As a historically meat-based dish, kebabs have not always been available to those of us who eat vegan and vegetarian. As the world changes and more and more people commit to eating consciously though, there has been a revolution in plant-based and meat-free alternatives to more classically carnivorous cuisine.
Nowhere is this radical shift more apparent than in Middle Eastern food, which the Western interpretation of which is dominated by predominantly meat and bread combinations, aside from mezze dishes.
However, as consumer demand in the UK shifts to include vegan versions of popular dishes, innovative chefs have developed new takes on regional delicacies to offer a range of options to satisfy vegan and vegetarian audiences.
There is now more choice for vegan kebabs than ever before. Take Le Bab’s Spice-Roast Aubergine Sabich, which is a contemporary take on a Levant classic, or any other number of plant-based meat alternatives that are designed to copy that signature taste found in the UK’s best kebab shops that so many of us enjoy after a night out.
If you’re looking for something that you can replicate at home though, follow this ultimate vegan fakeaway recipe to wow your friends and family.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients for Your Vegan Kebab
The base spices for kebabs, vegetarian or otherwise, are of course completely vegan-friendly. Onion, black pepper, cumin, ground coriander, oregano, garlic powder and paprika are all used from Beirut to Blackpool to achieve that signature taste. However, in order to make this dish vegan-friendly, you’ll need to substrate the cooking fat and meat for a vegan alternative.
Most reputable supermarkets carry vegan butter and meat replacement options, with chicken or beef being the most suitable for this recipe. Then, it’s up to you for the toppings and bread, depending on your preferences! Start with a pitta or naan, and finish off that typical kebab shop experience with the salad and sauces of your choosing. Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, ketchup, vegan mayo or hot sauces, there are no wrong answers here, so go with what you love!
Must-Have Equipment for Perfect Vegan Kebabs
While most of the required equipment will be available to any home cook, you will need a food processor to properly combine your vegan meat alternative. If you don’t have one of these and are not in the market to buy one, then you can always scratch the itch by getting your vegan kebab from one of the many amazing kebab restaurants in Spitalfields Market in London or anywhere else in the country that they’re on offer!
Preparation Steps
Your Guide to Preparing Vegan Kebab
First, sauté your onions before pureeing in a food processor, followed by your meat replacement of choice, as well as the spices, and mix until everything is combined.
Once combined, shape your mixture into the classic doner shape, before wrapping in foil and freezing for around 4 to 5 hours. This will ensure that the kebab can be cut into thin strips in the style of your typical kebab shop lamb doner.
Cooking and Assembling Your Vegan Kebab
After removing your meat substitute mixture from the freezer, use a sharp knife to slice it into thin strips. Next, heat some vegan butter in a large frying pan and cook the slices until they get a great golden brown colour on both sides.
Now you can start assembling your kebab. Heat your bread of choice on the grill or in the toaster and add your heated kebab slices, before adding the sauce and finishing off with your prepped salad (have as much as you want, there’s no one to judge how much you're piling in at home!).
Serving Suggestions
You can of course serve the kebabs however you like, but wrapping them in paper or in foil will help give that authentic late-night feel! Alternatively, serve open, or lay out the ingredients on the table and let your guests build their own.
For the best in kebabs in London, try Le Bab. We provide a variety of kebab options, from classic Chicken Shish kebabs to vegetarian and vegan options. You can also order your favourite mezze dishes and drinks to go with it. Book your table below to try us out.
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