Name: Vegan Shawarma Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 14 ounces extra firm tofu, drained and pressed; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin; 1/2 tablespoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried paprika; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

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If you’ve been craving something wildly flavorful, irresistibly smoky, and utterly comforting, let me introduce you to this vibrant Vegan Shawarma Recipe. It transforms simple tofu with a bold blend of Middle Eastern spices, delivering all the warmth and punch of traditional shawarma—without any animal products. The result is a dish brimming with golden, crave-worthy bites that are perfect for wraps, bowls, or even straight off the baking sheet. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of spices and textures that will have you falling in love at first taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing a mix of vibrant spices and liquid arranged in one layer: greenish herbs on the top left, bright yellow turmeric, and deep orange-red powders forming small round piles, all floating in a golden liquid that covers the bottom of the bowl. In the second image, the spices and liquid are whisked together into a smooth, orange-brown sauce with visible texture lines from the whisk, which has a wooden handle and black wires, resting inside the bowl. Shadows cast by the bowl and whisk create dynamic shapes on the white marbled surface beneath, captured in bright, natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Vegan Shawarma Recipe calls for a handful of ingredients that are easy to find but truly essential. Each component plays a key role—bringing brightness, depth, and that unmistakable shawarma flavor that makes this dish pop right out of your kitchen.

Extra firm tofu (14 ounces): The perfect protein base that soaks up all those delicious spices while staying firm and satisfying.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the spices cling lovingly to every piece.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 1/2 tablespoons): Brightens the flavor and lends a subtle tang that balances the earthy spices.
Ground cumin (1/2 tablespoon): Brings that warm, nutty undertone shawarma is famous for.
Ground coriander (1/2 tablespoon): Offers a slight citrusy lift to the spice blend.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Adds an herbal depth reminiscent of Mediterranean flavors.
Dried paprika (1 teaspoon): Delivers a sweet smokiness that intensifies as it bakes.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances every flavor note beautifully.
Garlic powder (3/4 teaspoon): Infuses savory richness without overpowering.
Turmeric (1/2 teaspoon): Gives color and a subtle earthy aroma that ties the dish together.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and sharpness to balance the spices.
Cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Provides a hint of sweet warmth that surprises in the best way.
Ground cloves (1/8 teaspoon): Contributes a tiny hint of complexity to elevate the overall flavor.

How to Make Vegan Shawarma Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Tofu

Start by preheating your oven to 375˚F (190˚C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. The tofu prep is crucial—after draining, wrap it in paper towels or a clean dish towel and place something heavy on top for about 30 minutes. This step helps press out extra moisture, which means the tofu will absorb the shawarma spices better and crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Step 2: Cut the Tofu

Once pressed, slice your tofu into your preferred shape—either 1/2-inch thick cubes or sticks about 2 inches long. The shape isn’t just about looks; it affects how the tofu cooks and how the spices cling to each piece, so choose whichever sounds best for your meal plans!

Step 3: Mix the Spice Marinade

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and all those warm, fragrant spices. This magical marinade is where your Vegan Shawarma Recipe really comes alive! The lemon juice adds a fresh zing, while the spices create that authentic shawarma flavor married perfectly with the richness of olive oil.

Step 4: Marinate and Coat the Tofu

Gently toss your tofu pieces in the spice mixture until they’re lovingly coated on all sides. Be careful while mixing—you want every bite to be infused with the marinade, but too much stirring can break the tofu apart. Letting the tofu rest in the marinade for a few minutes before baking will deepen the flavor, though it’s delicious either way.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crisp

Arrange the tofu evenly on your prepared baking sheet and bake it for about 35 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. The baking brings everything together, turning the tofu into crispy, golden morsels packed with all those shawarma spices you adore. The end texture is just dreamy—slightly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Vegan Shawarma Recipe

The image shows two clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface, both filled with sliced tofu pieces. In the left bowl, the tofu pieces are plain white, stacked loosely on top of a layer of reddish-brown spice powder spread unevenly at the bottom. In the right bowl, the tofu pieces are evenly coated in the same reddish-brown spice, making them look darker and well-seasoned. The bowls catch bright natural light, creating sharp shadows and highlights. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate this Vegan Shawarma Recipe to new heights. Think bright chopped parsley or cilantro, a drizzle of tahini sauce, and maybe some thinly sliced red onions or pickled cucumbers for crunch and acidity. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a squeeze of extra fresh lemon juice adds that finishing touch that makes each bite sing.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs beautifully with classic Middle Eastern sides. A bowl of fluffy couscous or fragrant basmati rice, creamy hummus, and a fresh Israeli salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and mint make the perfect partners. For a lighter meal, try serving the shawarma with crisp lettuce leaves or flatbreads to wrap everything up in a handheld delight.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to mix things up? Try turning this Vegan Shawarma Recipe into a vibrant shawarma bowl layered with colorful veggies like roasted peppers, grilled eggplant, and juicy cherry tomatoes. You can also stuff the tofu into warm pita pockets with garlic sauce and crunchy slaw or make a festive platter for sharing, complete with dips and freshly baked flatbread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Vegan Shawarma Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as exciting as the first.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, this tofu shawarma freezes well. Place the cooled pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment to prevent sticking. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months, ready whenever you need a quick, flavorful protein boost.

Reheating

Reheat your tofu in a preheated oven at 350˚F (175˚C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain that delightful texture. For a speedy option, a quick pan sauté also works wonders to bring back the crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of tofu?

Absolutely! While tofu is fantastic here because it absorbs flavors well and has a great texture when baked, you can swap in tempeh or seitan if you prefer. Adjust cooking times as needed for different proteins to ensure they get perfectly crispy and flavorful.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Vegan Shawarma Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free sides or flatbreads. Just keep an eye on any store-bought ingredients or garnishes you add to ensure they don’t contain gluten.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

You can reduce the olive oil slightly or substitute with a flavorful broth, but keep in mind that the oil helps distribute the spices and crisps the tofu as it bakes. Skipping oil altogether might impact the final texture and richness.

How spicy is this Vegan Shawarma Recipe?

This recipe leans on warm and aromatic spices rather than heat, so it’s gentle on the spice scale. If you love a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or serving it with spicy harissa or chili sauce on the side.

What’s the best way to press tofu quickly?

If you’re short on time, use a tofu press if you have one—it saves a lot of effort and pressing time. Otherwise, wrap tofu in towels and place a heavy skillet or books on top for at least 30 minutes to squeeze out excess moisture effectively.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this Vegan Shawarma Recipe. It takes humble tofu and transforms it into a mouthwatering dish that’s packed with flavor, texture, and warmth. Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or a seasoned vegan looking for your next favorite meal, giving this recipe a try is a no-brainer. It’s simple, incredibly satisfying, and bursting with all the spices you love. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare for a delicious journey through the heart of vegan Middle Eastern comfort food!

Vegan Shawarma Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need