Tofu Shawarma with Marinated Flavors (Printable Version)
Spiced tofu roasted golden and served in warm flatbread with tahini, cucumber, and tomatoes. Plant-based Middle Eastern comfort food.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Marinated Tofu
01 - 14 oz extra-firm tofu, pressed and sliced
02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
04 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
→ For Serving
14 - 4 flatbreads or pita (use gluten-free if needed)
15 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
16 - 1 cucumber, diced
17 - 2 tomatoes, chopped
18 - Fresh parsley, chopped
19 - Vegan tahini sauce or plain yogurt-based sauce
# Directions:
01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
02 - Add the pressed and sliced tofu to the marinade, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly. Allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor penetration.
03 - Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
04 - Arrange the marinated tofu slices on the prepared baking tray in a single layer, ensuring space between each piece. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tofu is golden brown and slightly crisp at the edges.
05 - Warm the flatbreads or pitas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap in foil and heat in the oven for the final few minutes of baking.
06 - Layer the roasted tofu slices onto each warmed flatbread. Top with thinly sliced red onion, diced cucumber, chopped tomatoes, and fresh parsley. Drizzle generously with tahini sauce or yogurt sauce, then roll or fold and serve immediately.
# Top Tips:
01 -
- The spice blend is so aromatic that your kitchen will smell like a Middle Eastern market within minutes.
- It comes together in under an hour with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
02 -
- Under pressing the tofu is the fastest way to end up with soggy, sad slices, so take the extra ten minutes to press out as much moisture as you can.
- Flipping the tofu halfway through roasting is what gives you those crisp edges on both sides.
03 -
- A quick two minute blast under the broiler after roasting gives the tofu an irresistible char that mimics street style shawarma.
- Double the marinade and reserve half as a dressing for the fresh toppings, it ties the whole dish together beautifully.