Beef Shawarma with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Savoring the Flavors of the Middle East

Beef Shawarma, a beloved street food throughout the Middle East, is known for its savory, spiced meat and tangy garlic sauce. This dish, while traditionally cooked on a vertical spit, can be easily recreated at home with some simple ingredients and cooking techniques. In this recipe, we'll explore how to make a mouth-watering beef shawarma with a homemade garlic sauce, bringing the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine to your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Beef Shawarma:

• 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric

• 1/2 tsp ground coriander

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Juice of 1 lemon

For the Garlic Sauce (Toum):

• 1 cup peeled garlic cloves

• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil

• 1 lemon, juiced

• Salt, to taste

Additional:

• Pita bread

• Fresh vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, or pickles)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef:

• In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well.

• Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

2. Prepare the Garlic Sauce:

• In a food processor, blend the garlic cloves and salt until smooth.

• Slowly drizzle in the oil while continuing to blend, creating an emulsion.

• Add lemon juice intermittently as you blend until the sauce reaches a creamy, mayonnaise-like consistency. Set aside.

3. Cook the Beef:

• Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.

• Add the marinated beef and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the meat is fully cooked and has a nice sear.

• Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice into smaller pieces if desired.

4. Assemble the Shawarma:

• Warm the pita bread in the oven or on a skillet.

• Spread a generous amount of garlic sauce over each pita.

• Add the cooked beef and top with fresh vegetables of your choice.

5. Serving:

• Roll up the pita bread around the fillings, slice in half, and serve hot.

A Culinary Journey to the Middle East

Creating beef shawarma with garlic sauce at home is a delightful culinary adventure. This recipe offers a balance of aromatic spices, tender meat, and a creamy, garlicky sauce, all wrapped up in soft pita bread. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this homemade shawarma is sure to impress and bring the flavors of the Middle East right to your dining table. Enjoy this delicious, savory meal with family and friends!