Living in a bustling city, finding authentic street food can feel like a treasure hunt. One evening, craving something flavorful and satisfying, I decided to try my hand at making beef shawarma at home. I had a packet of Italian seasoning sitting in my spice rack, a gift from my friend Lucia, a vibrant Italian woman. Initially, I was skeptical; Italian seasoning in shawarma? But Lucia swore it added a unique depth. Inspired, I tinkered with a traditional recipe, infusing it with that aromatic blend of herbs. The result? A shawarma so good, it rivaled my favorite food truck, with an unexpected Italian twist that everyone raved about. And that's how this recipe, Beef Shawarma with Italian Seasoning, was born.
This recipe isn't just about slapping some meat on pita bread; it's about creating an experience. The star of the show is undoubtedly the marinade. The Italian seasoning, a blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, works its magic alongside the traditional shawarma spices, cumin and paprika. This fusion not only tenderizes the beef but also infuses it with a complex, savory flavor that's both familiar and intriguingly new. The lemon juice and olive oil help to bind the spices, creating a luscious coating that clings to every strand of beef.
What does this mean for you? Well, besides having a restaurant-quality shawarma at home, you're also getting a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Add a dollop of creamy tzatziki, a sprinkle of crunchy veggies, or a drizzle of spicy tahini sauce—the possibilities are endless. It's a meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or even a solo indulgence. And the best part? It's surprisingly easy to make, even for a novice cook. This isn't just a recipe; it's an invitation to create, experiment, and share a little bit of joy through food. I remeber once I did not have any salad and used coleslaw mix instead. It was a delight!
Required Equipments
- Large Bowl
- Plastic Wrap
- Baking Sheet
- Sharp Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Grill Pan
Beef Shawarma with Italian Seasoning: Frequently Asked Questions
Beef Shawarma with Italian Seasoning
Infuse your homemade beef shawarma with a delightful twist using Italian seasoning! This easy recipe brings together traditional Middle Eastern flavors with aromatic Italian herbs, creating a unique and delicious experience.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every slice is nicely coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the beef marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for flavor infusion and tenderizing the meat. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will make a difference.
- Preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat. If you don't have a grill pan, a regular skillet works just fine. Make sure it's nice and hot before adding the beef.
- Carefully arrange the marinated beef slices on the hot grill pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the meat instead of searing it. Work in batches if necessary.
- Cook the beef for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, as the marinade can cause it to char quickly. The beef should be slightly crispy on the edges and tender on the inside.
- Remove the cooked beef shawarma from the grill pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it even thinner against the grain. This will make it even more tender and easier to eat.
- Serve the beef shawarma immediately in warm pita bread with your favorite toppings. I highly recommend a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, hummus, or tahini. A side of fresh veggies like diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions adds a refreshing crunch.
- To assemble the shawarma, spread some sauce on the pita bread, add a layer of sliced beef shawarma, and top with your favorite veggies. Fold or roll the pita bread to enclose the filling. I’d also add some pickled red onions for an extra zing.
- For an extra touch, you can lightly grill or toast the assembled shawarma for a minute or two per side until the pita bread is golden brown and crispy. This will seal everything together and enhance the flavors. This final touch is totally optional but highly recommended!
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Calcium: 30mg
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