Tofu Shawarma is a plant-based take on a Middle Eastern classic. Marinated with warm spices and roasted until golden, the tofu is tucked into soft pita bread with fresh toppings and creamy sauce. It’s an easy, healthy meal that’s flavorful, filling, and perfect for any day of the week.
Why We Love This Tofu Shawarma Recipe
This Tofu Shawarma recipe is not only easy to make, but it only requires a handful of ingredients you likely have on hand. And the flavor? Simply incredible! The tofu soaks up the spices beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. It’s also a fantastic option for those seeking plant-based meals without sacrificing taste. You can enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty snack. Plus, the versatility in toppings allows you to customize it to your liking. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, Tofu Shawarma won’t disappoint.
Ingredients for Tofu Shawarma
To prepare this delectable Tofu Shawarma, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 package extra firm tofu (12 ounces)
- 2 teaspoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 4 pitas (gluten-free if desired)
- Toppings of choice (lettuce, cucumber, tomato, tzatziki, garlic sauce, etc.)
How to Make Tofu Shawarma
Let’s get started on making your delicious Tofu Shawarma! First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is essential as it allows the tofu to develop a wonderful texture and flavor in the oven.
Next, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This step will make cleanup easier and prevent sticking. Take the package of extra-firm tofu and drain any excess liquid. Then, crumble the tofu into roughly 1-inch pieces in a large bowl. It doesn’t have to be perfectly uniform, as the variation adds a rustic charm.
Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the bowl. This helps to coat the tofu and makes sure the spices stick. Now, it’s time to add the spices! Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, coriander, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, sea salt, and a pinch of cinnamon. Toss the mixture vigorously until all the tofu pieces are evenly coated. The spices should cling to the tofu, creating an aromatic mix that’s irresistible.
Spread the tofu mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring an even layer for a consistent cook. Drizzle the remaining teaspoon of olive oil over the top to help with browning. Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Now, halfway through baking, take a moment to flip the tofu. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect mix of crispy edges and tender centers.
While the tofu cooks, take a moment to prep your pitas and selected toppings. After 30 minutes, your tofu should be golden brown and ready to be plated. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before assembling.
To serve, grab a pita and add about 1/2 cup of warm tofu filling. Top with your favorite ingredients—crisp lettuce, fresh cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and a drizzle of tzatziki or garlic sauce. Each bite will bring you closer to culinary bliss!
How to Serve Tofu Shawarma
Serving your Tofu Shawarma can be one of the most enjoyable parts. You can plate them up individually or set them out buffet-style for a gathering. If you decide to go the buffet route, offer a variety of toppings to let each person customize their own shawarma. Popular choices include lettuce for crunch, diced cucumbers for freshness, chopped tomatoes for juiciness, and sauces like tzatziki or garlic sauce for an added kick.
You can also consider pairing these shawarmas with a side of simple salad or roasted vegetables. If you’re looking to make it a complete meal, add some quinoa or brown rice on the side. This combination not only rounds out your meal but also packs in a variety of nutrients and flavors.
Expert Tips: Tofu Shawarma
Choose the Right Tofu: Opt for extra firm tofu, as it holds its shape and has a dense texture that mimics the traditional shawarma feel. Pressing the tofu before cooking can help reduce excess moisture, enhancing its flavor and texture.
Marinate Overnight: If time allows, consider marinating your crumbled tofu in the spices and olive oil for a few hours or overnight. This adds an extra depth of flavor.
Experiment with Spices: Shawarma has a rich, complex flavor profile. Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices based on your preferences. Adding cumin or even a hint of cayenne can introduce a different flair.
Enjoy It Fresh: Tofu Shawarma is best served fresh, especially right after baking when the tofu is crispy. However, the topping choices can enhance the dish, so mix and match to find your perfect combination.
How to Store Tofu Shawarma
If you happen to have leftovers (or if you’re lucky enough to prepare in bulk), storing Tofu Shawarma is simple. Allow the tofu leftovers to cool completely and transfer them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat the tofu in the oven or a skillet until warmed through, then assemble your pitas as desired.
It’s not recommended to freeze the dish as the tofu may lose its texture after thawing. However, you can prepare the tofu ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before serving, ensuring that you always have a quick and satisfying meal at your fingertips.
Variations of Tofu Shawarma
The beauty of Tofu Shawarma lies in its adaptability, making it easy to customize based on what you have or what flavors you enjoy. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Different Proteins: While tofu is a fantastic option, you could also try tempeh or seitan for a different texture and flavor.
Add Roasted Vegetables: Enhance your shawarma with roasted peppers, eggplant, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition. Toss them in the same spices as the tofu for harmony in flavor.
Different Sauces: Switch up the sauces to vary the tastes. Try hummus, tahini, or spicy harissa for an exciting twist!
Wrap It Up: Instead of pitas, consider wrapping the tofu in a large lettuce leaf for a low-carb alternative. This is ideal for those seeking gluten-free options.
Spice It Up: For those who love the heat, consider adding jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to your filling.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tofu Shawarma
Is Tofu Shawarma gluten-free?
Yes! If you use gluten-free pitas, this recipe can be entirely gluten-free. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet gluten-free standards.
Can I make Tofu Shawarma without oil?
Absolutely! You can omit the oil and opt for vegetable broth or liquid aminos to help bind the spices to the tofu.
How can I make Tofu Shawarma spicier?
Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper, fresh sliced chilies, or hot sauce to your tofu mix to ramp up the heat.
What are the best toppings to use?
The options are endless! Some great choices include fresh veggies like lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes, but don’t forget flavorful sauces like tzatziki, garlic sauce, or even a mango salsa for a unique twist.
Can I prepare Tofu Shawarma ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the spiced tofu ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This makes assembling your shawarma quick and easy during a busy weeknight.
Tofu Shawarma
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1 package extra firm tofu (12 ounces)
- 2 tsp olive oil divided
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- pinch cinnamon
- 4 each pitas gluten-free if desired
- as needed toppings of choice (lettuce, cucumber, tomato, tzatziki, garlic sauce, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Drain the tofu and crumble it into roughly 1-inch pieces in a large bowl.
- Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the bowl and mix well.
- Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, coriander, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, sea salt, and cinnamon. Toss to coat the tofu evenly.
- Spread the tofu mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer and drizzle with the remaining teaspoon of olive oil.
- Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before assembling.
- To serve, fill each pita with about 1/2 cup of the warm tofu and top with your favorite ingredients.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!