Pin this Tender spiced beef strips wrapped in warm flatbread with fresh vegetables and a tangy, creamy yogurt sauce. A Middle Eastern street food classic that's packed with flavor and texture.
I first tasted shawarma at a bustling street vendor on a summer trip, and the combination of warm spiced meat with cool creamy sauce has stuck with me ever since. It's a dish I love making for gatherings, as everyone can add their own twist to each wrap.
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
- Juice of lemon: 1
- Greek yogurt: 200 g (3/4 cup), plain
- Tahini: 1 tbsp
- Garlic clove: 1, finely minced
- Juice of lemon: 1/2
- Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Salt (sauce): 1/4 tsp
- Black pepper (sauce): to taste, freshly ground
- 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
- Fresh mint or parsley leaves: 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. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Prepare Yogurt Sauce:
- Mix Greek yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate until serving.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Cook beef in batches 4–6 minutes, stirring, until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Warm Flatbreads:
- Heat flatbreads on dry skillet or in microwave until pliable.
- Assemble Wraps:
- Spread yogurt sauce on each flatbread. Top with beef, onion, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and fresh herbs if desired.
- Serve:
- Roll wraps tightly and serve immediately, with extra sauce on the side.
Pin this This shawarma wrap is a favorite for family movie nights. Everyone gets involved in assembling their own, and the mix of flavors always brings smiles to the table.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, large skillet or grill pan, chefs knife, cutting board, spoon or spatula
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 480 calories, 22 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 34 g protein
Serving Suggestions
Pair with crisp white wine or refreshing mint lemonade for a complete meal
Pin this Serve these wraps hot with sauce on the side, and enjoy fresh for best texture and taste.
Recipe FAQs
- → How should the beef be marinated?
Combine olive oil, garlic, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss beef slices in this mixture and marinate for at least 20 minutes to develop flavor.
- → What is the best way to cook the beef strips?
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the marinated beef in batches for 4–6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- → How to prepare the creamy yogurt sauce?
Mix plain Greek yogurt with tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to use.
- → What types of flatbread work well for the wraps?
Pita, lavash, or tortillas can be warmed and used as wraps. Choose soft flatbreads that are pliable enough to roll without breaking.
- → Can the wraps be customized with additional ingredients?
Yes, adding pickled vegetables or chili sauce can enhance the flavor. Fresh herbs like mint or parsley can be included for added aroma.