Discover the secrets to making authentic Shawarma at home! This recipe features marinated lamb or chicken cooked to perfection on a vertical rotisserie, then served in warm flatbread. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal, learn how to achieve that iconic Shawarma taste with our easy-to-follow guide.
Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
For the Shawarma:
- 1 lb lamb or chicken, thinly sliced
- Flatbread or pita bread
- Fresh vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers)
- Pickles
- Tahini sauce or garlic sauce (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, allspice, cayenne pepper (if using), lemon juice, and salt. Mix well.
Marinate the Meat:
- Place the sliced lamb or chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Cook the Shawarma:
- Preheat your grill or oven to medium-high heat. If using a grill, thread the marinated meat onto skewers. Grill, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and has a nice char, about 10-15 minutes. If using an oven, arrange the meat on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked and slightly crispy.
Assemble the Shawarma:
- Warm the flatbread or pita bread. Slice the cooked Shawarma meat into thin strips. Place the meat on the flatbread, and top with fresh vegetables, pickles, and sauces if desired.
Serve:
- Roll up the flatbread around the fillings to create a wrap. Enjoy your homemade Shawarma with your favorite sides or as a delicious stand-alone meal!
Nutritional values
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values and benefits for the ingredients in your marinade and shawarma recipe:
Plain Yogurt (1 cup)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 8g
Benefits:
- Rich in protein and calcium.
- Contains probiotics that support digestive health.
Olive Oil (3 tablespoons)
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits:
- Contains healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
- Calories: 4
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.2g
Benefits:
- Contains allicin, which may have antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties.
- Adds flavor with minimal calories.
Ground Cumin (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: 8
- Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.4g
Benefits:
- Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
- Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion.
Ground Coriander (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: 6
- Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.3g
Benefits:
- Adds a mild, citrusy flavor.
- Contains antioxidants and may help with digestion.
Ground Paprika (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: 6
- Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.3g
Benefits:
- Adds color and flavor.
- Contains antioxidants and vitamins A and C.
Ground Turmeric (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: 8
- Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 1.4g
- Protein: 0.3g
Benefits:
- Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: 6
- Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0.1g
Benefits:
- Adds sweetness and warmth.
- May help regulate blood sugar levels.
Ground Black Pepper (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: 6
- Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.3g
Benefits:
- Contains piperine, which may enhance nutrient absorption.
- Adds a mild spiciness.
Ground Allspice (1 teaspoon)
- Calories: 6
- Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.1g
Benefits:
- Adds a warm, sweet flavor.
- Contains antioxidants and may aid digestion.
Cayenne Pepper (1 teaspoon, optional)
- Calories: 6
- Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0.2g
Benefits:
- Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and add a spicy kick.
Juice of 1 Lemon
- Calories: 12
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds a tangy flavor.
- Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Salt (to taste)
- Sodium: varies based on amount used
Benefits:
- Enhances flavor; use in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.
Lamb or Chicken (1 lb, thinly sliced)
- Calories: 165
- Fat: 3.6g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 31g
Benefits:
- High in protein.
- Provides essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 and zinc.
Flatbread or Pita Bread
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 6g
Benefits:
- Provides carbohydrates for energy.
- Can be a source of fiber if made with whole grains.
Fresh Vegetables (lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers)
- Lettuce (1 cup): 5 calories, 0g fat, 1g carbs, 0.5g protein
- Tomatoes (1 medium): 22 calories, 0g fat, 5g carbs, 1g protein
- Cucumbers (1/2 medium): 8 calories, 0g fat, 2g carbs, 0.3g protein
Benefits:
- Provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Low in calories and rich in antioxidants.
Pickles
- Calories: 5
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds a tangy flavor.
- Contains probiotics if fermented.
Tahini Sauce or Garlic Sauce (optional)
Tahini Sauce (per tablespoon):
- Calories: 89
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 3g
Garlic Sauce (per tablespoon):
- Calories: 70
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds rich flavor.
- Tahini provides healthy fats and protein; garlic sauce can enhance the dish with its strong flavor.
This combination of ingredients creates a flavorful and nutrient-rich shawarma. The marinade provides a mix of spices and yogurt that adds depth and tenderness to the meat. Fresh vegetables and pickles add crunch and freshness, while optional sauces offer additional flavor. The overall dish is balanced with protein, healthy fats, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.
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