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 first made beef shawarma wraps for our Saturday family movie night. The kids loved assembling their own wraps, piling on veggies and sauce, and it quickly became a favorite way to bring street food vibes right into our 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: 1/4 tsp, optional
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Lemon: Juice of 1
- Plain Greek yogurt: 200 g (3/4 cup)
- Tahini: 1 tbsp
- Garlic clove: 1, finely minced
- Lemon juice: Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp, chopped
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: 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
- Shredded lettuce: 1 cup
- Fresh mint or parsley leaves: Optional
Instructions
- Marinate Beef:
- Combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice in a bowl. Add beef strips and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Prepare Yogurt Sauce:
- Mix Greek yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning and refrigerate.
- Cook Beef:
- Heat skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook beef in batches for 4–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Warm Flatbreads:
- Warm flatbreads in dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Assemble Wraps:
- Spread yogurt sauce on each flatbread. Top with beef, onion, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and herbs.
- Serve:
- Roll up wraps tightly. Serve immediately with extra yogurt sauce.
Save Making shawarma wraps together has become a cherished family ritual, with laughter and stories exchanged over the dinner table as we add our favorite toppings.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls are handy for both marinating the beef and preparing the sauce, while a large skillet or grill pan ensures even cooking. Have a chefs knife, cutting board, and a spoon or spatula ready for slicing and assembling.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 480 calories, 22 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein, making these wraps balanced and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these wraps with pickled vegetables or a side of crisp salad. Pair with mint lemonade or a crisp white wine for a refreshing accompaniment.
Save Offer extra yogurt sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy every bite of this comforting wrap that brings the flavors of the Middle East to your table.
Recipe Questions
- → How long should the beef marinate?
Marinate the beef for at least 20 minutes to let the spices infuse well, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- → Can I use other meats besides beef?
Yes, chicken or lamb can be substituted and will work well with the spice blend and sauce.
- → What type of flatbreads are best for wrapping?
Pita, lavash, or soft tortillas are excellent choices as they are pliable and hold the filling well.
- → How can I adjust the yogurt sauce seasoning?
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste, adding more garlic or parsley if desired.
- → Are there suggestions for serving additions?
Consider adding pickled vegetables or chili sauce for extra zest, and pair with mint lemonade or crisp white wine.