Pin 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 tried shawarma in a bustling outdoor market and was amazed at how the flavors came together in every bite—this homemade version brings me back to those vibrant evenings.
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
- Plain Greek yogurt: 200 g (3/4 cup)
- 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: 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
- Shredded lettuce: 1 cup
- Fresh mint or parsley leaves: Optional
Instructions
- Marinate the beef:
- Combine olive oil garlic cumin coriander paprika turmeric cinnamon cayenne salt black pepper and lemon juice in a large bowl. Add beef strips and toss to coat well. Marinate for at least 20 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Prepare the yogurt sauce:
- Mix Greek yogurt tahini minced garlic lemon juice parsley salt and black pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the beef:
- Heat skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook marinated beef in batches for 4–6 minutes stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Warm the breads:
- Warm flatbreads in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Assemble the wraps:
- Spread yogurt sauce on each flatbread. Add beef onion tomato cucumber lettuce and herbs if desired.
- Roll and serve:
- Roll wraps tightly and serve with extra sauce on the side.
Pin We love making these wraps for family movie night—everyone gets involved building their own and the table fills with laughter and colorful veggies.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls large skillet or grill pan chefs knife cutting board spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy sesame and gluten. Substitute gluten-free wraps if needed and always check labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480 Total Fat: 22 g Carbohydrates: 38 g Protein: 34 g (per serving)
Pin These shawarma wraps deliver bold flavors and irresistible textures—a quick homemade meal that feels like a street food treat.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, thinly sliced chicken or lamb makes a great substitute. Adjust cooking time for your chosen protein.
- → How can I make it gluten-free?
Swap regular flatbreads for gluten-free alternatives. Check labels for allergen information before using.
- → What vegetables work best in wraps?
Classic choices are tomato, cucumber, onion, and lettuce. Pickled vegetables or fresh herbs add flair.
- → Can I prepare components ahead?
Both beef and yogurt sauce can be made in advance. Assemble wraps just before serving for freshness.
- → Is the yogurt sauce spicy?
The sauce is tangy and creamy, not spicy. Add cayenne or chili sauce to the beef or wrap for extra heat.
- → What sides go well with the wraps?
Mint lemonade, a crisp salad, or roasted vegetables complement these wraps perfectly.