Save Tender spiced beef strips wrapped in warm flatbread with fresh vegetables and a tangy creamy yogurt sauce this is a Middle Eastern street food classic beloved for its rich flavors and satisfying textures.
I still remember the first time I tried shawarma during a bustling market visit with my family. The enticing aroma and layered flavors inspired me to recreate this wrap at home.
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
- Greek yogurt: 200 g (3/4 cup) plain
- Tahini: 1 tbsp
- Garlic clove: 1 finely minced
- Lemon juice: juice of 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 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:
- In a large bowl 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 for deeper flavor.
- Prepare Yogurt Sauce:
- Mix Greek yogurt tahini minced garlic lemon juice parsley salt and black pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium high heat. Cook marinated beef in batches for 4 to 6 minutes stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Warm the Flatbreads:
- Warm flatbreads in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until pliable.
- Assemble Wraps:
- Spread creamy yogurt sauce on each flatbread. Top with beef onion tomato cucumber lettuce and herbs if desired. Roll up tightly and serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.
Save Sharing these wraps for a weekend lunch has become a favorite family tradition the lively assembly line always leads to laughter and delicious results.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls large skillet chefs knife cutting board spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt) sesame (tahini) and gluten (flatbread). Always check labels and choose gluten free wraps if required.
Nutritional Information
Per serving Calories: 480 Total Fat: 22 g Carbohydrates: 38 g Protein: 34 g
Save Enjoy these warm wraps with your favorite drink and savor every bite of vibrant spices and creamy sauce. They are sure to transport you to street food stalls with every mouthful.
Recipe FAQ
- → How should I marinate the beef for best flavor?
Combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Coat the beef strips well and marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- → What type of flatbread works best for the wraps?
Pita, lavash, or tortillas all work well. Warm them briefly to make them more pliable for wrapping.
- → How do I prepare the creamy yogurt sauce?
Mix Greek yogurt with tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- → Can I substitute the beef with other proteins?
Yes, chicken or lamb can be used as alternatives to beef while keeping the same marinade and cooking method.
- → What vegetables are recommended to include in the wraps?
Thinly sliced red onion, tomato, cucumber strips, shredded lettuce, and fresh herbs like mint or parsley add fresh crunch and flavor to the wraps.
- → Are there suggestions to enhance the flavor further?
Adding pickled vegetables or a drizzle of chili sauce can add an extra layer of zest, and serving with a crisp white wine or mint lemonade complements the dish well.