This succulent vegan shawarma wrap is a huge family favorite for good reason! Its packed with perfectly seasoned soy curls, crispy chickpeas, creamy hummus, and fresh veggies all wrapped in warm pita bread. But the secret that makes this vegan shawarma recipe THE BEST, is the 2 craveable sauces!
Were obsessed with these vegetarian shawarma wraps dripping with so much saucy goodness! I mean, they have all the best parts of a classic Middle Eastern shawarma, but theyre meat free and dairy free! Dont be fooled though, they are just as juicy, satisfying, and filling as traditional shaved chicken or beef shawarma sandwiches!
For this meaty, vegan version, I season soy curls and chickpeas with a flavorful shawarma spice blend then bake them. We love soy curl shawarma stuffed into pita pockets with fresh veggies and lots of shawarma sauce, but its also delicious served as a bowl!. The thing that sets this vegan shawarma recipe apart from the rest is definitely the vegan sauces. Yup, theres two!!
This veggie shawarma is incredible with just a traditional tahini sauce. However, to push the flavor profile over the top (highly recommend!), I combine two sauces: an addictive sweet and spicy tahini sauce and a tangy, dairy-free tzatziki sauce. This epic, flavor combination is pure magic, bursting with flavor, and sure to light up your tastebuds!
Marinated soy curls, fresh veggies, and a creamy shawarma sauce are all stuffed into soft flatbread. Best of all, it’s easy to make for lunch or dinner. I can’t get enough of this easy Vegan Shawarma.
What Are Soy Curls anyway?
Lets talk about soy curls! Soy curls are an amazing plant-based meat substitute made from soybeans which are rich in fiber, good source of protein, and are gluten free. I use the Butler Brand soy curls made with non-GMO soybeans, processed without chemicals, and packaged without additives or preservatives*.
If you are as surprised and impressed by the meaty, juicy texture of soy curls as we are (its quite similar to chicken tenders), try these vegan soy curl recipes next: vegan cashew chicken, vegan ginger beef or vegan tacos!
Shawarma Ingredients (veggie version!)
This homemade vegan shawarma recipe uses only a few simple pantry ingredients (all plant based) yet creates an incredibly flavorful and meaty wrap! Heres what youll need:
- Soy curls* (vegan meat replacement): Soy curls are the star of this vegetarian shawarma wrap. Generously seasoned with traditional Middle Eastern spices, they are crispy, tender, chewy, and juicy as they soak up all the shawarma flavors. Dang delicious!
- Chickpeas: Seasoned then roasted, chickpeas add crispy texture and an extra boost of plant protein.
- Veggie toppings: Cucumbers, tomatoes, pickled red onions (or pickles), and shredded romaine.
- Shawarma spice blend: This custom shawarma seasoning is a mixture of sweet paprika, cumin, cinnamon, coriander, garlic, oregano, and cayenne. Along with extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice to make a paste. Or buy a pre-mixed shawarma spice blend.
- The BEST Shawarma sauce: Were obsessed with the combination of creamy sweet and spicy tahini sauce mixed together with the light and tangy vegan tzatziki. Both sauces can be made up to a week in advance.
- Pita bread: (aka shawarma bread!) Use store bought or homemade pita bread,
Customize your veggie shawarma to suit your taste. Anything goes, but heres a few options for the filling, sauces, and ways to serve shawarma:
- Vegan Shawarma meat options: For this recipe I make a sheet pan of soy curls and chickpeas, but you can choose just one or the other. More shawarma filling options to try: Sub in pan fried fried mushrooms and onions, crispy baked cauliflower, jackfruit or baked tofu for the soy curls. Whichever you choose, these meaty vegetarian wraps wont disappoint!
- Shawarma sauce ideas: Play with flavor combinations by switching up the sauces. Try different flavored tahini sauce, lemon dill hummus, creamy chipotle sauce or vegan ranch. We like a dollop of hummus too!
- Get creative: For a lighter vegan dinner, make a shawarma salad without the pita bread. Or try a healthy vegan shawarma bowl (gluten free) served on your favorite grain like quinoa or couscous.
Super EASY & DELICIOUS Vegan Shawarma & Garlic Sauce!
FAQ
What is vegan shawarma made of?
What is shawarma base made of?
What are the ingredients in Vivera plant shawarma kebabs?
What does veg shawarma contain?
How is shawarma made?
The preparation process of shawarma is grilling a vertical spit of stacked meat slices and cutting them in small shreds with a special knife. Then the pita bread is drizzled with sauces, veggies are added, meat and everything is wrapped together. Shawarma basically means “turning” in Arab as a reference to the rotating grill that’s used to make it.
What are the ingredients for vegan shawarma?
For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below. Vegan Shawarma Recipe ingredients: mushrooms, arugula, red onion, tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, ground cloves, turmeric, sea salt, and pepper (not pictured).
How to make vegan shawarma?
Chop the fresh veggies for the salad or pita and make the dressing in the blender (optional). Assemble the vegan shawarma in bowls or stuff in pitas and enjoy. Be sure to scrape the brown bits off the bottom of the pan after you add the vegetable broth. There is so much flavor in those brown bits that add to the overall flavor of this dish.
How do you make homemade shawarma?
Pour dairy-free yogurt, mint, salt, pepper, and extra-virgin olive oil into a food processor. Mix until a creamy sauce forms. Alternatively, you can mix everything with a hand whisk. Cut open the pita bread and scoop two tablespoons of mushroom mix and one spoon of arugula mix. Then drizzle garlic yogurt sauce over the veggie shawarma to taste.