Save Tender spiced beef strips wrapped in warm flatbread with fresh vegetables and a tangy, creamy yogurt sauce is a Middle Eastern street food classic that delivers bold flavor in every bite.
I first tasted shawarma on a bustling market street and was amazed by how simple ingredients could create something so satisfying. Now, making these wraps at home always reminds me of those vibrant flavors and happy times.
Ingredients
- Beef: 500 g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, 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 (optional): 1/4 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Juice of lemon: 1
- Greek yogurt: 200 g (3/4 cup), plain
- Tahini: 1 tbsp
- Garlic for sauce: 1 clove, finely minced
- Juice of lemon for sauce: 1/2
- Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Salt for sauce: 1/4 tsp
- Black pepper for sauce: 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
- Lettuce: 1 cup, shredded
- Fresh mint or parsley leaves (optional): as desired
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Add beef strips and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Prepare Yogurt Sauce:
- Mix Greek yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper together in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook marinated beef in batches for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Warm Flatbreads:
- Warm flatbreads in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until pliable.
- Assemble Wraps:
- Spread yogurt sauce on each flatbread. Top with beef, onion, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and fresh herbs if desired. Roll up wraps tightly and serve with extra sauce.
Save This recipe has become a family favorite for Friday nights when everyone can customize their own wrap and share stories around the table.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls for marinating and sauce, a large skillet or grill pan for cooking, a sharp chefs knife, cutting board, and a sturdy spoon or spatula will make prep easy.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy from Greek yogurt and sesame from tahini, plus gluten from flatbread unless using gluten-free substitutes.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has approximately 480 calories, 22 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein for a balanced, hearty meal.
Save Serve these wraps hot and fresh, and enjoy a taste of the Middle East at home with minimal fuss.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute beef with another protein?
Yes, chicken or lamb are excellent alternatives and pair well with the same marinade and sauce.
- → How do I make the wraps gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flatbreads or tortillas for a wheat-free option, ensuring to check ingredient labels.
- → What adds extra flavor to the wraps?
Pickled vegetables or chili sauce can be added for tang and heat, complementing the beef and yogurt sauce.
- → What kind of yogurt works best for the sauce?
Greek yogurt is recommended for a thick, creamy sauce that holds up well in wraps.
- → How long should the beef be marinated?
Marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor absorption.