Delicious Vegan Shawarma Recipe

If you’re a fan of Shawarma but following a vegan lifestyle, you’re in for a treat! This vegan Shawarma hits all the flavor notes you might remember from the classic version. The juicy, well-seasoned soy curls, fluffy garlic sauce, and a medley of veggies come together to create a mouthwatering dish. Whether you’re new to vegan cuisine or a seasoned plant-based eater, this is a recipe you won’t want to miss. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients for Delicious Vegan Shawarma Recipe

Shawarma Seasoning Blend:

1 tbsp allspice
1 tbsp garlic granules
1 tbsp cumin
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp ground coriander
2 tsp dried parsley
1 tsp turmeric
2 tsp ground cardamom
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp cayenne
2 tsp kosher salt
1-2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Soy Curl Shawarma:

1 bag of soy curls (or tofu, TVP chunks, or portobello mushrooms)
4 cups vegan chicken broth (or veggie broth)
⅓ cup vegan mayo
⅓ cup olive oil
¼ cup lemon juice
1 tbsp tomato paste
3 garlic cloves, minced
2-3 tbsp shawarma seasoning blend

Thick Garlic Sauce:

60g garlic (around 1 head), peeled and chopped
2 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp salt
1 cup neutral oil (sunflower, grapeseed, etc.)

Quick Tahini Sauce (Optional):

½ cup tahini
¼ cup lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup water
½ tsp salt

Extras (for serving):

Sage bread, pita, or tortilla
Pickles (baby dill or pickled turnips)
Pomegranate molasses (optional)
Diced tomatoes and cucumbers
French fries
Shredded lettuce
Hummus (optional)

This seasoning is enough for about 2-3 batches of Shawarma, so you can save some for later!

Instructions

Prepare the Shawarma Seasoning Blend
First, let’s make our delicious spice mix. Combine all the spices listed above in a bowl and mix thoroughly. This batch will be enough for 2-3 servings, so you can save the rest for later. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water!
Rehydrate the Soy Curls
Place your soy curls in a large bowl and cover them with 4 cups of hot vegan chicken broth. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes. Once softened, drain and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Soy curls can handle a good squeeze, so don’t be shy – you want them to be dry for the best texture.
Dry the Soy Curls
To ensure the soy curls don’t become mushy, dry them out further by cooking them in a dry pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for 5-8 minutes until they start to brown slightly. This step gives the soy curls the perfect chew.
Marinate the Soy Curls
In a separate bowl, mix together vegan mayo, olive oil, lemon juice, tomato paste, minced garlic, and 2-3 tablespoons of the shawarma seasoning blend. Once your soy curls have cooled, pour the marinade over them and toss to coat thoroughly. You can cook them immediately or let them marinate for a few hours (or overnight) for enhanced flavor.
Cook the Soy Curl Shawarma
Heat a pan over medium-high heat. For best results, cook the soy curls in batches to prevent overcrowding, which will allow them to brown nicely instead of steaming. Cook each batch for about 4 minutes, toss, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they’re beautifully browned and crispy.
Make the Thick Garlic Sauce
While the soy curls cook, it’s time to make that irresistible garlic sauce. Add your chopped garlic, lemon juice, and salt to a tall glass. Using an immersion blender, blend into a paste. Slowly add the oil while blending until you get a thick, fluffy consistency. If it jiggles and you can stand a spoon in it, you’ve nailed it!
Prepare the Tahini Sauce (Optional)
For a quick tahini sauce, mix together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, and salt. Stir until smooth. This sauce adds a nutty depth to the dish that perfectly complements the other ingredients.
Enjoy

Assembly Time: Build Your Vegan Shawarma

Now comes the fun part – assembling your shawarma! Start with your choice of warm bread, whether it’s sage bread, pita, or tortilla. Spread a generous amount of garlic sauce on the base. Add some hummus if you’d like extra creaminess.

Next, layer on the soy curl shawarma, pickled turnips, pickles, cucumber-tomato salad, and French fries (a surprisingly delicious addition). Drizzle with tahini sauce and pomegranate molasses for an added touch of sweetness and tang. Wrap it up tightly, slice it in half if you like, and dig in!

Final Thoughts

This vegan shawarma is truly a symphony of flavors – the perfectly seasoned soy curls, the tangy garlic and tahini sauces, and the refreshing crunch of veggies all come together to create a mouthwatering meal. Whether you’ve been missing shawarma or are trying it for the first time, this recipe will have you hooked. Serve it as a sandwich or a plated meal and enjoy a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine, vegan-style!