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three skewers of grill tofu on lettuce
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5 from 74 votes

Tofu Skewers (Vegan Shish Tawook Sandwich)

Mouthwatering tofu skewers using my Lebanese family’s shish tawook marinade. Made with dairy free yogurt, lemon, garlic, herbs and spices. The tofu kebabs can be grilled or air fried. Perfect for making a vegan shish tawook sandwich. 
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: main
Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Servings: 10 skewers
Calories: 93kcal
Author: Janelle Hama

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 650 grams Extra firm tofu (1 block)
  • ½ large Onion peeled and quartered
  • ½ large Bell pepper (capsicum) cut into 2.5cm (1" pieces)

Shish Tawook Marinade

  • 6 cloves Garlic peeled and crushed
  • 2.5 cm Ginger peeled and crushed
  • 1 cup Dairy free plain yogurt
  • 2 medium Lemons juiced
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil + extra for brushing grill/bbq/pan
  • 1 teaspoon Sumac heaping
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Ground White pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste heaping
  • ½ tablespoon Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Soak the skewers in boiling water and set aside. Press the block of extra firm tofu either using a tofu press or by placing it under some heavy books for at least 30-60 minutes. Then cut up into 2.5cm (1 inch) cubes. Set the tofu cubes aside.
    650 grams Extra firm tofu
  • In a large mixing bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients. Do a taste test, the marinade should be exceptionally strong with garlic, sourness and salt. Add the tofu cubes, capsicum (bell pepper) and onion and stir through the marinade, ensuring every piece is covered well.
    Cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour.
    650 grams Extra firm tofu, ½ large Onion, ½ large Bell pepper, 6 cloves Garlic, 2.5 cm Ginger, 1 cup Dairy free plain yogurt, 2 medium Lemons, 2 tablespoons Olive oil, 1 teaspoon Sumac, 1 teaspoon Ground Paprika, ½ teaspoon Ground White pepper, 2 tablespoons Tomato paste, ½ tablespoon Salt
  • Drain the skewers of water, and add 4 cubes of tofu, 1 piece of onion and 1 piece of capsicum (bell pepper) per skewer. In any order you like.
    If Grilling - Place them onto a tray until all skewers are completed. Heat a pan, grill pan or grill on high and brush oil onto it, turn the heat down to medium - high and grill the tofu skewers. Turn every minute or so until the skewers are slightly charred/cooked and the marinade has turn bright orange. approximately 15 minutes.
    If air frying - skip placing the marinated tofu cubes onto the skewers, and place the cubes into the oiled air fryer tray. Air fry on high for 15 minutes, turning the tofu mid way.
    If oven baking - Place the skewers onto a lined and oiled oven tray/pan sheet. Bake in a preheated fan forced oven 200C (400F) for 20-25 minutes or until golden, turning mid way.
    Serve immediately.  

Vegan Shish Tawook Sandwich

  • Place pita bread (Lebanese pita bread) flat and smear a generous spoonful of Lebanese garlic sauce called toum, add some Lebanese pickle cucumber, shredded lettuce and fries (see links below in notes for toum and air fryer fries)
  • Add the cubes off tofu (without the skewer), you may wish to halve them, top with optional chilli sauce and roll up the pita bread, tucking in one end.  And enjoy like this, or go a step further and brush on some olive oil onto the roll and grill until the bread is crispy.

Video

Notes

Total time doesn't include pressing tofu or marinating time.
The marinade should be strong in flavor (garlic, lemon and salt)
A longer marination time will better the flavoring.
Vegan shish tawook, is always served with a serving of fries (try these healthy air fried fries) and Lebanese garlic sauce called toum.
For some authentic Lebanese salad to enjoy on the side,  try my malfouf salad.
 
 

Nutrition

Calories: 93kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 420mg | Potassium: 201mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 183IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1mg