Authentic Middle Eastern Beef Shawarma Recipe

Ingredients

1 kg Beef steak
1 cup Plain yogurt
3 tablespoons Vinegar
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Pepper
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2 tablespoons Shawarma spices
2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
4 pieces Pita bread
2 Tomatoes, sliced
1 Cucumber, sliced
1 Onion, thinly sliced
1 cup Lettuce, shredded
1/2 cup Tahini sauce

Steps and instructions

First, cut the beef into thin strips and place them in a bowl.
In the bowl, add yogurt, vinegar, minced garlic, pepper, salt, and shawarma spices. Mix everything together until the beef strips are well coated.
Let the beef marinate in the mixture for at least 2 hours, or leave it overnight in the refrigerator for the flavors to fully develop.
After marinating, heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated beef to the pan and cook until it's browned and cooked through. This should take about 10 to 15 minutes.
While the beef is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Slice the tomatoes and cucumber, shred the lettuce, and thinly slice the onion.
Warm up the pita bread and open them to create a pocket.
Once the beef is cooked, assemble the shawarma. Inside each pita pocket, add a serving of the cooked beef, a handful of the prepared vegetables, and a spoonful of tahini sauce.
Repeat the process until all the ingredients are used.
Finally, serve the beef shawarma while it's still warm. Enjoy it with some extra tahini sauce on the side.

Tools for making

Cutting board - Used for safely cutting and preparing the beef and vegetables.
Sharp knife - Essential for slicing the beef and chopping the vegetables.
Mixing bowl - Used to mix the marinade ingredients with the beef.
Measuring cups - Required to accurately measure the ingredients such as yogurt, vinegar, and spices.
Measuring spoons - Used for precise measurement of smaller quantities of ingredients like minced garlic and spices.
Pan - Required for cooking the marinated beef strips.
Tongs - To flip and stir the beef while cooking.
Spatula - Useful for transferring the cooked beef from the pan to the serving plate.
Toaster or oven - Used to warm up the pita bread before assembling the shawarma.
Plates and serving utensils - Needed to serve the prepared beef shawarma.

Recipe variations

Use chicken instead of beef for a chicken shawarma variation.
Replace the pita bread with tortilla wraps for a different type of wrap.
Add sliced bell peppers or sautéed onions to the filling for added flavor and texture.
Experiment with different spices such as cumin, paprika, or turmeric to customize the shawarma marinade.
Add a dollop of hummus or garlic sauce to the filling for extra creaminess.
For a healthier option, use lettuce leaves instead of pita bread to make lettuce wraps.
Include pickles or pickled vegetables as a tangy and crunchy addition to the shawarma.
Try different sauces like tzatziki, tahini-yogurt sauce, or spicy harissa sauce as an alternative to tahini sauce.
For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the meat with marinated tofu or seitan.
Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice over the filling for a citrusy twist.

Recipe overview

Beef Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish that's packed with flavor and quite simple to make at home. This recipe uses tender, marinated beef that's cooked to perfection and served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of tahini sauce. The beef is first marinated in a blend of yogurt, vinegar, and spices, then cooked until juicy and browned. This is then wrapped in pita bread along with slices of cucumber, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and onions. The shawarma is finally topped with a generous amount of tahini sauce that adds a creamy, tangy finish to the dish. This recipe serves up a satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner. The flavors are intense and well balanced, and the textures are varied and delightful. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and enjoy a delicious homemade Beef Shawarma!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken or lamb instead of beef if you prefer.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for plain yogurt in this recipe.
Where can I find shawarma spices?
You can find shawarma spices at Middle Eastern grocery stores or online. Alternatively, you can make your own shawarma spice blend using common spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and cloves.
What can I use as a substitute for tahini sauce?
If you don't have tahini sauce, you can use a mixture of mayonnaise and lemon juice as a substitute.
Can I grill the beef instead of cooking it in a pan?
Yes, grilling the beef is a great option if you prefer a smoky flavor. Simply preheat your grill and cook the marinated beef strips until they're browned and cooked through.
Can I make the beef shawarma ahead of time?
While it's best to serve beef shawarma immediately after assembling, you can marinate the beef in advance and cook it when needed. You can also prepare the vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator.
What other toppings can I add to the beef shawarma?
In addition to the suggested vegetables, you can also add pickles, hot sauce, or chopped parsley to your beef shawarma for added flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

Cutting board - Used for safely cutting and preparing the beef and vegetables.
Knife - Essential for slicing the beef, tomatoes, cucumber, and onion.
Bowl - Used for marinating the beef.
Pan - Required for cooking the marinated beef strips.
Tongs - Useful for flipping and handling the beef while cooking.
Grill or stovetop - Used to warm up the pita bread.
Serving platter - Ideal for presenting the assembled beef shawarma.
Spoon - Used for adding tahini sauce to the pita pockets.
Napkins or paper towels - Helpful for cleaning hands or wiping up any spills.

Origin stories

Shawarma, the Middle Eastern fast food favorite, has a rich history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. The word "shawarma" comes from the Turkish word "çevirme," which means "turning," a nod to the traditional method of grilling the meat on a vertical rotisserie. In the days of the Ottoman Empire, the meat was typically lamb or mutton, but modern day shawarma can be made from chicken, beef, or turkey. The dish spread across the Middle East and parts of Europe as the Ottoman Empire expanded, and each region added its own twist, leading to the wide variety of shawarma styles we have today. The practice of serving the meat in a pita, as we're so familiar with now, started in the 1970s in Israel, and was a game changer for shawarma's status as a grab-and-go meal. Despite its extensive and varied history, one thing about shawarma has remained consistent: wherever it goes, it quickly becomes a beloved staple.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.