Description
Tender beef marinated in a blend of spices, then grilled to perfection and served in warm pita with fresh veggies and creamy tahini. Beef Shawarma is a flavorful, Middle Eastern-inspired dish that’s both satisfying and aromatic.
Ingredients
For the Beef Shawarma:
- 1 lb beef (flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye, thinly sliced against the grain)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread, flatbread, or wraps (4 pieces)
- Fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce)
- Pickled cucumbers or turnips (optional)
- Tahini sauce or garlic yogurt sauce (optional)
Instructions
Start by thinly slicing the beef across the grain. The thinner the slices, the more tender and juicy they will be once cooked. If necessary, freeze the beef for about 15-20 minutes to make slicing easier.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, and cardamom. Add the lemon juice and yogurt to the mixture, along with a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine, creating a fragrant, spiced marinade.
Add the sliced beef to the marinade, making sure all the pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. If you have more time, marinate the beef for up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor. The longer the beef marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will become.
Once the beef has marinated, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and allow it to heat up.
Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet in batches, ensuring that the pieces are spread out in a single layer. This helps them sear and cook evenly. Cook the beef for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through. You want the beef to be tender and slightly crispy on the edges but still juicy inside.
While the beef is cooking, prepare your toppings. Slice the tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce. You can also prepare pickled cucumbers or turnips for added tanginess. If you’re making a sauce, mix together plain yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for a simple garlic yogurt sauce. Alternatively, drizzle tahini sauce over the shawarma for a richer, nutty flavor.
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Warm your pita bread, flatbreads, or wraps in the same skillet for a few seconds to make them pliable.
To assemble the Beef Shawarma, place a few spoonfuls of the cooked beef onto the center of each piece of bread. Add your desired toppings, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and pickles. Drizzle with your choice of tahini sauce or garlic yogurt sauce, and fold the bread to create a wrap or sandwich.
Serve the Beef Shawarma immediately while it’s hot, with your favorite side dishes such as hummus, tabbouleh, or French fries. The combination of warm beef, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 1 hour for marinating)
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 500-600 kcal
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Protein: 40-45g