How to Make Shawarma - A Simple Recipe Guide

What Is Shawarma?

Shawarma is a traditional Middle Eastern dish of seasoned meat that is cooked vertically on a rotisserie. The tender and juicy meat—typically beef, chicken, turkey, or lamb—is shaved off and served in a variety of dishes.

The meat is typically marinated overnight in a combination of spices like cumin, pepper, cardamom, allspice, cinnamon, turmeric and bay leaves. The various flavors blend together to give the shawarma its unique taste that is both savory and slightly sweet.

The marinated meat is then skewered on a large vertical roasting spit and cooked from the inside out until it's tender and juicy. When it's finished cooking, the shawarma is shaved off in thin slices and served either on its own or in combination with other ingredients like tomatoes, hummus, tabbouleh and pickles to create a delicious wrap.

Ingredient Essentials for Shawarma

Shawarma is a centuries-old dish that is traditionally made with thinly sliced lamb. However, chicken, turkey and even beef can be used in the preparation of the dish. The secret to making a delicious shawarma is combining the right ingredients in the proper proportions.

To make an authentic shawarma, you will need:

¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 teaspoon of ground cumin

½ teaspoon of ground coriander

½ teaspoon of ground allspice

½ teaspoon of paprika

Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

2 pounds of boneless leg of lamb or skinless chicken thighs, sliced into thin strips

When preparing a shawarma dish, it's important to use good quality cuts of meat and fresh ingredients for best results. Once all ingredients are assembled, combine the oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, allspice and paprika in a large bowl and stir until they are fully combined. Add the meat slices to the bowl and massage them thoroughly with the marinade mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator overnight or for at least four hours before cooking.

How to Make the Dough for Shawarma

Making the dough for shawarma is not as hard as it might seem. In this section, we'll walk you through the steps needed to make a delicious and flavorful dough.

Ingredients

You'll need 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric, ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the flour and other dry ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Create a well in the center and add 1 cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

3. Knead until you get a smooth and soft dough that is not sticky to touch (add more warm water if needed).

4. Cover with cling film and set aside for 30 minutes so the dough can rest before rolling it out.

5. Once rested, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch round disk (about 0.25 inch thick).

6. Brush with melted butter or ghee before cooking over an open flame or a preheated oven at 425°F for 10 minutes or until golden brown and crisp on both sides.

How to Prepare the Meat for Shawarma

Shawarma is a classic Middle Eastern dish that relies on the flavors of slow-roasted, marinated meat. Preparing the meat can seem daunting, but with a few simple steps, you can make sure your shawarma is full of flavor.

Marinade

The best thing to do to give your shawarma a unique flavor is to prepare a marinade. Start by combining olive oil, lemon juice and minced garlic in a large bowl. Guided by your creativity or personal taste, add some herbs and spices like oregano and paprika for an extra kick. Mix them together and add your choice of protein - from chicken to beef - and some chopped onions, then cover it and refrigerate overnight.

Spice Mix

Now it's time to get creative with your spice mix! You can use pre-mixed spices purchased from the market or put together your own combination. Some popular options include allspice, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, nutmeg and turmeric. For an extra light touch of sweetness, you can also include a pinch of sugar. Once mixed together, sprinkle the spice mix over the marinated meat before cooking it on the skewer.

After this preparation work is done, all you have left to do is enjoy the delicious shawarma that awaits you!

What Condiments and Garnishes to Use

When it comes time to assemble your shawarma, don't be shy with the condiments - they're an essential part of the dish. Popular picks include hummus, tahini, tabasco sauce and garlic paste. Once assembled, try sprinkling some sumac or za'atar over the top for a boost of flavor. For a finishing touch, add some freshly chopped parsley and tomatoes for a pop of color. If you're feeling adventurous, why not try adding sautéed mushrooms or diced onions to your shawarma?

Garnishes are also important in elevating your shawarma dish. You can keep things simple with lettuce, shredded cabbage and pickles or get creative by throwing in some roasted bell peppers or slivered almonds. Don't forget to drizzle some yummy tzatziki sauce over the top before serving!

Tips to Get the Perfect Shawarma Taste

Once the Shawarma marinade is ready, it's time to get cooking! Here are a few tips for creating the perfect Shawarma:

Cooking Temperature

Cook your Shawarma on medium-high heat. This will help ensure that the meat cooks evenly and does not become dry or tough.

Doneness

To keep your Shawarma juicy, make sure to cook it until it is just done. Overcooking can make the meat tough.

Spices and Herbs

For an extra kick of flavor, feel free to add some ground spices like cumin and coriander as well as dried herbs to your marinade. This will create a more flavorful shawarma that everyone will love.

Wrapping

When it comes time to wrap the shawarma in pita bread or flatbread, lightly brush some oil on one side of the bread before piling on the cooked meat and vegetables. The oil helps keep everything together and gives it extra crispiness should you choose to briefly toast it after wrapping.

Conclusion

Shawarma is an enjoyable and delicious meal that is easy to make at home. It's a great way to enjoy the flavors of the Middle East without having to do a lot of complicated work in the kitchen. The key is to find good quality ingredients, mix them together in the right proportions, and cook them properly. With a little practice, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of shawarma. Be sure to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find the perfect combination that suits your taste. Bon Appetit!