This quick tofu shawarma recipe is a perfect high-protein vegan lunch, ideal for serving in a flatbread or atop a fresh salad. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s bursting with earthy shawarma spices.
I love pairing this tofu shawarma with my homemade tzatziki dip, and if you have the time, a homemade flatbread loaded with fresh, crunchy salad toppings. It’s also amazing in a salad with whipped feta and harissa chickpeas, or with pitta to scoop up all the flavors!
INGREDIENTS
- 200g extra-firm tofu
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
To Serve
- 2 flatbreads
- 1 head of little gem lettuce
- 1 large tomato (or 6 cherry tomatoes)
- ½ cucumber
- 4 tbsp homemade tzatziki
INSTRUCTIONS
- Remove the tofu from its packaging and pat it dry with a clean cloth, gently pressing to remove excess moisture.
- Use the slicing side of a box grater to slice the tofu thinly. Arrange the slices on a lined baking sheet.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- In a bowl, mix together all the shawarma marinade ingredients (spices, lemon juice, olive oil, and honey). Add a tablespoon or two of water to loosen the marinade for easier mixing with the tofu.
- Pour the marinade over the tofu and gently toss using tongs or your hands to coat each slice. Be careful, as the tofu is delicate.
- Spread the marinated tofu evenly across the baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the edges begin to crisp up.
- Serve the tofu shawarma on flatbreads with salad ingredients and a generous dollop of tzatziki.
NOTES
- If you don’t have a box grater, you can slice the tofu thinly with a knife or use a mandolin.
- For a spicier marinade, increase the amount of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer, you can fry the tofu instead of baking it. It also works well in the air fryer—just be careful when transferring the tofu, as it’s delicate. Air fry for no more than 10 minutes since the tofu cooks quickly.
