Craving something hearty, tasty and satisfying? Beef shawarma hits all the notes. This Middle Eastern classic, known for its bold spices and tender meat. It is traditional cooked on a vertical spit, but now you can easily recreate the the same magic at home.
Whether served in a warm wrap or tucked in a soft pita, or plated with rice and salad, this homemade beef Shawarma recipe will be a favourite to the whole family. Let’s dive in!
What is Beef Shawarma ?
Beef shawarma is a well-known Middle Eastern street food, made from thinly sliced beef marinated with fragrant blend of cumin, paprika, garlic, spices. It is traditionally cooked on a vertical spit. The meat is crispy on the outside and soft and juicy on the inside.
While classic beef shawarma is cooked on a vertical spit, at home a grill or pan is used to get the same crave worthy texture and flavour. It is typically served in wraps or pitas, and paired with fresh toppings and rich sauces like tahini or garlic sauce.
A brief history Beef Shawarma
Shawarma has its root in the Ottoman Empire and is closely related to the Turkish doner kebab and Greek gyros. Over the years it spread over to the Middle East and the rest of the world, becoming as a very popular street food sensation.
Different regions developed their own unique marinades, spices and serving styles. The shawarma is loved all over the world today. It is known as a slow cooked, spiced meat and beef Shawarma is the most popular version.
Ingredients You’ll need for Beef Shawarma
Ingredients:
Here is everything you will need for a juicy, aromatic beef Shawarma.
For the beef:
- 700g flank steak or sirloin steak thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground all spice
- salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Add ons:
Chopped Tomatoes
Sliced cucumbers
Red onions
Fresh parsley or Mint
Pickles ( optional)
Tahini or garlic sauce
Warm pita breads or wraps
How to make the beef Shawarma
Step 1: Marinate the beef
Start by making the flavour marinate. In a large bowl, whisk together :
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- garlic ( minced)
- allspice
Add the sliced beef and mix until all the meat is covered. Cover the marinated beef and put in fridge for an hour or ideally overnight. The longer beef marinate, the tender and flavourful it will be.
Step 2: Time to cook the Shawarma beef
You can cook Beef shawarma using any of these methods
Grill:
Preheat grill to medium high
Grill beef strips 4 – 5 minutes per side or until cooked to your liking.
Pan Sear:
Heat a skillet over medium heat
Cook the marinated beef in batches ( Don’t overcrowd the pan)
Searing each side for a few minutes
Oven Roast
Preheat oven to 400 ‘F ( 200 ‘C)
Spread beef on a lined baking sheet
Roast for 15 – 20 minutes, flipping halfway through
Step 3: Slice the beef
As soon as your beef shawarma is ready, let the beef rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices. Then slice it thinly against the grain, using a sharp knife.
Slicing against the grain ensures the meat stays tender and easy to bite. Plus it looks amazing with all the spices caramelized on the edges.
Step 4: Prep your toppings
While the beef rest, prepare your fresh toppings.
Diced tomatoes and cucumbers
Thinly sliced onions
Fresh parsley chopped
Whip up a simple Tahini Sauce
1/2 cup Tahini
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove (minced)
1/4 cup cold water ( adjust consistency )
Finally putting it all together!
Now this is the fun part, putting the beef, toppings and sauce together!
*Warm the pita or flatbread
* Add the sliced beef on the middle
*Top with veggies, herbs and drizzle with Tahini or garlic sauce
Roll it up or fold like a taco !
Every bite delivers a perfect mix of spices, texture and freshness.
Serving suggestion
Serve your beef Shawarma with:
- Crispy French Fries
- Tabbouleh
- Cucumber Yoghurt Salad
- Extra sauce on the side
- Pickled turnips or olives for a tangy bite
The Shawarma is perfect for lunch, dinner or sharing at gatherings
Storing leftovers
Got leftovers?! No problem! Let the beef cool down.
Store the beef in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days.
Reheat the beef in a pan until warm or use a microwave
The leftover beef is ideal for a quick lunch for the next day.
Pro Tip: Keep the sauces and veggies seperate to keep it fresh for the next time.
Variations
- spicy kick – add chilli flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinate
- Other proteins – swab beef for chicken,lamb, tofu or mushrooms
- Sauce options – Try spicy harissa, herbed yoghurt sauce or chimichurri for a twist
Make it your own. There is no right or wrong way to enjoy Shawarma.
Final Thoughts
Homemade beef Shawarma is easier than you thought and definitely worth it to try it at home. With bold spices, juicy beef and fresh toppings, it’s a recipe that never fails.
It is perfect for family meals, weekend get togethers, or meal prep. This is recipe will soon be a family favourite. Try it once and you’ll see why it’s loved around the world.
Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
If you are not in the mood to make beef Shawarma for the family, try something light and easier like Pea soup or Panko Crusted Chicken. Both will be a favorite with the family!