Pin It Tender spiced beef strips wrapped in warm flatbread with fresh vegetables and a tangy, creamy yogurt sauce is a Middle Eastern street food classic that brings irresistible flavor to every bite.
I first loved beef shawarma during a bustling night market visit and have enjoyed re-creating it at home ever since. This recipe's creamy sauce and warm bread always bring a smile to my family’s faces.
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: juice of 1 lemon
- Greek yogurt: 200 g (3/4 cup) plain
- Tahini: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 1 clove, finely minced
- Lemon juice: juice of 1/2 lemon
- Parsley: 1 tbsp chopped fresh
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Black pepper: 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): as desired
Instructions
- Marinate the beef:
- In a large bowl, mix 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).
- Prepare yogurt sauce:
- Combine Greek yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix and adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate.
- Cook beef:
- Heat skillet over medium-high. Cook marinated beef in batches for 4 to 6 minutes until brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Warm flatbreads:
- Warm flatbreads in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Assemble wraps:
- Spread yogurt sauce on flatbread then top with beef, onion, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and herbs if using.
- Serve:
- Roll up tightly. Serve with extra sauce on the side.
Pin It Sharing these wraps at our weekend family table always sparks laughter and requests for seconds. Everyone loves customizing their own with favorite veggies and sauce.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, large skillet or grill pan, chefs knife, cutting board, and spoon or spatula are all you'll need to prepare these wraps at home.
Allergen Information
The wraps contain Greek yogurt (dairy), tahini (sesame), and flatbread (gluten). Always check labels for allergens and use gluten-free bread if necessary.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 480 calories, 22 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein.
Pin It Make these wraps fresh for best texture and enjoy with an ice-cold mint lemonade. They quickly become a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
Recipe FAQs
- → How should the beef be marinated for best flavor?
Combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Marinate the beef strips for at least 20 minutes to allow spices to deeply infuse.
- → What type of flatbread works best for these wraps?
Large soft flatbreads like pita, lavash, or tortillas are ideal as they easily fold and hold the fillings without breaking.
- → Can the creamy yogurt sauce be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, mixing Greek yogurt with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper early helps flavors meld. Keep refrigerated until serving.
- → What vegetables are recommended for adding crunch and freshness?
Sliced cucumber, tomato, shredded lettuce, and thinly sliced red onion add a refreshing contrast to the spiced beef and creamy sauce.
- → Are there any suggested variations for the protein?
Chicken or lamb can replace beef, using the same marinade and cooking method for delicious alternatives.