon salt
- •1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- •1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- •1 tablespoon cornstarch
- •4 large pita breads
- •1 cup hummus
- •1 cup shredded lettuce
- •1 cup diced tomatoes and cucumbers
- •1/4 cup tahini sauce
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, shawarma spice blend, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- 3
Add the torn tofu chunks to the bowl and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated in the marinade.
- 4
Sprinkle the cornstarch over the tofu and toss again to ensure the pieces are lightly dusted, which will help them get crispy.
- 5
Spread the tofu in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are golden and crispy.
- 6
Warm the pita breads in the oven or on a stovetop pan for 1 minute.
- 7
To serve, spread a generous layer of hummus on each pita, top with the crispy tofu, fresh vegetables, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
💡 Chef tips
- Pressing the tofu for at least 20 minutes is crucial to remove excess water so the tofu can absorb the spices and crisp up properly.
- For an even deeper flavor, marinate the tofu for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator before baking.
- Store leftover tofu in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a pan or air fryer to regain its crunch.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish features golden-brown, spice-crusted tofu that is savory and aromatic, perfectly complemented by the creamy hummus and crisp, fresh vegetables.