Roasted Tofu Skewers

Perfectly roasted tofu skewers deeply seasoned with a dreamy Baharat spice and served over pita bread with vegan Tzatziki, tomatoes and cucumbers. The perfect any day meal that is beyond delicious, packed with both flavor and protein!

Roasted Tofu Skewers / Vegan Kebab

Vegan kebab or roasted tofu skewers, no matter what you call them you’ll be happy you made this dreamy recipe every time you get the chance. Use your best Baharat spice mix here and don’t forget the Tzatziki sauce for the ultimate balance, texture and flavor combination. I prefer roasting over grilling for a no fuss, no mess meal every single time.

The Seasonings

• Baharat – this Middle Eastern spice blend has tons of layered earthy and warm flavors featuring black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon, allspice, coriander and paprika. Th quantities varies from brand to brand with some including floral sumac, lime powder and even rose petals. If you find this blend too much for your taste you can replace it with equal amounts of your favorite gyro seasonings for a milder overall flavor profile.
• Sumac – I love adding this floral spice here even if the Baharat blend already has some, however it’s totally fine to omit it as well.
• Smoked paprika – go for the sweet variety for just a little extra earthiness and color.
• Nutritional yeast – for extra umami and adding a little extra crispness during roasting.
• Onion powder – just a little teaspoon as an aromatic base to complement the rest of the spices.
• Shoyu – this savory seasoning is my first layer of flavor that soaks deep into the tofu and also helps the spices to stick and coat the outside of each bite beautifully.
• Maple syrup – for a little subtle sweetness to balance the earthiness of the Baharat but also to help with caramelization around the edges. Alternatively you can use agave or a pinch of sugar.
• Corn starch – this is totally optional, the only reason I like to add it is for extra crispiness, feel free to omit it if desired.
• Salt flakes – After drizzling the skewers with olive oil I love  finishing with a pinch of nice sea salt flakes for a few salty edges.

Preparing the Tofu

• Drain – regardless if you are using extra firm or super firm high protein tofu, all you want to do here is drain it well and maybe pat it dry with some paper towels. DO NOT PRESS the tofu, any moisture trapped inside is going to release and create steam during roasting and prevent the skewers from drying out.
• Tear it – Use your hands and tear the tofu into small bite size pieces, you want them just big enough to properly thread them onto the skewers without breaking. It’s up to you how many skewers you would like to make, I divided mine between 6 but you can do 4.

About the Tzatziki Sauce

My favorite way to serve these kebabs is like a gyros over pita bread slathered with tons of tzatziki sauce. I make mine using cultured vegan Greek style yogurt, you can make it with dairy free sour cream or your favorite plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt. Make sure to grate the garlic cloves so nobody bites into a big chunck of garlic. The cucumber must be grated and then squeezed well so you don’t end up with a watery Tzatziki. Season to taste with lemon juice, sea salt and the classic herb: fresh dill!

Chopped Tomato Cumber Salad

The best compliment to all the strong flavors here is a diced tomato cucumber onion salad simply seasoned with salt, pepper and an acid like lemon juice or vinegar. Toss with a drizzle of good extra virgin olive oil and serve with fresh dill over the top.

More Amazing Tofu Recipes

• Grilled Tofu
• Tapenade Tofu Sandwich
• Shredded Tofu Chicken
• Tofu Taco Meat
• Best Orange Tofu
• Vegan Chorizo Tofu Tacos
• Tofu Bolognese
• Vegan Chicken
• Crispy Baked Tofu (Italian sausage style).

How to Make Roasted Tofu Skewers or Vegan Kebab

5 from 1 vote

Roasted Tofu Skewers (Vegan Kebab)

Perfectly roasted tofu skewers deeply seasoned with a dreamy Baharat spice and served over pita bread with vegan Tzatziki, tomatoes and cucumbers. The perfect any day vegan kebab that is beyond delicious, packed with both flavor and protein!

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:30 minutes mins

Total Time:40 minutes mins

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 1 block super firm or extra firm tofu (the high protein type)
• 2 Tbsp shoyu (tamari or soy sauce)
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1.5 Tbsp Baharat seasonings (or gyros seasonings for a milder flavor)
• 2 tsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp sumac (optional but nice floral addition)
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch optional
• 1 pinch sea salt flakes
• olive oil as needed

Vegan Tzatziki

• 2 cups vegan Greek style yogurt
• 1/2 English cucumber with skin on (finely grated and water squeezed)
• 6 large cloves garlic finely grated
• 1.5 Tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped

Tomato Cucumber Salad

• 1/2 English cucumber diced
• 1 heirloom tomato diced (or a mix of the colorful cherry tomatoes for contrast)
• 1/4 red onion diced
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• drizzle of olive oil
• pinch of sea salt
• fresh dill for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400”F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• Remove the tofu block from the pack and tear it into bite size pieces (you want them small but big enough to be skewered). DO NOT PRESS!
  1 block super firm or extra firm tofu
• In a large mixing bowl gently toss the tofu together with all the seasonings until coated all over.
  2 Tbsp shoyu, 1 Tbsp maple syrup, 1.5 Tbsp Baharat seasonings, 2 tsp nutritional yeast, 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp sumac, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, 1 pinch sea salt flakes
• Divide the seasoned tofu bites between 6 skewers.
• Place the skewers on the baking sheet and drizzle or brush with olive oil all over. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or so until golden brown and giving them a flip half way. Serve on pita bread slathered with tzatziki, tomato, cucumber, red onion and dill.
  olive oil as needed
• TZATZIKI - While the skewers are roasting make sure to mix your Tzatziki ingredients together. You can also make the sauce in advance and refrigerate until needed.
  2 cups vegan Greek style yogurt, 1/2 English cucumber with skin on, 6 large cloves garlic, 1.5 Tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, 1/4 cup fresh dill
• SALAD - Mix your diced tomatoes and cucumber salad just a few minutes before serving for the ultimate contrast of textures.
  1/2 English cucumber, 1 heirloom tomato, 1/4 red onion, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice, drizzle of olive oil, pinch of sea salt, fresh dill for garnish

Video

Notes

• Kebab Leftovers - Although best served fresh and hot any leftover tofu can be reheated in a hot skillet or microwave oven. It works great cold in a salad over some quinoa or couscous topped with more Tzatziki, tomato and cucumber. 
• The Tzatziki - Make sure to grate the garlic cloves so nobody bites into a big chunck of garlic. The cucumber must be grated and then squeezed well before mixing it so you don't end up with a watery sauce. Season to taste with lemon juice, sea salt and the classic herb: fresh dill! Refrigerate for up to one week.
• Make Ahead - If desired the tofu can be prepped ahead, seasoned well and refrigerate for a couple of days before cooking. Bring to room temperature before roasting for the best results. 

Nutrition

Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Sodium: 550mg | Potassium: 316mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 539IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 149mg | Iron: 1mg

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Keyword: baharat tofu, roasted tofu, tofu skewers

Servings: 6 skewers

Calories: 132kcal

Author: Florentina