Tofu Shawarma Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free)

One of our favorite things to eat when we go up to Canada is shawarma! There is a fantastic place near where Brett’s mom lives that makes the best shawarmas, falafels, and wraps.  I made this tofu shawarma recipe to recreate the magic in our own kitchen. I tossed some tofu with pantry-staple spices, baked it for 30 minutes, and filled up a pita.  Served with a side of tabbouleh salad, load on the vegan garlic tzatziki sauce, and bring the shawarma home.

• Tofu – I have been LOVING these shelf-stable tofu packs from Amazon. I literally have 3 cases of them in my pantry as we speak. They are an inexpensive and healthy way to get some plant protein in. The texture of this extra firm tofu is perfect for this tofu shwarma bowl, no pressing required!
• Smoked Paprika: give an additional depth of flavor to this shawarma.
• Za’atar: a fantastic Middle Eastern spice blend of garlic, lemon, sumac, and sesame. It has a deep citrusy flavor, with a slightly herbal finish. Similar to oregano, this za’atar spice blend has a bright and bold flavor – absolutely perfect for this tofu shawarma. If you’re looking for an exotic new spice to add to your cabinet, I can’t recommend this za’atar enough!
• Chili Powder: for a really nice flavor in this dish – the chili powder isn’t spicy but will give you a rich and bright flavor.
• Olive Oil: I like to use this fruity Zoe olive oil which has a fantastic flavor and deep color- it’s really inexpensive online here, so I keep a few liters stocked up in my pantry.  For the quality of oil you get, it’s an excellent value, I would highly recommend!
• Pink Himalayan Sea Salt: I like to use a pink Himalayan Sea Salt in my kitchen, which has more natural minerals than plain processed table salt.  It’s fairly inexpensive, so I’d recommend this salt if you’re looking for an easy way to level up your spice pantry.
• Tellicherry Black Pepper: Like the salt, it’s amazing the flavor difference you can get with really good tellicherry black pepper.  This pepper is the same price is buying pre-ground, and has a million times more flavor!  I use these really great tellicherry peppercorns, which I would definitely recommend. 
• Garlic Powder: Also a major pantry staple ingredient that get used in our house daily! I love this garlic powder and add it to a lot of recipes that I would use fresh garlic in too.
• Cinnamon: which gives this shawarma a classic spice-y flavor!  I love to add just a hint.
• Pita Bread
• Toppings: I like topping my shawarma with homemade tzatziki, cucumber, hummus, and of course with a side of tabbouleh.

One of the BEST Pantry Staple Tofu Recipes

This high protein tofu shawarma recipe is a fantastic pantry-staple meal!  It uses almost all ingredients you would have in your dry pantry or cupboards.  You probably have a lot of these ingredients on hand. Keeping a well-stocked pantry makes it easy to come up with delicious and healthy meals (like this middle eastern tofu recipe) using a few staples you can rotate.  I made a list of my Top 125 Plant-Based Pantry Staples that always keep on hand. And you can check out all my favorite pantry staple recipes on TheHerbeevore.com here.  By stocking up on healthy whole ingredients you can cook delicious recipes without a trip to the store!

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, crumble the block of tofu with your hands, tearing it into roughly  1-inch pieces. Add the olive oil, paprika, za’atar, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, salt, and cinnamon. Toss well to combine.
3. Place the chickpeas on the baking sheet, and spread out onto an even layer.  Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway during cooking.
4. Place your pitas on a plate. Add 1/2 cup chickpea filling to each pita, and add topings of choice.  Enjoy!

What Should I Serve with Vegan Shawarma?

The BEST Vegan Tzatziki Sauce Recipe (Dairy Free, Gluten Free)

Healthy Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free)

Beet Hummus Recipe (Vegan, Gluten Free, High Protein)

Simple Lemon Quinoa Salad (Vegan, Gluten Free)

Instant Pot Baba Ganoush (Vegan, Paleo, Whole30, Gluten Free)

As always, if you make this vegan and gluten free sheet pan tofu shawarma recipe be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe, and tag me @theherbeevore on Instagram so I can feature you.  I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!

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