Easy Homemade Shawarma Recipe for Delicious Middle Eastern Flavor
Shawarma Recipe
Craving the flavors of the Middle East? Learn how to make authentic Shawarma at home with this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs or lamb/beef, thinly sliced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pita bread or flatbread, for serving
- Thinly sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce, for garnish
- Tahini sauce or garlic sauce, for serving
- Pickled vegetables (such as cucumbers or turnips), for serving
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Meat:
- In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, plain yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Add the thinly sliced meat to the marinade, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Skewer and Grill the Meat:
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated meat slices onto skewers, folding them over to form layers.
- Grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the meat is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges.
3. Prepare the Accompaniments:
- While the meat is grilling, prepare the accompaniments by thinly slicing the tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lettuce. Set aside.
- Warm the pita bread or flatbread on the grill or in the oven until heated through.
4. Assemble the Shawarma Wraps:
- Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the skewers and thinly slice it.
- Place a warmed pita bread or flatbread on a plate. Spread a layer of tahini sauce or garlic sauce on the bread.
- Arrange the sliced meat and sliced vegetables on top of the sauce.
- Roll up the bread tightly to form a wrap, securing it with foil or parchment paper if needed.
5. Serve:
- Serve the shawarma wraps hot alongside additional tahini sauce or garlic sauce on the side, and pickled vegetables for extra flavor and crunch.
Occasions:
- Weeknight Dinners: Shawarma is perfect for quick and flavorful weeknight dinners when you’re craving the exotic taste of the Middle East. Its simple preparation and delicious flavors make it a satisfying meal for busy weekdays.
- Outdoor Barbecues: Shawarma is a hit at outdoor barbecues and cookouts, adding a taste of the exotic to your backyard gatherings. Grill up some shawarma skewers and serve them alongside grilled vegetables and salads for a complete feast.
- Casual Gatherings: Whether it’s a potluck, game night, or casual dinner with friends, Shawarma is sure to impress. Set up a DIY shawarma station with various toppings and let everyone customize their wraps for a fun and interactive dining experience.