I love how the tofu soaks up all the rich spices, giving it an irresistible, smoky taste. Whether you stuff it in a pita or serve it over a salad, it’s a delicious way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of shawarma without the meat.
Why You’ll Love Tofu Shawarma?
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make them a breeze to whip up, perfect for quick meals.
- Packed with flavor: The combination of cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and garlic powder creates a bold and aromatic spice profile that is both savory and slightly sweet, just like traditional shawarma.
- Vegetarian: A great meat-free option that’s still satisfying and full of flavor.
- Customizable: You can tweak the seasoning to your liking, whether you want more heat, smokiness, or tang. Plus, it’s a perfect dish for experimenting with your favorite herbs and spices.
How to Serve Tofu Shawarma?
- In a pita or a wrap: Add your favorite toppings like hummus, tahini, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles.
- Over rice or quinoa: Top with a squeeze of lemon juice, fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), and a dollop of tahini sauce.
- In a salad: Make a refreshing salad with mixed greens, chopped cucumbers, and tomatoes. Add the tofu shawarma on top for a healthy, protein-packed meal.
- With roasted vegetables: Pair the tofu shawarma with roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or eggplant for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Pro-Tips for Cooking Tofu
- Pat dry with a paper or kitchen towel: Tofu contains water, which can make the shawarma soggy and difficult to crisp. Wrap the tofu in a paper towel or kitchen towel and press it to remove all the liquid.
- Marinate longer: Tofu absorbs flavors more effectively the longer it sits in the marinade.
- Cut the tofu into uniform pieces: This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
FAQs
How to store tofu shawarma?
Let the cooked tofu shawarma cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet to maintain the crispiness, or microwave if you prefer a quicker option.
How to freeze tofu shawarma?
Let the cooked tofu shawarma cool completely before freezing. Place the tofu shawarma in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
*Freezing can slightly affect the texture of the tofu.
Reheating from frozen?
For best results, thaw the tofu in the refrigerator overnight. To restore crispiness, heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tofu is warmed through and crispy again. You can also use an oven or air fryer to reheat it.
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Tofu Shawarma
Yield 4 servings
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Description
Tofu Shawarma is my plant-based twist on a Middle Eastern classic. Kosher, Pareve, Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 block (16 oz/454g/1lb) extra-firm tofu drained and patted dry with a paper or kitchen towel
- 5 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Teaspoon cumin
- 1 Teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 Teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 -1 Teaspoon salt to taste
- 1 yellow or white onion thinly sliced
Instructions
Prep the tofu:
- Cut the tofu into strips or bite-sized cubes. The thinner and smaller you cut the tofu, the crispier it will be.
Marinate the tofu:
- In a bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil and all the spices. Add the tofu to the marinade and toss gently to coat evenly. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors (longer is better, even overnight if possible).
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft and caramelized.
Cook the tofu:
- Add the marinated tofu to the skillet with the onions. Sauté everything together for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tofu is golden and crispy on all sides.
- Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or spices to your liking.
- Serve the tofu and onions in a pita, wrap, or over rice or quinoa.
Notes
How to store tofu shawarma?
Let the cooked tofu shawarma cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet to maintain the crispiness, or microwave if you prefer a quicker option.
How to freeze tofu shawarma?
Let the cooked tofu shawarma cool completely before freezing. Place the tofu shawarma in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
*Freezing can slightly affect the texture of the tofu.
*Freezing can slightly affect the texture of the tofu.
Reheating from frozen?
For best results, thaw the tofu in the refrigerator overnight. To restore crispiness, heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the tofu is warmed through and crispy again. You can also use an oven or air fryer to reheat it.
Tried this recipe? Tag@mamalivingabroad
that is delicious!
Great recipe! pls make more vegetarian recipes!
I’ll try:-)