Name: Middle Eastern Tofu Kebabs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 450g firm tofu, prepared according to pack instructions; 1/4 red onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/2 tsp cumin; 1 1/2 tsp coriander; 1 tsp sumac; 1 tsp dried mint; 1/2 tsp turmeric; 1/2 tsp chilli powder; 1/2-1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 3 tbsp tomato puree; 65g plain flour/chickpea flour; 15g fresh parsley, finely chopped; 15g fresh coriander, finely chopped; Oil for frying

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Welcome to your new favorite flavor adventure: Middle Eastern Tofu Kebabs! These kebabs are everything you crave on a busy weeknight or for a relaxed weekend get-together—richly spiced, gloriously satisfying, and beaming with fresh herbs and punchy aromatics. It’s a dish that brings people together with its color and vibrancy, drawing the best from simple pantry essentials and giving tofu a fragrant Middle Eastern makeover. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just tofu-curious, these kebabs are an irresistible way to bring new life to your plant-based repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Middle Eastern Tofu Kebabs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of everyday ingredients plus a few bright spices to unlock a truly special dish. Each element is carefully chosen: tofu provides protein-rich body, the herbs and spices weave in their intoxicating notes, and a dab of flour bundles everything together. Here’s why every item matters:

Firm tofu: The foundation of the kebabs; its sturdy texture soaks up flavors and grills or fries beautifully.
Red onion: Brings sweetness and a pop of color, plus a subtle crunch if chopped finely.
Garlic cloves: For robust, authentic flavor; mince them well for even distribution.
Cumin: Adds deep warmth and an unmistakable Middle Eastern aroma.
Coriander: Lends citrusy brightness to balance the richer spices.
Sumac: Provides a hint of tartness and jewel-toned color; a must for genuine flavor.
Dried mint: Adds gentle freshness which lifts the profile of each bite.
Turmeric: For earthy undertones and a gorgeous golden hue.
Chilli powder: A dash of heat; adjust up or down depending on your preference.
Salt: Essential for tying all the flavors together; start with less and taste as you go.
Black pepper: Just a hint for complexity and a subtle background fire.
Tomato puree: Adds color, tang, and just the right amount of moisture to bind the mixture.
Plain flour or chickpea flour: Either works to hold everything in place; chickpea flour adds even more earthy, nutty flavor.
Fresh parsley: Brings bright green flecks and fresh, grassy notes.
Fresh coriander: For lemony, peppery bursts with every bite.
Oil for frying: Choose a neutral variety (like sunflower or canola) to crisp up the outside without masking the spices.

How to Make Middle Eastern Tofu Kebabs

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu & Aromatics

Start by breaking the tofu into small, rough pieces directly into a large mixing bowl—no need for perfect cubes, as you’ll be mashing it all together soon! Add the finely chopped red onion and minced garlic. By introducing the aromatics early, they meld beautifully with the tofu, ensuring every mouthful gets that luscious flavor.

Step 2: Add the Spices and Herbs

Sprinkle in the cumin, coriander, sumac, dried mint, turmeric, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Now the magic really happens—these seasonings will infuse the tofu with all those unmistakable Middle Eastern Kebabs flavors. Toss in the chopped parsley and coriander too; this brightens and freshens everything, transforming the mixture into an herby, fragrant blend.

Step 3: Bring It Together with Tomato Purée and Flour

Add the tomato paste (purée) for a hit of umami and a lovely brick-red gloss. Pour in your flour of choice and use your hands to mash and knead everything together until you have a cohesive mix. The dough should be soft but hold together when pressed—if it feels too crumbly, try a touch more purée or a sprinkle of water.

Step 4: Shape the Kebabs

Using damp hands, form small kebab shapes—slightly elongated ovals work perfectly, but round patties are stylish too. Aim for about 12 equally sized pieces; smaller kebabs hold together and brown more evenly. Compacting the mixture in your palm helps everything stick, so don’t be shy about giving them a gentle squeeze!

Step 5: Fry to Perfection

Pour a thin layer of oil into a nonstick frying pan and bring it up to a medium heat. Fry the kebabs in batches for about a minute on each side, turning gently until all sides are golden brown and crisp. If your pan’s a bit crowded, work in stages—it’s worth it for those irresistible crispy edges. Prefer a lighter option? Bakers, simply place your kebabs onto a parchment-lined tray and bake at 180°C (160°C fan) for 25–30 minutes, though frying truly is the flavor jackpot.

How to Serve Middle Eastern Tofu Kebabs

Garnishes

Give your kebabs a final flourish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs—parsley and coriander are classic—or a dusting of sumac for extra zing. A squeeze of lemon brightens each bite, and don’t forget a swirl of creamy tahini or a dollop of cooling yogurt if your crowd enjoys a classic pairing. Fresh pomegranate seeds or a few slivered almonds offer crunch and color for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Middle Eastern Tofu Kebabs are incredibly versatile! Serve them with warm pitta bread and a vibrant chopped salad for a true mezze vibe. Fluffy rice pilaf, herbed couscous, or roasted veggies all play beautifully alongside. And, naturally, a bowl of silky hummus or garlicky baba ganoush for dunking is always a winning call.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, thread the shaped, cooked kebabs onto skewers and lay them over a bed of jeweled rice for a showstopper platter. Or, pile them into wraps with crunchy veg and your favorite sauces. If you’re serving a crowd, miniature kebabs make fantastic canapés—just add cocktail sticks and lots of napkins!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Middle Eastern Tofu Kebabs can be cooled completely and then stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Their flavor actually develops more after a night’s rest, so don’t be surprised if they taste even better the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the kebabs cool entirely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Once firm, pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep well for up to three months—perfect for future quick meals!

Reheating

Reheating is simple: just pop your kebabs in a moderately hot oven or back into a frying pan until warmed through and re-crisped (about 10 minutes at 180°C). Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that gorgeous exterior crunch. Serve straight away to recapture that fresh-from-the-pan magic.

FAQs

Can I use silken tofu instead of firm tofu?

Stick with firm tofu; silken tofu is simply too soft and won’t hold its shape. For the best Middle Eastern Tofu Kebabs, pressing out any excess moisture from the firm tofu before mashing helps ensure a satisfying texture that holds together on the pan.

Do I have to fry the kebabs, or can I just bake them?

You can absolutely bake the kebabs if you prefer a lighter touch or want a hands-off approach. While baking at 180°C for 25–30 minutes produces delicious kebabs, frying really unlocks the bold flavors and gives that beloved crispy crust.

What’s a great dipping sauce for Middle Eastern Tofu Kebabs?

Creamy tahini sauce is a classic (just whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and a splash of water), but don’t overlook spicy harissa yogurt or a herby chimichurri for a playful twist. Hummus or garlic sauce also stands out and brings authentic Middle Eastern flair.

Can I make the kebab mixture in advance?

Absolutely! You can prep the mixture and shape the kebabs ahead of time—just cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes Middle Eastern Tofu Kebabs a stress-free make-ahead option for gatherings and parties.

What’s the best way to keep kebabs from falling apart?

Be sure to mash the mixture really well and don’t skip the flour (or chickpea flour) step—it acts as the binding star. If the mixture feels too loose, add an extra tablespoon of flour. Compacting the kebabs tightly when shaping also helps them hold their signature form.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a plant-powered meal that’s bursting with personality and easy to share, these Middle Eastern Tofu Kebabs are destined to join your regular rotation. They’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and simple ingredients all rolled into one. Give them a try—your family and friends will be asking for seconds (and the recipe)!