Save Tender spiced beef strips wrapped in warm flatbread with fresh vegetables and a tangy, creamy yogurt sauce. This Middle Eastern street food classic brings together savory flavors and refreshing textures for a satisfying meal.
I remember enjoying shawarma wraps at a bustling outdoor market. The beef was fragrant and the sauce brought everything together. It inspired me to recreate this delicious wrap at home with all the vibrant fixings.
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 (optional): 1/4 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Lemon juice: from 1 lemon
- Greek yogurt: 200 g (3/4 cup)
- Tahini: 1 tbsp
- Garlic for sauce: 1 clove, finely minced
- Lemon juice for sauce: from 1/2 lemon
- Chopped fresh parsley: 1 tbsp
- Salt for sauce: 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
- Lettuce: 1 cup, shredded
- Fresh mint or parsley leaves: optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate 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 (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Prepare Yogurt Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Cook marinated beef in batches for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Warm Flatbreads:
- Warm flatbreads in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Assemble Wraps:
- Spread yogurt sauce on each flatbread. Top with beef, onion, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and herbs if used.
- Wrap and Serve:
- Roll up the wraps tightly. Serve immediately with extra yogurt sauce.
Save My family loves gathering in the kitchen to customize their own wraps with favorite veggies and extra sauce. These meals spark joyful conversation and laughter at the table.
Serving Ideas
Serve with pickled vegetables or a crunchy salad on the side for even more texture. Mint lemonade or a crisp white wine pairs perfectly with the spicy flavors.
Variations
Try swapping the beef for chicken or lamb, using the same marinade and cooking steps. A drizzle of chili sauce brings extra heat if desired.
Nutrition
Each serving provides about 480 calories, 22 g fat, 38 g carbs, and 34 g protein, making this a balanced option for lunch or dinner.
Save These wraps bring everyone together for a hearty, flavorful meal. Enjoy with loved ones for a true taste of homemade comfort.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What cut of beef works best for the shawarma?
Thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak is ideal as it cooks quickly and absorbs the spices well.
- → How can I make the yogurt sauce creamier?
Incorporate tahini into the Greek yogurt and mix well to achieve a rich, creamy texture with a nutty undertone.
- → Can the wraps be prepped ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the beef and prepare the sauce in advance to let flavors meld. Assemble wraps just before serving.
- → What spices are essential for an authentic flavor?
Cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and cinnamon create the signature warm and aromatic flavor profile.
- → Are there suitable alternatives to flatbread?
Pita, lavash, or tortillas work well, and gluten-free wraps can be used if needed.