Pin Tender spiced beef strips wrapped in warm flatbread with fresh vegetables and a tangy, creamy yogurt sauce: a Middle Eastern street food classic that brings restaurant flavors straight to your kitchen.
I first tried homemade beef shawarma when experimenting for a family kitchen challenge. Watching everyone enjoy the wraps bursting with juicy beef and crisp veggies made this dish an instant favorite.
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
- Plain Greek yogurt: 200 g (3/4 cup)
- Tahini: 1 tbsp
- Garlic clove: 1, finely minced
- Lemon juice: Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Chopped fresh parsley: 1 tbsp
- Salt (for sauce): 1/4 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper (for sauce): 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
- Shredded lettuce: 1 cup
- Fresh mint or parsley leaves: optional for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef:
- Combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Add beef strips and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours.
- Prepare Yogurt Sauce:
- Mix Greek yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Adjust flavors and refrigerate until serving.
- Cook Beef:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high. Cook marinated beef in batches for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring, until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Warm Flatbreads:
- Warm flatbreads in a dry skillet or microwave briefly until pliable.
- Assemble Wraps:
- Spread yogurt sauce on each flatbread. Top with beef, onion, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and herbs, as desired.
- Roll & Serve:
- Roll up wraps tightly. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.
Pin These wraps always bring everyone together at the table. Even picky eaters love building their own and layering their favorite veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your shawarma wraps with crispy oven fries or a simple tomato cucumber salad for a fresh and satisfying meal.
Storing & Meal Prep
Store leftover beef and sauce in airtight containers for up to 2 days in the fridge; reheat beef before assembling wraps to keep flavors vivid.
Nutritional Highlights
Each serving provides about 480 calories, with a balance of 34 g protein to refuel and 22 g fat for satisfying richness.
Pin Try this recipe for a delicious homemade twist on shawarma: bold flavors and creamy sauce will have you coming back for more.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I substitute another protein for beef?
Yes, chicken or lamb are excellent alternatives and can be marinated and cooked similarly.
- → What type of flatbread works best?
Pita, lavash, or soft tortillas are all suitable options for wrapping the filling effectively.
- → How can I make the wraps dairy-free?
Replace Greek yogurt with non-dairy alternatives such as coconut yogurt or soy yogurt in the sauce.
- → Are there gluten-free options available?
Use certified gluten-free flatbreads or wraps for those with gluten sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
- → What fresh herbs complement these wraps?
Fresh mint or parsley add brightness and freshness when used as garnish or mixed into the filling.
- → Can wraps be prepared ahead of time?
Cook beef and prep veggies in advance, but assemble just before serving to keep flatbread soft and fillings crisp.