The most delicious Arabic food

SHow to Make Delicious Meat Shawarma: A Step-by-Step Guide

Shawarma is a popular Middle Eastern dish known for its flavorful, marinated meat, thinly sliced and wrapped in warm pita or served over rice. Here’s how to make a delicious beef or lamb shawarma at home!

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 500g beef or lamb (sirloin, ribeye, or boneless leg), thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground allspice
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For Cooking:

• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for pan-frying)

For the Shawarma Sauce:

• ½ cup tahini (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)

For Serving:

• Pita bread or flatbread
• Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce
• Pickles (optional)
• Thinly sliced onions mixed with sumac (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Meat:

1. In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients.
2. Add the thinly sliced beef or lamb and mix well to coat the meat evenly.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for the best flavor.

2. Cook the Shawarma:

• Stovetop Method:
  1. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add butter or olive oil.
  2. Add the marinated meat in batches (avoid overcrowding).
  3. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and cooked through.
• Oven Method:
  1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Spread the marinated meat on a baking sheet.
  3. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. For a crispy texture, broil for the last 5 minutes.

3. Make the Shawarma Sauce:

1. In a bowl, mix tahini (or yogurt), lemon juice, garlic, salt, and water.
2. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust water if needed for the desired consistency.

4. Assemble the Shawarma Wrap:

1. Warm the pita bread or flatbread.
2. Spread some sauce on the bread.
3. Add the cooked shawarma meat, sliced vegetables, pickles, and sumac onions.
4. Wrap tightly and serve immediately!

5. Serve and Enjoy!

• You can serve shawarma with hummus, fries, or rice for a full meal.
• Add extra garlic sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor.

Now you have a homemade, restaurant-style shawarma that’s juicy, flavorful, and delicious! Would you like any side dish recommendations? 😊