Switch Foods Next Level Vegan Kabob and Kafta
Switch Foods Next Level Vegan Kabob and Kafta is a easy Armenian recipe that serves 4. 600 calories per serving. Recipe by Vegan Hacks on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 35 min
Cost: $29.97 total, $7.49 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Switch Foods Kebab (Ready‑to‑cook, marinated plant‑based kebab sticks)
- 4 pieces Switch Foods Kafta (Ready‑to‑cook, seasoned plant‑based kafta patties)
- 200 g Switch Foods Chicken Shawarma (Sliced plant‑based chicken shawarma strips)
Instructions
Preheat the Grill
Turn on the grill or heat a grill pan over medium‑high heat until it reaches about 400°F.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Oil the Grates (Optional)
Lightly brush the grill grates with a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.
Time: PT1M
Grill the Kebab Sticks
Place the Switch Foods kebab sticks on the grill. Cook 3‑4 minutes per side, turning once, until nicely charred.
Time: PT8M
Grill the Kafta Patties
Add the Switch Foods kafta patties to the grill. Cook 4‑5 minutes per side, pressing gently with tongs, until browned and heated through.
Time: PT10M
Grill the Chicken Shawarma Strips
Scatter the Switch Foods chicken shawarma strips across the grill. Stir and toss every 2 minutes, cooking for about 5 minutes total until slightly crisp.
Time: PT5M
Rest and Plate
Remove all meats from the grill, let rest 2 minutes, then arrange on a serving platter.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 600
- Protein
- 54 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, Non‑GMO
Allergens: None (product is soy‑free and gluten‑free)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Switch Foods Kebab: Beyond Meat Kebab, Homemade lentil kebab
- Instead of Switch Foods Kafta: Beyond Meat Kafta, Homemade chickpea kafta
- Instead of Switch Foods Chicken Shawarma: Other plant‑based shawarma strips, Homemade seitan shawarma
Equipment Needed
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Tongs
- Plate
- Serving Platter
- Timer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheating the grill to the correct temperature ensures proper sear.
- Do not overcook the plant‑based meats; they can become dry.
- Allow the meats to rest before serving for optimal juiciness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Serve with fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro for brightness.
- Accompany the platter with traditional Armenian sides such as grilled vegetables, lavash, and a tangy tomato‑onion salad.
- Brush the meats with a splash of lemon juice just before serving for extra zing.
Troubleshooting
Meats stick to the grill.
Make sure the grill is properly preheated and lightly oiled before adding the plant‑based meats.
Meats are dry or over‑charred.
Reduce the grill heat to medium and watch the cooking time closely; plant‑based proteins cook faster than animal meat.
No smoky flavor.
Use a charcoal grill or add a few soaked wood chips to a gas grill for authentic smoke.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked pieces in a freezer‑safe bag for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Grill all three meats up to 2 minutes before serving, then reheat briefly before the meal.
- Store cooked meats in the refrigerator and reheat on the grill or in a skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of horovats in Armenian cuisine?
Horovats, meaning "grilled meat" in Armenian, is a cornerstone of family gatherings, celebrations, and outdoor feasts. Historically, Armenians would grill lamb, pork, or beef over open flames, sharing the food and stories together.
How does the vegan Armenian barbecue differ from traditional meat‑based horovats?
The vegan version replaces animal proteins with plant‑based alternatives while keeping the same grilling techniques, spices, and communal spirit. Switch Foods' kebab, kafta, and chicken shawarma mimic the texture and flavor of traditional meats without using any animal products.
What are the traditional regional variations of horovats in Armenia?
In different Armenian regions, horovats may feature lamb marinated with sumac, pork with apricot glaze, or beef seasoned with cumin and coriander. Some areas also grill vegetables like eggplant and bell peppers alongside the meat.
What occasions or celebrations is horovats traditionally associated with in Armenian culture?
Horovats is commonly served at weddings, birthdays, religious holidays such as Vardavar, and any large family reunion. The act of grilling outdoors symbolizes hospitality and togetherness.
What other Armenian dishes pair well with this vegan barbecue platter?
Serve the vegan horovats with traditional sides like tabbouleh, muhammara, grilled eggplant, lavash flatbread, and a fresh cucumber‑tomato salad dressed with lemon and sumac.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Armenian kebab and kafta versus acceptable vegan substitutes?
Traditional kebab and kafta use ground lamb or beef, onions, garlic, parsley, and spices such as cumin, paprika, and sumac. In this vegan recipe, Switch Foods provides soy‑free, non‑GMO plant‑based proteins that are seasoned to match those classic flavors.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making vegan Armenian barbecue at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the plant‑based meats, which makes them dry, and not preheating the grill, which leads to sticking. Also, avoid using too much oil, as the Switch Foods products already contain enough fat for a good sear.
Why does this recipe use a medium‑high grill temperature instead of low and slow cooking?
Plant‑based meats cook quickly and achieve the desired char and smoky flavor best at medium‑high heat. Low heat would dry them out without creating the traditional grill marks that define horovats.
Can I make this vegan Armenian barbecue ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can grill the meats up to two minutes before serving, then refrigerate them in an airtight container. Reheat briefly on the grill or in a skillet before plating to restore the crisp exterior.
What does the YouTube channel Vegan Hacks specialize in?
The YouTube channel Vegan Hacks focuses on creating accessible, plant‑based versions of classic comfort foods and cultural dishes, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize flavor, nutrition, and ease of preparation.
How does the YouTube channel Vegan Hacks' approach to Armenian cuisine differ from other vegan cooking channels?
Vegan Hacks highlights authentic regional techniques—like the Armenian horovats grilling method—while using modern plant‑based products, whereas many other channels may substitute with generic tofu or tempeh without preserving the cultural grilling experience.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
