Save It Tender spiced beef strips wrapped in warm flatbread with fresh vegetables and a tangy, creamy yogurt sauce a Middle Eastern street food classic.
I first tasted shawarma at a busy market stall and was immediately hooked by the blend of spices and textures wrapped up in fresh flatbread. Making these at home brings the vibrant taste of a favorite street food right to my kitchen.
Ingredients
- Beef: 500 g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, 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 (optional): 1/4 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Lemon juice: from 1 lemon
- Greek yogurt: 200 g (3/4 cup) plain
- Tahini: 1 tbsp
- Garlic (for sauce): 1 clove, finely minced
- Lemon juice (for sauce): from 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp chopped
- Salt (for sauce): 1/4 tsp
- Black pepper (for sauce): freshly ground, to taste
- Flatbreads: 4 large (pita or 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): as desired
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Add beef strips and toss. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Make Yogurt Sauce:
- In another bowl, mix Greek yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Chill until serving.
- Cook Beef:
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Cook marinated beef for 4 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Flatbreads:
- Warm flatbreads in a dry skillet or microwave until flexible.
- Assemble Wraps:
- Spread yogurt sauce on each flatbread. Top with beef, onion, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and herbs.
- Serve:
- Roll wraps tightly and serve immediately with extra sauce.
Save It This has become a weeknight tradition at our house and everyone loves customizing their wraps with the creamy sauce and fresh veggies.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, large skillet or grill pan, chefs knife, cutting board, spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt), sesame (tahini), gluten (flatbread); substitute gluten-free wraps if needed
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 38 g, Protein: 34 g per serving
Save It Enjoy these wraps fresh and hot for the best flavor, and save any leftovers for a quick and tasty lunch the next day.
Common Questions About Recipes
- → Can I substitute chicken or lamb for beef?
Yes, chicken or lamb can be used. Marinate and cook using the same method for delicious results.
- → How do I make the yogurt sauce creamier?
Use full-fat Greek yogurt and add a bit more tahini or a splash of olive oil to enhance creaminess.
- → What kind of flatbread works best?
Pita, lavash, or soft tortillas are perfect. Warm them for flexibility before assembling wraps.
- → Which vegetables complement shawarma wraps?
Onion, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and fresh parsley or mint all add crunch and freshness.
- → Can this be made gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use certified gluten-free flatbreads or wraps and check ingredient labels carefully.
- → What pairs well as a side drink?
Mint lemonade, sparkling water, or a crisp white wine all complement the vibrant flavors.
- → Are there allergen concerns?
The dish contains dairy, sesame, and gluten, so substitutions may be needed for dietary restrictions.