Sizzling Crispy Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls Recipe Magic

Bursting with Middle Eastern flavors, this cauliflower shawarma bowl captures the essence of street food magic.

Roasted cauliflower shawarma brings a delightful twist to traditional recipes that will make your taste buds dance.

Tender spice-coated florets create a crispy exterior that locks in incredible depth of flavor.

Layers of vibrant ingredients blend together in a harmonious symphony of textures and colors.

The combination of warm spices, creamy tahini, and fresh herbs transforms a simple vegetable into a culinary masterpiece.

Each bite promises a journey through aromatic Mediterranean cuisine.

Prepare to savor a restaurant-quality meal that celebrates plant-based deliciousness right in your own kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Cauliflower Shawarma Bowl Ingredient Rundown

• Cauliflower: Hearty vegetable that transforms with spices, choose firm and bright white florets without brown spots for best results.
• Olive Oil: Helps spices adhere and creates golden crispy exterior, select extra virgin for richer flavor.

• Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spice blend that infuses warmth and depth, freshly ground spices provide more intense flavor profile.

• Tahini: Nutty sauce that adds luxurious texture, choose pure sesame paste without added oils.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic component that balances richness, fresh squeeze recommended over bottled.
• Garlic: Aromatic element providing sharp undertone, select firm cloves without sprouts.
• Maple Syrup: Subtle sweetener that rounds dressing’s flavor, pure maple preferred over artificial versions.
• Olive Oil: Smooths dressing consistency, extra virgin offers best taste.

• Quinoa, Couscous: Hearty grain base that absorbs flavors beautifully, opt for pre-rinsed varieties.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy burst of freshness, select ripe and vibrant colored.
• Cucumber: Crisp cooling element, seedless varieties provide cleaner texture.
• Red Onion: Sharp accent that adds crunch, soak in cold water to reduce pungency.
• Hummus: Creamy protein layer, choose smooth traditional style.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy crumbled topping, select high-quality authentic Greek version.
• Parsley: Fresh herbal finish.

Tools That Make Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls Easy

• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting cauliflower evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Large bowl: Perfect for tossing cauliflower with oil and spices.
• Small bowl: Ideal for whisking together tahini dressing.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Useful for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate spice and dressing measurements.

How to Roast and Assemble Shawarma Bowls With Cauliflower

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a sizzling 425F and grab a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

• Spice and Coat Cauliflower

Toss cauliflower florets with a splash of olive oil and a generous sprinkle of warm, aromatic spices until every piece is beautifully covered.

• Roast to Golden Perfection

Spread the florets on the baking sheet in a single layer. Slide into the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, giving them a quick flip halfway through. You’re looking for crispy, golden edges that scream deliciousness.

• Whip Up the Magic Dressing

In a small bowl, blend tahini, zesty lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, a touch of maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Thin it out with water until it’s silky and drizzle-ready.

• Build Your Flavor-Packed Bowl

Layer a base of quinoa or couscous, then pile on the roasted cauliflower. Add a burst of freshness with cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and zingy red onion.

• Final Flourish

Top with a generous dollop of creamy hummus. Sprinkle with crumbled feta, fresh parsley, and a handful of crunchy nuts if you’re feeling adventurous. Drizzle that incredible tahini dressing over everything and dig in!

Flavor Boosts for Cauliflower Shawarma Combinations

• Pat cauliflower florets completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent steaming.
• These bowls can be prepared ahead of time by storing components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• For gluten-free version, replace quinoa/couscous with brown rice or cauliflower rice for added nutrition.
• Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for extra protein and make the bowl more filling and substantial.
• Adjust shawarma spice blend intensity by increasing or decreasing paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper according to personal heat preference.

Serving Ideas for Mediterranean-Inspired Shawarma Bowls

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Sprinkle extra toasted pine nuts or almonds for a delightful crunch that elevates the texture and adds nutty richness to your shawarma bowl.
• Mediterranean Mezze Spread: Serve with warm pita bread, additional hummus, and a side of pickled vegetables to create a complete Middle Eastern-inspired dining experience that transforms your bowl into a vibrant meal.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Garnish with extra fresh herbs like mint or cilantro to brighten the flavors and add a zesty, aromatic touch that complements the roasted cauliflower’s warmth.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or pan-seared tofu for those wanting extra protein, making the bowl more substantial and satisfying for larger appetites.

Best Way to Store Leftover Cauliflower Bowls

• Keep roasted cauliflower in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining crispy texture by reheating in the oven at 375F for 10 minutes.
• Store tahini sauce separately in a sealed jar, refrigerated for up to one week, stirring before each use to restore smooth consistency.
• Prepare components ahead by roasting cauliflower, chopping vegetables, and mixing dressing in advance, allowing quick assembly during busy weekdays.
• Freeze roasted cauliflower and quinoa in portioned containers for convenient grab-and-go lunches, lasting up to one month when properly sealed.

Crispy Cauliflower Shawarma Bowls Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Moroccan spices dance through this cauliflower shawarma bowl, creating a Mediterranean-inspired feast of roasted vegetables and zesty tahini sauce. Crisp cauliflower florets nestled on herbed rice will transport palates to sun-drenched streets where flavor knows no boundaries.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 cup quinoa or couscous (or rice for gluten-free)
• ½ cup hummus
• ¼ cup tahini
• ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 2–3 tbsps water (to thin)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Heat oven to 425F (220C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cauliflower Seasoning: Thoroughly coat cauliflower florets with olive oil and spices in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution.
3. Roasting Process: Arrange seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on prepared baking sheet, roasting for 25-30 minutes and flipping midway to achieve golden, crispy exterior.
4. Dressing Creation: Whisk tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, gradually incorporating water until achieving a smooth, drizzleable consistency.
5. Bowl Construction: Layer quinoa or couscous as base, strategically placing roasted cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion for visual appeal and balanced flavor profile.
6. Finishing Touches: Embellish with hummus dollop, crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and optional nuts, then generously drizzle garlic tahini dressing over entire composition before serving immediately.

Notes

• Choose high-quality, fresh shawarma spice blend for authentic Middle Eastern flavor profile. Ground cumin, paprika, and turmeric work best for deep, robust taste.
• Pat cauliflower completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum crispiness. Spread florets with ample space between them on baking sheet to prevent steaming.
• Adjust tahini dressing thickness by gradually adding water. Room temperature ingredients help create smoother, more emulsified sauce.
• Easily adapt recipe for vegan diets by replacing feta with nutritional yeast or plant-based cheese. Gluten-free option: substitute quinoa for couscous, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg