Vegan Shawarma Recipe (with Mushrooms)

This vegan shawarma using savory mushrooms to create a flavorful wholesome twist on a Middle Eastern classic. A perfect meat-free recipe!

This is a perfect recipe if you want a healthy version of traditional street food. It's easy and so delicious!

Ingredients

Traditionally, shawarma is slices of meat flavored with a wide array of seasonings, piled up, then cooked rotisserie style. Most of us don't have a rotisserie at home, and some of us like plant based food instead of meat.

In comes this vegan shawarma recipe! It captures many of the flavors of the original version in a meat free and easy process.

In order to make this veggie shawarma, you will need the following ingredients:

• Portobello mushrooms (I also give a tempeh option if you prefer!)
• Garlic 
• Lemon juice
• Apple cider vinegar
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Cloves
• Crushed red pepper 
• Cinnamon 

How to Make Vegan Shawarma

It's so easy to make this homemade mushroom shawarma! Here's what to do:

1. First toss the mushrooms in the shawarma marinade and bake.
2. Then load onto warmed pita bread.
3. Add toppings and serve!

How to Serve Veggie Shawarma

This recipe tastes amazing folded into warm, soft, pita bread. Load it up with toppings to suit your taste.

Here are some of our favorites:

• Tahini Sauce
• Hummus
• Vegan Tzatziki
• Pickles
• Tomatoes
• Lettuce
• Red onion

This vegan shawarma can also be served as a main dish paired with:

• Rice
• Grilled Veggie Kabobs
• Roasted Lemon Potatoes
• Fasolakia (Greek Green Beans)
• Greek Salad
• Mediterranean Orzo Salad
• Greek Farro Salad
• Vegan Moussaka

Preparation Tips

• Vegan recipes are often made with portobello mushrooms due to their wonderful taste and meaty texture. The large size makes them easier to work with, but in a pinch you could substitute another mushroom variety.
• You can also use tempeh instead of mushrooms to keep this shawarma vegan.
  • Cut the block in half.
  • Boil the tempeh halves for 10-15 minutes.
  • Remove and cool, then slice it into ¼ inch slices.
  • Add some broth to bake it so it doesn’t dry out. (Mushrooms release their own moisture)
• If you don't like spicy food, use less red pepper, or omit completely.
• Adjust the seasonings for your tastes, the flavor combos are easily customized.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

• You can prepare part of this vegan shawarma recipe ahead of time:
  • Mix the shawarma marinade and keep in the fridge.
  • Make any homemade sauces like hummus or tzatziki.
  • Chop the veggies for the toppings in advance.
• Store leftover veggie shawarma in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
• Reheat in a skillet, the oven, or microwave.