Vegan Shawarma Recipe Easy, Delicious, and Healthy Ideas

If you’ve ever craved the smoky, aromatic flavors of traditional shawarma but want to keep it entirely plant-based, this vegan shawarma recipe is your new go-to. Shawarma is a Middle Eastern street food favorite, known for its tender, spiced meat and vibrant toppings wrapped in warm pita bread.

By swapping out the meat for hearty, protein-packed ingredients and infusing them with classic spices, you can enjoy all the deliciousness without compromising your vegan lifestyle.

This recipe is not only packed with flavor but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new, our vegan shawarma promises tender, juicy bites with a perfect balance of spices, tangy sauces, and fresh veggies.

Plus, it’s completely customizable to suit your taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan shawarma recipe is a delightful blend of tradition and innovation. It captures the essence of authentic shawarma with a plant-based twist that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

• Rich, bold flavors: The spice blend is aromatic and perfectly balanced to deliver that classic shawarma taste.
• Healthy and wholesome: Made with natural, nutrient-dense ingredients like chickpeas and mushrooms, this recipe offers a protein punch without the meat.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it suitable for busy days or last-minute meal prep.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a wrap, bowl, or salad topping — endless possibilities!
• Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that even non-vegans will love.

Ingredients

• For the Shawarma “Meat”:
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 2 cups sliced cremini or button mushrooms
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Spices:
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• For the Sauce:
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1/4 cup water (adjust to desired consistency)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• For Serving:
• 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
• Pickled turnips or pickled vegetables (optional)
• Leafy greens or lettuce

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Whisk (for the tahini sauce)
• Serving plates or bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shawarma Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they release their moisture and start to brown.
4. Add Chickpeas and Seasoning: Stir in the cooked chickpeas, then sprinkle the shawarma spice mix over the mixture. Add the soy sauce and lemon juice. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the spices. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to get slightly crispy on the edges.
5. Make the Tahini Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together tahini, water, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt until smooth. Adjust the water quantity to get a creamy but pourable consistency.
6. Warm the Pita Breads: Heat the pita breads in a dry skillet or oven for a few minutes until soft and pliable.
7. Assemble the Shawarma Wraps: Spread a generous amount of the tahini sauce on each pita. Top with the mushroom and chickpea mixture, then add chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, leafy greens, and pickled vegetables if using. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
8. Serve Immediately: Roll up the pita around the filling and enjoy your homemade vegan shawarma! It pairs wonderfully with extra tahini sauce or a side of hummus.

Tips & Variations

For an even smokier flavor, try adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked salt to the spice mix.

• Protein Swap: Instead of chickpeas, you can use firm tofu, tempeh, or seitan for different textures and flavors.
• Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference or omit it for a milder dish.
• Grill It: For an authentic touch, grill the prepared mushroom and chickpea mixture on a BBQ or grill pan to impart a charred flavor.
• Sauce Alternatives: Try a garlic yogurt sauce using plant-based yogurt or a zesty harissa sauce for a spicy kick.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Serve the filling over rice, quinoa, or gluten-free wraps instead of pita bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegan shawarma is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with many sides. For a complete meal, try serving with:

• A fresh tabbouleh salad or fattoush salad for a refreshing crunch.
• Crispy baked fries or roasted Mediterranean vegetables for a hearty side.
• A bowl of low calorie vegetable soup for a light starter.
• Stuffed pita pockets alongside vegan bechamel sauce drizzled pasta for a Middle Eastern inspired feast.

Conclusion

This vegan shawarma recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the iconic flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine while embracing a plant-based lifestyle. With the perfect blend of spices, wholesome ingredients, and creamy tahini sauce, it’s a dish that satisfies both the palate and the body.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable.

Give this recipe a try and watch it become a staple in your meal rotation. For more exciting vegan dishes, check out our Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals, or satisfy your sweet tooth with the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

And if you’re interested in homemade bread to accompany your shawarma, don’t miss our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

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