Easy Beef Shawarma Recipe – Authentic Middle Eastern Flavor

Easy Beef Shawarma Recipe – Authentic Middle Eastern Flavor

Beef shawarma is a delicious Middle Eastern dish featuring thinly sliced, marinated beef infused with bold flavors like garlic, cumin, paprika, and lemon juice. Traditionally, it’s cooked on a vertical rotisserie, but you can easily make it at home using a stovetop or oven.

This homemade beef shawarma recipe is perfect for a quick meal, meal prep, or a flavorful dinner. Serve it with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a creamy yogurt-tahini sauce for an authentic experience. If you love this recipe, don’t miss our chicken shawarma recipe, a lighter yet equally delicious option!

Read this article to know the history of shawarma 

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Yogurt-Tahini Sauce

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Salt to taste

For the Wraps

• Pita bread or flatbreads
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Sliced onions
• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Pickles (optional)

How to Make Beef Shawarma at Home

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices. Add the thinly sliced beef and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Shawarma Sauce

In a small bowl, mix yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Warm the Pita Bread

Heat pita bread or flatbreads in a dry skillet or oven until warm.

Step 5: Assemble the Shawarma Wraps

Spread a generous amount of yogurt-tahini sauce on the warm pita. Add cooked beef, then top with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, parsley, and pickles. Roll or fold the pita and enjoy your homemade beef shawarma!

Tips for the Best Beef Shawarma

Best Cut of Beef: Sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye work well for tenderness and flavor.

Marination Time: The longer you marinate (overnight if possible), the better the flavor.

Cooking Method: Grill, oven, or stovetop—choose what works best for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make beef shawarma in the oven?

Yes! Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the marinated beef on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

What’s the difference between beef shawarma and gyro?

While both are made with spiced meat in pita bread, shawarma uses Middle Eastern spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric), while gyros use Greek flavors (oregano, garlic, lemon).

How do I store leftover shawarma?

Fridge: Store cooked beef in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze marinated or cooked beef for up to 3 months.

Try These Other Middle Eastern Recipes!

Chicken Shawarma Recipe (lighter, just as flavorful!)

8 chicken marinades (pairs perfectly with shawarma)

Falafel Recipe (great vegetarian option)