Save Tender spiced beef strips wrapped in warm flatbread with fresh vegetables and a tangy, creamy yogurt sauce is a Middle Eastern street food classic that never fails to satisfy.
I first tasted shawarma on a bustling street corner during my travels, and since then, it's been a staple in our family dinners—especially when we're craving something flavorful and easy to assemble.
Ingredients
- Beef: 500 g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp for marinating
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced for the beef marinade
- Cumin: 1 tsp ground
- Coriander: 1 tsp ground
- Paprika: 1 tsp ground
- Turmeric: 1/2 tsp ground
- Cinnamon: 1/2 tsp ground
- Cayenne pepper (optional): 1/4 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp total for beef marinade and sauce
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp, plus to taste for sauce
- Lemon juice: Juice of 1 lemon for beef, juice of 1/2 lemon for sauce
- Greek yogurt: 200 g (3/4 cup) plain
- Tahini: 1 tbsp for sauce
- Garlic (for sauce): 1 clove, finely minced
- Fresh parsley: 1 tbsp chopped for sauce
- 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:
- Combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Add beef strips and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 20 minutes (up to 2 hours).
- Prepare Sauce:
- Mix Greek yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning as needed and refrigerate until ready.
- Cook Beef:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook marinated beef in batches for 4–6 minutes, stirring until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Warm Flatbreads:
- Warm flatbreads in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
- Assemble Wraps:
- Spread creamy yogurt sauce on each flatbread. Top with beef, onion, tomato, cucumber, lettuce, and herbs if using.
- Roll and Serve:
- Roll up wraps tightly and serve immediately with extra yogurt sauce.
Save My kids love assembling their own wraps at the table—it's always a hit when everyone gets to pick their own fillings and roll them tight!
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, large skillet or grill pan, chefs knife, cutting board, and spoon or spatula are essential for these wraps.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy from Greek yogurt, sesame from tahini, and gluten from flatbread. Always check ingredient labels and substitute gluten-free options if required.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 480 calories, 22 g fat, 38 g carbohydrates, and 34 g protein, making these wraps a filling main dish choice.
Save Serve these wraps fresh and warm for the most authentic taste. Don't forget extra yogurt sauce on the side for dipping.
Recipe Questions
- → How should the beef be marinated?
Combine olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice, then toss the beef strips in this mixture and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- → What type of flatbread works best for wraps?
Large flatbreads such as pita, lavash, or tortillas are ideal as they are pliable and hold the fillings well.
- → How is the creamy yogurt sauce prepared?
Mix Greek yogurt with tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning and chill before serving.
- → Can other meats be used instead of beef?
Yes, chicken or lamb can be substituted following the same marinating and cooking process.
- → Are there any suggested accompaniments?
Pickled vegetables or chili sauce can enhance the flavor, and this dish pairs well with crisp white wine or mint lemonade.
- → What allergens should be considered?
Contains dairy from Greek yogurt, sesame from tahini, and gluten from flatbread. Gluten-free wraps can be substituted if needed.