The Easiest Vegan Shawarma (With Garlic Yogurt Sauce) (2024)

Vegan Shawarma is a delightful dish that brings together the vibrant and aromatic spices of the Middle East with a plant-based twist. This recipe offers a delicious combination of grilled and spiced mushrooms, wrapped in a warm pita bread, and topped with a delicious homemade garlic yogurt sauce.

If you've ever tried shawarma, you know it's delicious. But there's just one thing - traditional shawarma is a meat-based dish. It's made with marinated meat (often lamb) that is slow-roasted on a spit and served in a wrap or pita bread.

So, if you follow a vegan lifestyle, traditional Mediterranean shawarma can be off-limits. Fortunately, it's possible to create a tasty and satisfying vegan shawarma recipe that is packed with flavor and nutrients.

My recipe for vegan shawarma with fresh vegetables and homemade garlic yogurt sauce is a real crowd-pleaser. What's best is that this traditional Middle Eastern recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for dinner or a party!

The smoky and succulent flavors of the shawarma are achieved through a carefully crafted blend of spices, including cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and turmeric, which infuse the vegetables with an irresistible taste. This results in a dish that is bursting with savory goodness in every bite.

Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new, this easy and flavorful Vegan Shawarma Recipe with garlic yogurt sauce is sure to impress.

In fact, it's one of the best vegan mushroom recipes. It's healthy, easy and perfect for dinner or meal prep.

So let's get started! Read on to learn exactly how to make this delicious vegan shawarma recipe today!

What is Vegan Shawarma?

Vegan shawarma is a plant-based version of the popular Middle Eastern dish made with marinated and seasoned seitan, mushrooms, tofu, or vegetables, typically served in a pita or wrap with various toppings and sauces.

One of the main benefits is that it provides a satisfying alternative for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet. It offers a similar taste and texture to traditional shawarma without the use of meat or animal products.

Plus, vegan shawarma is often packed with nutritious ingredients such as vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, providing a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It can be a great option for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet or for individuals with dietary restrictions.

Vegan shawarma really allows for endless customization, making it a versatile dish that can accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions.

If you're looking for healthy vegan meal prep ideas, give this vegan Shawarma a try.

Why This Is The Best Vegan Shawarma Recipe

• Quick and easy: This healthy vegan shawarma wrap recipe is ready in minutes. After all, mushrooms are one of the easiest vegetables (or should I say fungi) to cook.
• Healthy. Mushrooms that are the base for his vegan shawarma kebab are a nutritional powerhouse. Mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D as well as selenium, Copper, Magnesium, and Phosphorus. They have been shown to improve the immune system.
• Features the best sauce: Yep, you read that right! This vegan shawarma wrap features the best shawarma sauce made with a plant-based yogurt, garlic, and fresh mint. It's so good and refreshing. Just like my vegan Caesar dressing, you'll want to serve this sauce with everything.
• Perfect for any occasion. Whether you're having a party or serving dinner to your family, everyone will love these perfectly spiced vegan shawarma wraps. They're practically effortless.
• Versatile: It can be customized to suit individual preferences and dietary restrictions. Whether you prefer using tofu, seitan, or a variety of vegetables as the main protein, this recipe can accommodate your choices. Plus, the seasonings and spices can be adjusted to create different flavor profiles, allowing for endless variations.

What You Need to Make Vegan Shawarma At Home

All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious vegan shawarma recipe at home.

Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.

For the Vegan Shawarma:

Cumin: We will be needing cumin for our shawarma spice blend. It will add a warm and earthy flavor to the vegan shawarma, enhancing its overall taste.

Garlic powder: We will also need garlic powder. It will infuse the shawarma with a rich and aromatic garlic flavor, making it even more delicious.

Paprika: Next, we will be using paprika for our shawarma spices. It will add a smoky and slightly sweet flavor to the shawarma, giving it a unique and flavorful taste.

Garlic cloves (optional): We will also need some garlic cloves to make this recipe. If you choose to use them, they will add a strong and pungent garlic flavor to the shawarma, enhancing its overall taste.

Turmeric: We will be incorporating turmeric as well. It will add an appetizing yellow color to the shawarma, making it visually appealing, and also provide a subtle earthy flavor.

Salt: Make sure to add some salt to the dish. It will enhance the flavors of all the ingredients and bring out the best taste in the shawarma.

Pepper: We will also need some pepper which will add a mild spicy kick to the shawarma, balancing out the flavors and adding depth to the dish.

Tomato: We will also need a tomato. It will provide a juicy and refreshing element to the shawarma, adding moisture and a hint of sweetness.

Arugula: Next, we will be needing arugula. It will add a peppery and slightly bitter flavor to the shawarma, giving it a fresh and vibrant taste. The same as with the mushrooms, any green will work here. Fresh spinach, chard, lettuce, or spring mix are all good choices.

Extra-virgin olive oil: You’ll also need some olive oil for this recipe to cook all our ingredients perfectly.

Red onion: We will also need a red onion. It will provide a crisp and slightly sweet flavor to the shawarma, adding a pleasant crunch and enhancing its overall taste.

Mushrooms: We will be needing some mushrooms. They will be used as a meat substitute in the shawarma and will work in providing a hearty and savory taste. For this healthy and easy vegetarian shawarma kebab you can you any mushrooms you want. I used Portobello mushrooms, however, Button mushrooms, Oyster mushrooms,s or Shiitake will work too.

Lemon juice: We will be needing some lemon juice. It will add a tangy and citrusy flavor to the shawarma, brightening up the dish and balancing out the other flavors.

Pita wraps: We will also be needing pita wraps. They will be used to wrap the shawarma, providing a soft and chewy texture to the dish. If necessary, gluten-free pita wraps can be used or even soft flatbreads.

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:

Vegan yogurt: We will be using vegan yogurt to make this dish. It will be used to make the garlic yogurt sauce, providing a creamy and tangy flavor to compliment the shawarma. Choose cashew yogurt, soy yogurt, or almond yogurt. I recommend against using coconut yogurt as it has a distinctive flavor and might overpower the spices. Whatever yogurt you choose, make sure it's plain and unsweetened.

Mint leaves: We will also need some mint leaves to make this dish. They will be added to the garlic yogurt sauce and will serve to add a refreshing and aromatic taste.

Olive oil: Remember to add some olive oil: it will be used in the garlic yogurt sauce, adding a smooth and rich texture to compliment the shawarma.

Black pepper ground: We will also need some black pepper ground: it will add subtle spiciness and warmth to the garlic yogurt sauce, enhancing its overall flavor.

Salt: Remember to add some salt: it will balance out the flavors in the garlic yogurt sauce, guaranteeing a well-seasoned and tasty sauce.

How to Make Vegan Shawarma Step by Step

Making this best vegan shawarma recipe is easy-peasy when you follow my simple steps.

1. In a small bowl, mix cumin, garlic powder, turmeric, paprika, and ground cloves. Set aside.

2. In another small bowl, mix together the arugula and tomato and set aside.

3. Heat extra-virgin olive oil in a cast-iron griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add red onion and the sliced. mushrooms

4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms are nice and brown.

5. Add spice mix, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and keep on cooking for another 5 minutes until the mushrooms are aromatic. Set aside.

6. Pour dairy-free yogurt, mint, salt, pepper, and extra-virgin olive oil into a food processor.

7. Mix until a creamy sauce forms. Alternatively, you can mix everything with a hand whisk.

8. 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.

Your delicious vegan shawarma is ready to be served!

Tips For Making the Best Vegan Shawarma Every Single Time

As you can see, it's really easy to make this healthy meatless shawarma sandwich with mushrooms, however, let me tell you, there are a few things that go wrong.

Use fresh mushrooms: Make sure the mushrooms are fresh, firm, and have a smooth appearance. If mushrooms have been in your fridge for some time and start to get slimy, it's probably best to discard them.

Try different mushrooms: For a richer flavor of this Middle Eastern vegetarian shawarma, try picking a combination of mushrooms. Possible combinations - Portobello plus Shiitake mushrooms or White plus Oyster mushrooms.

Don't overcrowd the pan: When you sauté the mushrooms, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them until there's no more liquid left in the skillet (mushrooms tend to sweat a lot, aka release lots of liquid). Properly cooked mushrooms are nice and brown on all sides.

Don’t overcook the vegetables: Cook the vegetables just until they are tender-crisp. Keep in mind that overcooking will result in mushy and limp vegetables, which will not be as enjoyable to eat.

Toast the pita bread: Before assembling the shawarma, lightly toast the pita bread to give it a warm and crispy texture. This will also prevent it from getting soggy from the sauce and vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

1. Pair the vegan shawarma with oven-baked Mediterranean potatoes or sweet potato wedges. The contrast between the savory shawarma and the crispy potatoes adds a nice texture and flavor to the dish.

2. Create a colorful and nutritious salad by combining the vegan shawarma with a variety of fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle with a lemony vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and light meal option.

3. Make a vegan shawarma bowl by serving the spiced seitan over a bed of fluffy quinoa or rice. Top with roasted vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, and garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an added crunch.

4. Serve the vegan mushroom shawarma as a filling for a delicious and hearty wrap. Spread a layer of hummus or tzatziki sauce or my savory Muhammara Dip on a tortilla, add the shawarma, and then top with crunchy lettuce, sliced cucumbers, and pickled onions. Roll it up and enjoy a tasty meal on the go.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

1. No arugula? Fresh spinach, chard, romaine lettuce, or spring mix are good substitutions.
2. No vegan yogurt? Simply skip the sauce or replace the yogurt with a Tahini sauce or vegan sour cream.
3. Want more plant-based protein? Saute some soy curls along with the mushrooms. That way, you'll get the same fantastic taste of the easy vegan shawarma plus increased protein. As an alternative to soy curls, you can use marinated chickpeas or tofu.
4. Spices. For an additional spice kick, add in ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, ¼ teaspoon of ground cumin, and ¼ teaspoon of ground coriander. They work especially well with the original spice blend.
5. Herbs. Sprinkle healthy vegan shawarma with some chopped parsley or cilantro for an additional herby flavor.

Recipe Variation Ideas for Vegan Shawarma

This delicious vegan shawarma recipe is so flavorful and easy to make, you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:

Mexican: Add some diced jalapenos and a sprinkle of taco seasoning to give this vegan shawarma a spicy kick and a Mexican twist. Serve it with a side of guacamole and salsa for an extra burst of flavor.

Mediterranean: Add some sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and a drizzle of tahini sauce to give this vegan shawarma a Mediterranean twist. Serve it on warm pita bread with some fresh cucumber slices and a dollop of hummus for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Asian: Add some sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, and a splash of soy sauce to give this vegan shawarma an Asian twist. Serve it in a lettuce wrap with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a light and refreshing meal option.
Greek: Add some crumbled feta cheese, sliced cucumbers, and a drizzle of vegan tzatziki sauce to give this vegan shawarma a Greek twist. Serve it in a warm pita bread with some fresh lettuce and tomato slices for a satisfying meal option.

Frequently Asked Questions

🌡️ Storage Tips

Sautéed mushrooms should be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator, lasting for 4 to 5 days.

Store leftover garlic yogurt sauce in a glass jar or airtight container in a fridge for about 5–6 days.

Unfortunately, this vegan shawarma cannot be frozen since it'll greatly alter the texture and consistency of the mushrooms and other ingredients. Instead, store it in the fridge, as mentioned above, or serve immediately.

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