Homemade Shawarma in 5 Easy Steps

By
Steve S
-
Shawarma
Photo by Yoad Shejtman on Unsplash

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure and bring the mouthwatering flavors of shawarma into your own kitchen? Buckle up and get ready to learn the art of making homemade shawarma that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this delicious Middle Eastern delight.

Step 1: The Marinade

  1. In a bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and coriander.
  2. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Whisk the marinade until well combined and smooth.

Step 2: Preparing the Meat

  1. Choose your protein of choice, such as boneless chicken thighs, beef, or lamb.
  2. Trim off any excess fat and slice the meat into thin strips.
  3. Place the meat in the marinade, ensuring that every piece is coated.
  4. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 3: Cooking the Shawarma

  1. Preheat your grill or stovetop pan to medium-high heat.
  2. If using a grill, thread the marinated meat onto skewers for easy cooking.
  3. Cook the meat for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s fully cooked and slightly charred.
  4. If using a stovetop pan, heat a drizzle of oil and cook the meat in batches until it’s cooked through and nicely browned.

Step 4: Assembling the Shawarma

  1. Warm up your choice of flatbread or pita bread in a skillet or oven.
  2. Prepare a variety of toppings and fillings such as thinly sliced lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, pickles, onions, and fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
  3. Spread a dollop of your favorite sauce or dressing on the bread, such as tahini sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, or hummus.
  4. Place a generous amount of the cooked shawarma meat onto the bread and top it with your desired toppings.

Step 5: Rolling and Enjoying

  1. Fold the bread over the filling to create a wrap or roll.
  2. Secure the wrap with foil or parchment paper to hold everything together.
  3. Take a big bite and savor the explosion of flavors, the tender meat, and the vibrant combination of ingredients.