How to Make Shawarma as Desire

Let’s begin.

Ingredients

For the Shawarma Marinade:

• 500g boneless chicken thighs or breasts (or beef/lamb strips)

• 3 tablespoons plain yogurt

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Garlic Sauce (Toum):

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt to taste

For Assembling Shawarma:

• Pita bread or flatbread

• Sliced vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and onions)

• Pickles (optional, but traditional)

• Tahini sauce or hummus (optional)

Before We Start

Choose the Right Meat:
Thighs are juicier than breasts, while beef or lamb adds a rich flavor.

Marinate Well:
Marinate the meat for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

Use High Heat:
Cook on high heat (grill, skillet, or oven) for the classic shawarma char and smoky flavor.

Prep Ahead:
Have all your vegetables, sauces, and bread ready to assemble quickly once the meat is done.

Customize the Flavor:
Add more spice to the marinade or drizzle extra garlic or tahini sauce for enhanced taste.

Instructions

Marinate the Meat
Step 1: Take a bowl and add yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and spices (ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper for spice, salt, and black pepper). Whisk it a bit.
Step 2: Add chicken (beef or lamb) and coat the meat evenly using a gloved hand or spatula.
Step 3: Cover it and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.

Cook the Meat
Step 4:

• In the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the marinated meat on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper, then roast for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through. For extra char, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.

• On the Stovetop: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and cook the meat for 6–8 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly charred.

• On the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high and grill the meat for about 5–6 minutes per side.

Step 5: Once cooked, let the meat rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly.

Prepare the Garlic Sauce
Step 6: Take a small bowl and add mayonnaise or yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Whisk it and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Assemble the Shawarma
Step 7: Warm the pita bread or flatbread on a skillet or grill.
Step 8: Spread garlic sauce (or tahini/hummus) on the bread.
Step 9: Add slices of cooked meat, fresh sliced vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and onions), and pickles.
Step 10: Drizzle extra sauce like garlic, tahini, or hummus for more flavor.

Serve

Fold or roll the shawarma tightly with butter paper and serve warm with fries or a fresh salad along with dipping sauce.

What Goes with Pita Shawarma

Shawarma, a delicious dish, pairs well with sides like hummus, a fresh cucumber salad, pita bread, or french fries.

Recipes Related to Shawarma

Chicken Shawarma

Wash the chicken and marinate it with yogurt, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, and a dash of cinnamon.
Roast or grill until juicy.
Serve in pita bread with fresh veggies and sauce for the perfect wrap.

White Sauce

In a bowl, pour yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and a pinch of salt.
Add a splash of olive oil, whisk it, and use!

Garlic Sauce

In a bowl, add garlic, oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
Whisk with cream—it's a tangy, garlicky delight!

Sauce Without Mayonnaise

Take a bowl and add yogurt, tahini/hummus, lemon juice, and minced garlic with a pinch of salt.
Use seasoning if preferred, whisk it, and enjoy this mayo-free alternative.

Conclusion

Step 1: In a bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and spices (ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper). Add the chicken (or beef) pieces, ensuring all are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.

Step 2: In the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the marinated meat on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. For extra flavor, broil (using direct heat) for 2-3 minutes at the end.

On the Stove: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil and cook the meat for 6-8 minutes on each side or until slightly charred.

On the Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill the meat for about 5-6 minutes on each side.

Step 3: Once cooked, let the meat rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

Step 4: While the meat rests, prepare the garlic sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or yogurt), garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Set aside.

Step 5: Warm the pita or flatbread on a skillet or grill. Spread the garlic sauce (or tahini/hummus) over the pita, then add slices of cooked chicken, fresh vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and onions), and pickles if desired. Drizzle extra garlic sauce for added flavor.

Step 6: Fold or roll the shawarma tightly and serve warm with fresh fries, salad, or your favorite dipping sauces!

For More Recipes, Check Out:

• Make Alfredo Pasta at Home

• Let’s Make Chalupas Step by Step

• How to Make Cava Pita Chips

P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more recipes, tips, and ideas! 🌿