Save Tender spiced beef strips wrapped in warm flatbread with fresh vegetables and a tangy, creamy yogurt sauce: a Middle Eastern street food classic.
I first tried beef shawarma at a bustling open market, savoring the harmony of spices and creamy sauce. It brought back memories each time I make this dish at home.
Ingredients
- Beef sirloin or flank steak: 500 g, thinly sliced
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves: 2, minced
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Ground coriander: 1 tsp
- Ground paprika: 1 tsp
- Ground turmeric: 1/2 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper: 1/4 tsp (optional)
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Lemon juice: Juice of 1 lemon
- Greek yogurt: 200 g (3/4 cup), plain
- Tahini: 1 tbsp
- Garlic clove: 1, finely minced
- Lemon juice: Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Black pepper: Freshly ground, to taste
- Flatbreads: 4 large (pita, lavash, or tortillas)
- Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
- Tomato: 1 large, sliced
- Cucumber: 1/2, sliced into thin strips
- Lettuce: 1 cup, shredded
- Mint or parsley leaves: Fresh, optional
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef:
- Combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Add beef strips and toss to coat. Marinate for 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Make the Yogurt Sauce:
- Mix Greek yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning and refrigerate until needed.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Cook beef in batches for 4 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Warm Flatbreads:
- Heat flatbreads in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until warm and pliable.
- Assemble Wraps:
- Spread yogurt sauce on each flatbread. Top with beef, onion, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and fresh herbs.
- Serve:
- Roll the wraps tightly and serve with extra yogurt sauce on the side.
Save This recipe is always a family favorite: everyone loves to build their own wraps with the fresh ingredients, making dinner a fun occasion.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, large skillet or grill pan, chefs knife, cutting board, spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt), sesame (tahini), gluten (flatbread). Substitute gluten-free wraps if needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 480 Calories, 22 g Total Fat, 38 g Carbohydrates, 34 g Protein
Save Serve wraps fresh for best texture: enjoy with mint lemonade for a refreshing meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I marinate the beef for extra flavor?
Combine olive oil with garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Coat beef strips well and let marinate for at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper taste.
- → What type of flatbread works best for the wraps?
Large pita, lavash, or tortillas are ideal for wrapping, as they are pliable and hold fillings well. Warm them slightly before assembling for better flexibility.
- → Can I prepare the creamy yogurt sauce in advance?
Yes, the yogurt sauce can be mixed ahead of time and chilled. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the tangy and herbal notes when served.
- → What vegetables are recommended for the wraps?
Thinly sliced red onion, tomato slices, cucumber strips, shredded lettuce, and fresh herbs such as parsley or mint bring freshness and crunch to the wraps.
- → Are there any good pairings with this dish?
Pair the wraps with crisp white wine, mint lemonade, or your favorite chilled beverage to balance the rich and tangy flavors.
- → Can I substitute beef with other proteins?
Chicken or lamb can be used as alternatives, marinated with the same spice blend for similar flavor profiles.