These Middle Eastern tofu kebabs are a delicious vegan and gluten-free alternative to traditional kebabs. Packed with protein from tofu, they’re flavored with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, then fried to crispy perfection. These kebabs are great for a quick, nutritious dinner or as a snack, and they pair wonderfully with rice, pita bread, salad, and a dipping sauce like hummus or tahini.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 450g firm tofu, prepared according to the package instructions

• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1½ tsp cumin

• 1½ tsp coriander

• 1 tsp sumac

• 1 tsp dried mint

• ½ tsp turmeric

• ½ tsp chili powder

• ½-1 tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 3 tbsp tomato puree

• 65g plain flour (or chickpea flour)

• 15g fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 15g fresh coriander, finely chopped

• Oil for frying

Directions

1. Prepare the Tofu: Break up the tofu into small pieces and place it in a large bowl.

2. Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped onion, garlic, spices, salt, pepper, tomato puree, flour, and fresh herbs. Mash everything together with your hands until the mixture holds together when shaped.

3. Shape the Kebabs: Form the mixture into small kebabs (or patties) with your hands, about 12 mini kebabs in total. Make sure they’re not too large to avoid them falling apart.

4. Cook the Kebabs: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the kebabs for about 1 minute per side until golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve: Serve the kebabs with rice, pita bread, a fresh salad, and hummus or tahini sauce.

Nutrients (Per Kebab)

• Calories: 60 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 7g

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 2g

• Saturated Fat: 0.2g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 1g

• Sodium: 136mg

• Potassium: 78mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 285 IU

• Vitamin C: 3mg

• Calcium: 59mg

• Iron: 1mg

These kebabs are versatile and perfect for any occasion—enjoy them as a main meal, snack, or appetizer!

Why These Kebabs Work

Crispy and Flavorful Tofu

The tofu provides the perfect base for these kebabs, absorbing the spices and flavorings from the onion, garlic, and herbs. By breaking up the tofu into small pieces, it becomes more manageable, making it easy to shape into kebabs while maintaining a crispy texture on the outside from the frying. The flour (or chickpea flour) helps bind the mixture together, creating a cohesive kebab that holds its shape without falling apart.

Aromatic Middle Eastern Spices

The combination of cumin, coriander, turmeric, sumac, and mint gives these kebabs a robust flavor profile that’s aromatic, slightly spicy, and refreshing. Sumac adds a tangy depth, while turmeric brings warmth and vibrant color. These spices, along with the fresh herbs like parsley and coriander, are characteristic of Middle Eastern cuisine and elevate the dish to something truly special.

Quick and Easy to Make

These tofu kebabs are not only nutritious but also quick to prepare. With just a few simple steps—mashing the tofu mixture, shaping the kebabs, and frying them—you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or as a tasty snack.

Versatile and Customizable

These kebabs are highly versatile. You can easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For example, chickpea flour can replace the plain flour for a gluten-free option, and you can adjust the amount of chili powder to your desired spice level. Feel free to experiment with additional veggies or spices for even more flavor!

How to Make Middle Eastern Tofu Kebabs

1. Prepare the Tofu

Start by breaking the firm tofu into small pieces and placing it in a large bowl. You want to create a slightly crumbled texture for better binding and to allow the tofu to absorb the flavors of the spices and herbs.

2. Combine the Ingredients

Add the chopped onion, garlic, spices (cumin, coriander, sumac, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and pepper), tomato puree, flour, and fresh herbs (parsley and coriander) to the tofu. Use your hands to mash everything together until the mixture holds together well when shaped. If it’s too loose, add a bit more flour to help bind it together.

3. Shape the Kebabs

Form the mixture into mini kebabs or patties, about 12 mini kebabs in total. Make sure they are not too large, as smaller kebabs are easier to handle and fry without falling apart.

4. Cook the Kebabs

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the kebabs to the pan, frying them for about 1 minute per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once the kebabs are fried, set them aside to drain on paper towels.

5. Serve

Serve the crispy tofu kebabs with your favorite accompaniments. They pair wonderfully with rice, pita bread, a fresh salad, and dipping sauces like hummus or tahini. Garnish with extra fresh coriander or parsley for a burst of freshness.

What to Serve With Middle Eastern Tofu Kebabs

These tofu kebabs are perfect on their own, but they pair beautifully with a variety of sides that complement their bold flavors:

1. Rice: Serve with fluffy basmati rice or couscous to balance the richness of the kebabs. You can also add a bit of cinnamon or saffron to the rice for extra flavor.

2. Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is ideal for scooping up the kebabs or dipping into hummus or tahini sauce. It’s a perfect way to make this meal even more authentic.

3. Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a simple lemon dressing would complement the flavors of the kebabs.

4. Yogurt Sauce: For added creaminess, serve the kebabs with a side of yogurt sauce or tzatziki. The coolness of the yogurt balances the spices in the kebabs.

5. Hummus: Hummus is an excellent dipping sauce for these kebabs, offering a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the crispy, spiced tofu.

Health Considerations

These Middle Eastern Tofu Kebabs are a healthy option that are both vegan and gluten-free. Tofu is a great source of plant-based protein, and when combined with fresh vegetables like spinach and broccoli, it makes for a well-rounded meal. The fresh herbs and spices also add antioxidants and other beneficial compounds to the dish.

Though the frying process adds fat, you can opt for baking the kebabs instead of frying them for a lighter option. Additionally, using low-sodium soy sauce and adjusting the salt content can help make the dish lower in sodium.

Conclusion

These Middle Eastern Tofu Kebabs are a delicious, satisfying, and nutritious dish that’s full of vibrant flavors. The combination of spices, herbs, and tofu creates a hearty, savory meal that’s perfect for anyone looking for a vegan or gluten-free option. Whether you serve them as a main dish, snack, or appetizer, these kebabs are sure to be a hit at any meal. Pair them with rice, pita bread, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete, flavorful experience!