Beef Shawarma
A fragrant, spice-rubbed Middle Eastern classic that brings the authentic taste of a street-food favorite right to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
- •1.5 lbs (700g) beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced against the grain
- •3 tablespoons olive oil
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 tablespoon ground cumin
- •1 tablespoon ground coriander
- •1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- •1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- •1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- •1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- •1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- •1 teaspoon kosher salt
- •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- •1 tablespoon lemon juice
- •4 large pita breads
- •1/2 cup tahini sauce for serving
- •1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- 1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and all the dry spices to create a marinade.
- 2
Add the thinly sliced beef to the bowl and toss thoroughly until every piece is well-coated in the spice mixture.
- 3
Cover and let the beef marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- 4
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until very hot.
- 5
Add the beef to the pan in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which would cause the meat to steam rather than sear.
- 6
Sear the beef for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and slightly crispy on the edges.
- 7
Remove the beef from the heat and let it rest for 2 minutes before serving.
- 8
Warm the pita breads, fill them with the beef, drizzle generously with tahini sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.
💡 Chef tips
- For easier slicing, place the beef in the freezer for 20 minutes before cutting; this firms the meat and allows for paper-thin slices.
- If you prefer a smoky flavor, add a tiny drop of liquid smoke to the marinade.
- Leftover shawarma can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated quickly in a hot pan.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished shawarma should be deeply aromatic with warm spices, featuring tender, succulent beef with crispy, caramelized edges that pair perfectly with creamy tahini.