Discover how to make shawarma at home with our easy meat shawarma recipe. This guide will walk you through creating delicious shawarma, featuring perfectly seasoned meat and fresh vegetables wrapped in warm pita bread. Whether you’re craving traditional shawarma or looking to perfect your homemade version, our recipe delivers authentic flavor and satisfying texture.
The Perfect Meat Shawarma Sandwich
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 lb (450 g) beef or lamb (thinly sliced, or a mix of both)
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
For Serving
- Pita bread/Arabic bread/Flatbread
- Tahini sauce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced onions
- Pickles (specifically turnip pickles)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Steps
- Step 1
Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and white vinegar. Mix well.
- Step 2
Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground paprika, ground turmeric, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, and ground cardamom (if using). Stir to create a smooth marinade.
- Step 3
Marinate the Meat
Add the thinly sliced meat to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Step 4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Step 5
Cook the Meat
Preheat a grill, grill pan, or large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 6
Cook the marinated meat in batches if necessary, turning occasionally until well-browned and cooked through (about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness). For a skillet, you may need to add a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 7
Rest and Slice
After cooking, let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Step 8
Assemble Shawarma
Warm the pita or flatbreads.
- Step 9
Spread tahini sauce on the bread. Add the sliced meat, followed by your choice of toppings such as cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and lettuce.
- Step 10
Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
- Step 11
Serve
Roll up the pita or flatbread around the fillings to create a wrap.
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About the Author: Riwa Saied
