Save Tender spiced beef strips wrapped in warm flatbread with fresh vegetables and a tangy, creamy yogurt sauce—a Middle Eastern street food classic.
I still remember the first time I made beef shawarma wraps at home—the smoky skillet aroma filled the kitchen, and everyone gathered, eager to try a bite. It felt just like tucking into a warm wrap from our favorite street vendor during family holidays.
Ingredients
- Beef: 500 g 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: 1/4 tsp (optional)
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Lemon juice: Juice of 1 lemon
- Greek yogurt: 200 g (3/4 cup), plain
- Tahini: 1 tbsp
- Garlic (for sauce): 1 clove, finely minced
- Lemon juice (for sauce): Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Parsley: 1 tbsp chopped fresh
- 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
- Mint or parsley leaves: Fresh, optional
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 the beef strips and toss to coat thoroughly. Allow to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for extra flavor.
- Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 4 to 6 minutes in batches, stirring occasionally until beef is browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Warm the Flatbreads:
- Heat the flatbreads briefly in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Wraps:
- Spread a generous spoonful of creamy yogurt sauce on each flatbread. Top with beef, onion, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and herbs if desired.
- Roll and Serve:
- Roll the wraps up tightly and serve immediately. Serve extra yogurt sauce on the side if preferred.
Save These beef shawarma wraps have become a favorite family dinner, especially when we gather around the table and build our own. Everyone loves customizing their wraps with their favorite fresh veggies.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, large skillet or grill pan, chefs knife, cutting board, spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (Greek yogurt), sesame (tahini), and gluten (flatbread). Always check flatbread labels for potential allergens. Substitute with gluten-free wraps if needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 480, Total Fat 22 g, Carbohydrates 38 g, Protein 34 g
Save With simple prep and one pan, these shawarma wraps are a fuss-free way to bring Middle Eastern flavors home. Enjoy piping hot with friends or family for an authentic street food experience.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → How should I marinate the beef for best flavor?
Combine olive oil, garlic, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss the beef strips in this mixture and marinate for at least 20 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- → What’s the best way to cook the beef strips evenly?
Cook the marinated beef in batches over medium-high heat using a skillet or grill pan. Stir occasionally and cook for 4–6 minutes until nicely browned and fully cooked.
- → How is the creamy yogurt sauce prepared?
Mix plain Greek yogurt with tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and refrigerate until serving.
- → Can I use different types of flatbread for the wraps?
Yes, pita, lavash, or tortillas can be used. Warm them briefly in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable for wrapping.
- → What fresh vegetables complement these wraps?
Sliced red onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded lettuce, and optional fresh mint or parsley add refreshing crunch and herbal notes.
- → Are there suggested variations to enhance flavors?
Try adding pickled vegetables or chili sauce inside the wraps for extra zest. Chicken or lamb can also replace beef for different taste profiles.