Description
These Tofu Shawarma Wraps are a delicious and healthy plant-based twist on the classic Middle Eastern shawarma. Marinated in aromatic spices and grilled to perfection, the tofu is tender and flavorful, wrapped in soft flatbreads with fresh veggies and a tangy garlic tahini sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
For the Tofu Marinade
- 400g firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp ground smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Garlic Tahini Sauce
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2–3 tbsp water (to thin)
- Salt to taste
For the Wraps and Veggies
- 4 large flatbreads or whole wheat tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Tofu: Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut into bite-sized cubes. This will help the tofu absorb the marinade and improve texture.
- Make the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Marinate the Tofu: Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Tofu: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated tofu cubes and cook, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and slightly crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare the Garlic Tahini Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Add water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Warm the Flatbreads: Lightly warm the flatbreads in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable for wrapping.
- Assemble the Wraps: Place a warmed flatbread on a plate. Spread a generous amount of garlic tahini sauce down the center, add a layer of shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and then top with the cooked tofu cubes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
- Wrap and Serve: Fold the sides of the flatbread over the filling and roll tightly. Slice in half if desired, and serve immediately with extra tahini sauce on the side.
Notes
- Pressing the tofu is essential to help it absorb the marinade and improve texture.
- For extra smoky flavor, you can grill the tofu instead of pan-frying.
- Use gluten-free flatbreads to make this recipe gluten-free.
- The garlic tahini sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Add pickled vegetables or hot sauce for extra zing.
