Save Tender spiced beef strips wrapped in warm flatbread with fresh vegetables and a tangy creamy yogurt sauce—a Middle Eastern street food classic.
The first time I made beef shawarma wraps at home I was amazed at how the spices filled the kitchen with such a warm inviting aroma. It's always a hit at our dinner table and proves you can bring your favorite street food flavors into your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- Beef sirloin or flank steak: 500 g thinly sliced
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves: 2 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 clove: 1 finely minced
- Juice of lemon: 1/2
- Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp chopped
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Large flatbreads (pita lavash or tortillas): 4
- 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 needed
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 well. Marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Prepare Yogurt Sauce:
- Mix Greek yogurt tahini minced garlic lemon juice parsley salt and black pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning if needed 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 the Flatbreads:
- Warm flatbreads in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until soft and pliable.
- Assemble Wraps:
- Spread generous yogurt sauce onto each flatbread. Top with cooked beef onion tomato cucumber lettuce and herbs if desired.
- Serve:
- Roll up wraps tightly and serve immediately with extra yogurt sauce.
Save Enjoying these shawarma wraps with family means passing around extra sauce and debating who rolls their wrap tightest—sharing street food like this makes every meal a little more fun and festive.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls large skillet or grill pan chefs knife cutting board spoon or spatula
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 480 Total Fat: 22 g Carbohydrates: 38 g Protein: 34 g
Serving Ideas
Pair with pickled vegetables or drizzle chili sauce for extra zing serve alongside crisp white wine or refreshing mint lemonade.
Save This shawarma wrap is delicious eaten fresh but leftovers taste even better after the flavors meld. Try customizing with your favorite herbs or extra spicy sauce.
Recipe FAQ
- → How long should the beef be marinated?
Marinate the beef strips for at least 20 minutes to an hour for a lightly infused flavor. For deeper taste, up to 2 hours is ideal.
- → What type of flatbread works best?
Large flatbreads like pita, lavash, or tortillas are suitable and can be warmed before assembling for softness.
- → Can the creamy yogurt sauce be prepared ahead?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed and refrigerated until ready to use, allowing flavors to meld nicely.
- → What sides pair well with these wraps?
Pickled vegetables, chili sauce, crisp white wine, or mint lemonade complement the flavors perfectly.
- → Are there alternative proteins that can be used?
Chicken or lamb can replace beef for variations while maintaining the spice profile.