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Homemade Beef Shawarma photo

Beef Shawarma

Tender, spiced flank steak grilled and served in flatbread with cucumber-tomato salad and tzatziki.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5–2 pounds flank steak
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon lemon (zested and juiced) zest and 2 tablespoons juice used in marinade
  • 12 flatbread or small naan (6-inch) buy small 6-inch pieces
  • 2 cups chopped tomatoes
  • 2 cups chopped cucumbers
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or mint leaves
  • 1 cup tzatziki sauce
  • lemon wedges optional, for serving

Equipment

  • Cutting Board
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Baking Dish
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Place the flank steak on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Pound with a meat mallet until an even 3/4–1 inch thickness, then cut the steak into four pieces.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, salt, turmeric, garlic powder, cayenne, and cinnamon; mix well to make the dry rub.
  3. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the steak pieces, turning to coat all sides and edges evenly.
  4. In the same small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Pour over the seasoned steak and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate to marinate at least 2 hours.
  5. While the beef marinates, chop the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley or mint, then toss together in a bowl and refrigerate.
  6. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 400°F). Grill the marinated steak 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to desired doneness.
  7. Let the steak rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain into strips.
  8. To assemble, place several strips of beef on a flatbread, top with cucumber-tomato salad and a dollop of tzatziki, and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  • Substitute tahini for tzatziki for a dairy-free option.
  • Marinate at least 2 hours for best flavor.
  • Grill until desired doneness; resting improves juiciness.
  • Use small 6-inch flatbreads for authentic wraps.