A recipe for making flavorful, plant-based shawarma using marinated mushrooms, seasoned with traditional Middle Eastern spices.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Pan-Frying
Cuisine:Middle Eastern
Diet:Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb King Trumpet mushrooms, sliced thinly
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Pita bread, for serving
Tahini sauce, for serving
Chopped tomatoes, for serving
Sliced cucumbers, for serving
Instructions
Prepare the mushrooms: Wipe the king trumpet mushrooms clean. Slice them thinly against the grain to resemble shaved meat.
Make the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the marinade and toss until they are fully coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
Cook the mushrooms: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated mushrooms in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid crowding).
Sear the mushrooms: Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned, slightly crispy, and have released most of their moisture.
Assemble the shawarma: Warm the pita bread. Fill each pita with a generous portion of the cooked mushroom shawarma.
Serve: Top with tahini sauce, chopped tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers. Roll up and serve immediately.
Notes
King trumpet mushrooms work best due to their firm texture, but portobello caps sliced thinly can also work.
For a smokier flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the marinade.
You can serve this as a bowl over rice or salad instead of in pita bread.