Preparing Shawarma Seasoning
While shawarma spice mix is readily available in many grocery stores, it’s also a breeze to concoct at home using dried spices. Plus, you can make a larger batch and store it in an airtight jar for future use. Here’s the recipe for homemade shawarma seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice or cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
Preparing Beef Shawarma at Home
- Slice the beef: Lay the flank steak on a cutting board and cut it into thin strips, no thicker than 1/4 inch.
- Marinate the beef: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and garlic. Add the beef strips and shawarma spice mixture. Toss until the beef is evenly coated. For best results, marinate the beef in the fridge for 2-3 hours or overnight. If time is limited, allow it to rest at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the marinated beef strips and cook for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are browned and fully cooked. Depending on the size of your pan, you may need to work in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can cause the beef to steam instead of sear. Once cooked, taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed, then set aside.
- Serve as desired: To create the wraps, warm the pitas in the microwave for 15-30 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes. Then, assemble the wraps by placing a pita on a plate or cutting board and topping it with slices of beef shawarma, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, red onions, and tahini sauce as desired.
- The wraps can be enjoyed right away, and any leftover beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for 2-3 months.
For detailed instructions, refer to the recipe card below.

Nutrition Tip
While this recipe is designed for serving in pita wraps, the beef can also be a delightful addition to a large green salad, drizzled with garlic tahini sauce.
Toppings for Shawarma Wraps
Once your beef shawarma is cooked, you can create scrumptious shawarma wraps by topping them with:

