When it comes to Lebanese cuisine, one dish that stands out for its unique and flavorful taste is the Lebanese shawarma. This popular street food is loved by many for its mouthwatering combination of tender meat, crisp vegetables, and creamy sauces, all wrapped in a soft pita bread. While shawarma can be found in various Middle Eastern countries, the Lebanese version is known for its distinct seasoning and cooking techniques. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Lebanese shawarma recipe and how you can recreate this delicious dish at home.
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef Chuck, Chopped Parsley, Sun Dried Tomatoes
If you love the flavors of shawarma but want a more substantial meal, try making Kafta. This Lebanese beef kebab is made with a mixture of ground beef, parsley, onion, and spices. It's then grilled to perfection, giving it a smoky and juicy flavor. Serve it with some pita bread, hummus, and a cold beer for the perfect summer meal.
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Easy Oven Roasted Chicken Shawarma
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Yogurt, Lemon Juice, Large Garlic
If you don't have a grill or want to make a quick and easy version of shawarma, this recipe is for you. Simply marinate chicken breasts in a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices, then roast them in the oven. The result is tender and flavorful chicken that's perfect for stuffing into pita bread or topping a salad.
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Turkey Shawarma Wraps
Main Ingredients: Jennie O R Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast, Garlic
For a healthier twist on shawarma, try using turkey instead of beef or chicken. This recipe calls for marinating turkey breast in a tangy mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and spices, then grilling and slicing it thinly. Serve it in a wrap with some fresh vegetables and a dollop of tzatziki for a light and tasty meal.
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Halloumi Shawarma
Main Ingredients: Shawarma, Lemon, Halloumi, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Red
If you're a vegetarian or just looking to switch things up, try this recipe for Halloumi Shawarma. Halloumi is a salty and slightly tangy cheese that holds up well on the grill. Marinate the cheese in a shawarma spice blend, then grill it until crispy and serve it in a pita with some fresh vegetables and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
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Tofu Shawarma Skewers
Main Ingredients: Extra Firm Tofu, Shawarma, Water, Zucchini, Pearl
Another vegetarian option is these Tofu Shawarma Skewers. Marinated tofu is grilled on skewers with vegetables and served with a creamy garlic sauce. This is a great option for a meatless BBQ or to add some variety to your shawarma night.
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Keto Beef Shawarma
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Lean Ground Beef, Onion, Shawarma, Salt
For those following a keto diet, this recipe is a must-try. Thinly sliced beef is marinated in a blend of spices and olive oil, then grilled to perfection. Serve it in a lettuce wrap with some fresh veggies and a drizzle of tahini sauce for a low-carb and delicious shawarma option.
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Pressure Cooker Low Carb Ground Beef Shawarma
Main Ingredients: Lean Ground Beef, Onions, Red Peppers, Cabbage
If you're short on time, try making this Low Carb Ground Beef Shawarma in a pressure cooker. The beef cooks quickly in a flavorful marinade, and the result is tender and juicy meat that's perfect for stuffing into lettuce wraps or topping a salad.
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Vegan Gyros with Mushrooms
Main Ingredients: Sliced Mushrooms, Sliced Onion, Worcestershire Sauce
For a Greek twist on shawarma, try making these Vegan Gyros with Mushrooms. Marinated portobello mushrooms are grilled and served with fresh veggies and a tangy tzatziki sauce. This is a great option for a meatless Monday or to satisfy your shawarma craving without the meat.
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Chickpea Spinach Pie with Berbere Spice
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry Sheets, Olive Oil, Small Red Onion, Garlic
If you're feeling adventurous, try making this Chickpea Spinach Pie with Berbere Spice. This dish combines the flavors of shawarma with Ethiopian spices for a unique and flavorful twist. The pie is made with a flaky phyllo crust and filled with a mixture of chickpeas, spinach, and spices.
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Vegan Donair & Sauce
Main Ingredients: Milk, Granulated Sugar, Garlic Powder, Minced Garlic
Donair is a popular street food in Canada, and this recipe gives it a vegan twist. Marinated seitan is grilled and served in a pita with fresh vegetables and a tangy, creamy sauce. This is a great option for a vegan shawarma night or to impress your plant-based friends.
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Oat Bread
Main Ingredients: Porridge Oats, Scotch, Ground Oats, Baking Powder, Warm
No shawarma meal is complete without some bread to soak up all the delicious juices. This recipe for Oat Bread is a healthier option, made with oats, whole wheat flour, and honey. Serve it warm and watch as it disappears quickly!
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Meatiest Edgy Vegs
Main Ingredients: Turkey, Shawarma, Chicken, Minced Meat, Roast, Steak
If you're looking for a vegetarian option that's hearty and satisfying, try making these Meatiest Edgy Vegs. The recipe calls for a mixture of mushrooms, lentils, and walnuts, which are then formed into a patty and grilled. Serve it in a pita with some fresh veggies and a creamy sauce for a delicious and filling meal.
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Pressure Cooker Chicken Shawarma Couscous Bowls
Main Ingredients: Yogurt, Garlic, Spice, Olive Oil, Boneless Skinless
This recipe takes the flavors of shawarma and turns them into a tasty couscous bowl. Marinated chicken is cooked quickly in a pressure cooker and served on top of fluffy couscous with a variety of fresh veggies and a tangy tzatziki sauce. It's a one-pot meal that's perfect for a busy weeknight.
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Andijviestamppot Met Shoarma En Perzik
Main Ingredients: Ui, Andijvie, Perziken, Shoarmavlees, Vloeibare
This Dutch-inspired dish combines the flavors of shawarma with a traditional mashed potato dish. The result is a hearty and flavorful meal that's perfect for a cold winter night. The addition of peaches gives it a unique twist that'll have everyone going back for seconds.
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Shoarmaschotel Met Witte Bonen
Main Ingredients: Uien, Tomaten, Paprika, Bonen, Margarine, Shoarmavlees
This Dutch casserole dish is a great way to use up leftover shawarma or to make a quick and easy meal. The dish combines shawarma with white beans and vegetables, topped with a layer of cheese and baked until bubbly. It's a filling and comforting meal that's perfect for a cozy night in.
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Chicken Shawarma
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, Fresh Lemon Juice
No list of shawarma recipes would be complete without a traditional Lebanese Chicken Shawarma recipe. This recipe calls for marinating chicken thighs in a blend of spices and yogurt, then cooking them on a rotisserie or grill. Serve it in a pita with some fresh veggies and a drizzle of tahini sauce for the ultimate shawarma experience.
Main Ingredients: Chicken, Plain Yogurt, Vinegar, Lemon Juice, Oil
This recipe is a family favorite in Lebanon and is often served at gatherings and celebrations. The chicken is marinated in a tangy blend of lemon juice, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection. Serve it with some pita bread, fresh vegetables, and a side of French fries for the ultimate shawarma meal.
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Ultimate Chicken Shawarma
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thigh Fillets, Ground Turmeric, Ground
If you want to take your shawarma game to the next level, try making this Ultimate Chicken Shawarma recipe. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of spices, honey, and lemon juice, then grilled and served in a pita with a variety of toppings. It's a flavor explosion in your mouth and will quickly become a family favorite.
This traditional Lebanese Beef Shawarma recipe is a must-try for meat lovers. Thinly sliced beef is marinated in a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, then served in a pita with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of tahini sauce. It's a classic shawarma dish that's sure to satisfy your cravings.
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Lebanese Beef Shawarma with Tarator Sauce
Main Ingredients: Beef Sirloin, Onion, Garlic Paste, Black Pepper
If you want to add a creamy element to your shawarma, try making this Lebanese Beef Shawarma with Tarator Sauce. The sauce is made with a blend of tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, giving it a tangy and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the grilled beef and fresh veggies. Serve it in a pita or on top of a salad for a delicious and filling meal.
Preparing the Meat
Marination
One of the most crucial steps in making Lebanese shawarma is marinating the meat. Traditionally, shawarma is made with lamb or chicken, but you can also use beef or a combination of meats. To achieve the signature flavors of Lebanese shawarma, the meat is marinated in a blend of spices and herbs such as cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic, and lemon juice. Marination time is key, as it allows the meat to absorb all the flavors and become tender. It is recommended to marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, but overnight marination will result in even more flavorful shawarma.
Cooking the Meat
After marinating, the meat is slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie called a shawarma spit. This cooking method ensures that the meat remains juicy and tender while also allowing the excess fat to drip off. If you do not have a shawarma spit, you can also use a grill or oven to cook the meat. Once cooked, the meat is thinly sliced using a shawarma knife or a sharp knife.
Assembling the Shawarma
Pita Bread
To assemble the shawarma, you will need pita bread which can be easily found in most grocery stores. The pita bread is warmed up, either on a grill or in a microwave, to make it soft and pliable.
Vegetables and Sauces
In addition to the meat, Lebanese shawarma also includes a variety of fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and pickles. These crunchy and colorful vegetables add a nice contrast to the tender meat. You can also add tahini, a sesame paste, and garlic sauce for a creamy and tangy flavor.
Rolling the Shawarma
To assemble the shawarma, place the warmed pita bread on a flat surface and add the meat, vegetables, and sauces in the center. Roll the pita bread tightly to create a wrap, similar to a burrito. You can also add fries or pickles inside the wrap for an extra crunch.
In Conclusion
Now that you know the key steps in making Lebanese shawarma, you can easily recreate this delicious dish at home. The combination of flavorful marinated meat, fresh vegetables, and cream sauces make this dish a crowd favorite. So next time you have a craving for some Middle Eastern street food, whip up this Lebanese shawarma recipe and enjoy a taste of Lebanon in your own kitchen.