Name: Crispy Tofu Shawarma
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491945H26M28S
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: For the sumac onions:; 1/2 medium red onion, very thinly sliced; 1–2 teaspoons ground sumac; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; Pinch of sugar; 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; For the tofu:; 1 (16-ounce) block super-firm tofu; 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2–3 tablespoons olive oil; 1–2 teaspoons shawarma spice blend; Salt, to taste; For the tahini sauce:; 1/3 cup well-stirred tahini; 3–5 tablespoons ice water; 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; Pinch of sugar; Salt and black pepper, to taste; For serving:; 3–4 cups warm cooked white rice; Sliced cucumbers; Halved cherry tomatoes; Fresh mint leaves

Why You’ll Love Crispy Tofu Shawarma Recipe

This recipe transforms simple tofu into something truly crave-worthy. The tofu becomes crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, soaking up layers of aromatic spices.

It’s a hearty vegetarian main dish that doesn’t feel like a compromise. The combination of savory spiced tofu, bright pickled onions, and silky tahini sauce creates a perfect balance of richness and freshness.

It’s also highly versatile. Serve it in bowls, wraps, or salads, and customize with your favorite vegetables and grains. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or cooking a flavorful weeknight dinner, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sumac onions

1/2 medium red onion, very thinly sliced
1 to 2 teaspoons ground sumac
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
pinch of sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the tofu

1 (16-ounce) block super-firm tofu
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
1 to 2 teaspoons shawarma spice blend
salt, to taste

For the tahini sauce

1/3 cup well-stirred tahini
3 to 5 tablespoons ice water
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
pinch of sugar
salt and black pepper, to taste

For serving

3 to 4 cups warm cooked white rice
sliced cucumbers
halved cherry tomatoes
fresh mint leaves

Directions

Make the sumac onions.
Place the thinly sliced red onion in a bowl. Sprinkle with sumac, salt, and sugar. Massage gently with your hands to soften the onions slightly. Add lemon juice and toss to coat. Set aside to macerate while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Prepare the tofu.
Pat the tofu dry thoroughly with paper towels. Slice it into thin pieces, about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner slices allow for maximum crispiness.
Season and coat.
Transfer the tofu slices to a large bowl or shallow container. Drizzle with soy sauce and sprinkle with black pepper. Toss gently to coat. Sprinkle cornstarch over the tofu and toss again until each piece is lightly and evenly coated.
Cook the tofu.
Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange half of the tofu slices in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed until deep golden and crisp on one side, about 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook the second side until crisp. Transfer to a rack or plate. Repeat with remaining tofu, adding more oil if needed.
Add the shawarma spices.
Return all cooked tofu to the pan over low heat. Sprinkle evenly with the shawarma spice blend and toss gently to coat. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Remove from heat.
Make the tahini sauce.
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini and lemon juice. Slowly whisk in ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce becomes smooth and pourable. Season with sugar, salt, and pepper to taste.
Assemble and serve.
Divide warm rice among bowls. Top with crispy tofu, sumac onions, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Spoon tahini sauce generously over the top and garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 to 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 45 minutes

Variations

Serve in a wrap
Use warm pita or flatbread instead of rice. Add shredded lettuce for extra crunch.

Make it low-carb
Serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of chopped greens instead of white rice.

Add more vegetables
Roasted eggplant, bell peppers, or shredded carrots pair beautifully with the shawarma flavors.

Use an air fryer
Air fry the cornstarch-coated tofu at 400°F for about 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

Spice it up
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle with a spicy chili sauce before serving.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover tofu, onions, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat tofu, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through and re-crisped. You can also use an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

Tahini sauce may thicken in the refrigerator. Stir in a small splash of water to loosen it before serving.

FAQs

Can I use firm tofu instead of super-firm?

Yes, but press it well to remove excess moisture before slicing to ensure proper crisping.

What if I don’t have sumac?

You can substitute with a little extra lemon juice and a small pinch of paprika for color, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I bake the tofu instead of pan-frying?

Yes. Bake at 425°F on a lined baking sheet for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes, all ingredients are plant-based.

How do I keep the tofu crispy?

Avoid overcrowding the pan and cook in batches. Let the tofu rest on a rack rather than stacking it to maintain crispiness.

Can I make the components ahead of time?

Yes. The onions and tahini sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance.

What grains work besides white rice?

Brown rice, quinoa, couscous, or bulgur are all excellent alternatives.

How thin should I slice the tofu?

About 1/8 inch thick for the best balance of crisp edges and tender centers.

Can I freeze the cooked tofu?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore texture.

What does shawarma spice typically include?

Common ingredients include cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, cinnamon, and black pepper.

Conclusion

Crispy Tofu Shawarma brings together bold spices, satisfying crunch, and bright, fresh toppings in one irresistible dish. It’s a flavorful vegetarian meal that feels hearty and exciting, whether served in bowls or wraps. With its balance of savory tofu, tangy onions, and creamy tahini sauce, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.