If you love Middle Eastern street food, then Beef Shawarma is a must-try!
This recipe gives you that classic restaurant-style flavor — tender beef, bold spices, garlic sauce, and fresh vegetables wrapped in warm pita bread. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make it right in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Shawarma Recipe
- Authentic Middle Eastern spice blend
- Perfect for wraps, bowls, or salads
- Uses affordable cuts of beef
- Great for meal prep
- Quick to cook after marinating
Ingredients You’ll Need
Beef Marinade:
- 800g – 1kg beef strips (sirloin, flank, or rump steak)
- 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves (crushed)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)
Garlic Sauce (Toum Alternative):
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread or wraps
- Lettuce or cabbage
- Tomato slices
- Onion slices
- Pickles or jalapeños
- Fries (optional but classic!)
How to Make Beef Shawarma
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all spices.
Add the beef strips and mix well until coated.
Cover and refrigerate for 2–6 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Beef
You can cook it using:
Pan Method (Most Common)
Heat a pan with a little oil.
Cook beef on high heat until browned but still tender (5–7 minutes).
Oven Method
Bake at 200°C for 20 minutes, turning halfway.
Air Fryer
Cook at 190°C for 10–12 minutes.
3. Prepare the Garlic Sauce
Combine mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
Mix until smooth.
4. Assemble Your Beef Shawarma Wrap
Warm your pita bread.
Add garlic sauce → beef → tomatoes → onions → lettuce → pickles.
Add fries if you want the authentic street-food style.
Roll tightly and toast for 1–2 minutes.
Serving Ideas
- Serve in shawarma wraps
- Make a shawarma rice bowl
- Add it to salads
- Serve with hummus and tabbouleh
Tips for the Best Beef Shawarma
- Slice beef thinly for faster cooking and tenderness.
- Yogurt helps soften the beef — don’t skip it!
- Use pickles for traditional flavor contrast.
- Let the beef rest for 2–3 minutes before slicing (if using whole steak).
