Tofu Shish Taouk

Tofu Shish Taouk is all about that bold, dairy-free lemony garlic yogurt marinade. It coats each piece of pressed tofu, infusing it with layers of flavor before it’s skewered and cooked to perfection. This tangy dish will blow your socks off!

What is Shish Taouk?

The term "shish taouk" translates to "skewered chicken" in English. A dish featuring chicken marinated in a mixture of full-fat yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.

Shish taouk originated from the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Turkey) and has spread throughout the Middle East. It is also referred to as shish tawook or chicken kebab.

This preparation method is very popular in Lebanon, which is my heritage, as well as in neighboring Middle Eastern countries. There are many variations of the marinade used for this dish.

You might not expect that Lebanese tofu exists; it doesn’t.

However, this recipe takes the flavors of Lebanon and combines them with tofu to create a delicious meal of tofu shish kabobs.

Since I switched to a plant-based diet, I've missed authentic shish taouk, which inspired this tasty recipe. Interestingly, ha!, this recipe is vegan and absolutely delicious!

My family loves to eat their shish taouk in a wrap, like this vegan shawarma wrap. I explain in the next section how we assemble them.

Key Ingredients

I used extra-firm tofu, which I press and cube. Try to cut the tofu cubes as evenly as possible to ensure they grill evenly. If some cubes are a little uneven, you can press them down gently with a spatula while grilling.

The easiest way to press tofu is by using a tofu press (this is the one I use). However, if you don’t have one, you can place the tofu between clean tea towels on a plate and put a couple of heavy weights on top.

Onions and bell peppers (capsicum) are optional additions to the tofu skewers. If you choose to add them, like I like to do, peel the onions and cut them into quarters so they can be added to each skewer, cut the bell peppers into similar size too. The vegetables will soak up the marinade, enhancing their flavor.

Shish Taouk Marinade

To make an authentic tasting tofu shish taouk, it's essential to have a marinade with a bold kick! I begin with plenty of garlic cloves, more garlic makes it better, in my opinion. I peel and crush the garlic to release its flavor, resulting in a beautifully intense marinade. Next, I add fresh ginger, also peeled and crushed, which introduces a nice peppery note for balance.

Dairy-free plain yogurt is a must; it’s important to choose a neutral, unsweetened variety so it doesn’t overpower the spices. For the sour element, freshly squeezed lemon juice works perfectly, providing that classic tang. Tomato paste is optional, but it adds a lovely orange color to the tofu skewers. I usually include it, but some traditional recipes omit this, so feel free to adjust according to your preference.

For the oil, I prefer olive oil to help crisp up the tofu while it cooks. I’ve tried an oil-free version in the air fryer, and while the flavors were still amazing, I found that the tofu ended up a bit too dry for my taste.

The magic ingredient is sumac. This is my go-to spice for enhancing the marinade's sourness. It’s a common Middle Eastern spice with a beautiful deep red color and a unique tangy flavor. If you don’t have sumac on hand, you can substitute it with dried thyme or oregano, though I highly recommend giving sumac a try if you can find it.

To complete the spice blend, I add paprika, salt, and white pepper. Don’t hold back, the marinade should taste quite strong (salty and garlicky) since the tofu will absorb a lot of these flavors and will taste milder after cooking.

The Steps

Prepare Skewers and Tofu

Start by soaking timber skewers in warm water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning and splintering (skip this if you’re using metal skewers). While they soak, press the block of extra-firm tofu using a tofu press for at least 60 minutes. After pressing, cut the tofu into cubes no larger than 2.5 cm (1 inch) and set aside.

Make the Marinade and Marinate Tofu

In a large mixing bowl, combine all marinade ingredients and mix thoroughly. Taste test to ensure the marinade is bold in flavor, with strong garlic, sourness, and salt. Add the tofu cubes, bell peppers and onion to the marinade, stirring well to coat. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least one hour.

Assemble the Skewers

After the skewers have soaked, drain them and begin threading, place 4 cubes of tofu, one piece of onion, and one piece of bell pepper (capsicum) onto each skewer.

Place all prepared skewers on a tray.

Grilling Instructions

Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to high, brushing it with oil. Reduce to medium-high heat and grill the tofu skewers, turning them every minute or so until they’re slightly charred, and the marinade is bright orange, about 15 minutes. See the below pic.

Air Fryer Method

For the air fryer option, skip threading onto skewers and place the marinated tofu cubes directly in an oiled air fryer tray. Air fry on high for 15 minutes, turning halfway through or until golden brown. Note that cooking times may vary per air fryer model.

Oven Baking Method

To bake in the oven, arrange skewers on a lined, oiled baking tray. Bake in a preheated fan-forced oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, turning midway until golden brown.

Serve immediately and enjoy! See serving suggestions above.