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Beef Shawarma with Tahini Sauce and Fresh Mediterranean Toppings Recipe

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4.2 from 9 reviews

This delicious Beef Shawarma recipe features tender flank steak marinated in a zesty blend of spices, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection. Served with a creamy homemade tahini sauce and fresh accompaniments like pita bread, tomatoes, and pickled turnips, this dish brings the authentic flavors of Middle Eastern street food right to your table.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Beef Shawarma

  • 2 pounds of flank steak

For the Marinade

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • Juice of two lemons
  • 2 tablespoons Shawarma seasoning mix (see below)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

For the Shawarma Seasoning Mix

  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tahini Sauce

  • 1 cup tahini paste (sesame paste)
  • 1/4 cup water (add more for consistency)
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Dash of pepper

Additional Ingredients for Serving

  • Pita bread
  • Sliced tomato
  • Pickled turnips
  • Pickles
  • Sliced cucumber
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Olives
  • Feta cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Hummus

Instructions

  1. Prepare Shawarma Seasoning Mix: In a mason jar or small container, combine cumin, coriander, garlic powder, paprika, turmeric, onion powder, allspice, cinnamon, and black pepper. Shake well and set aside.
  2. Make Tahini Sauce: In a separate small container or mason jar, mix tahini paste, water, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth, adding more water for desired consistency. Set aside.
  3. Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, prepared shawarma seasoning mix, minced garlic, chopped onion, and sea salt until well combined.
  4. Marinate the Beef: Place the flank steak in a large gallon ziplock bag or airtight container. Pour the marinade over the beef, seal, and shake or turn to coat the steak evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for 2 hours maximum, ensuring the steak absorbs the flavors without the texture becoming compromised from the acidic lemon juice.
  5. Bring Steak to Room Temperature: Remove the marinated steak from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before grilling to allow it to come to room temperature for even cooking.
  6. Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to direct medium-high heat, approximately 450°F (232°C).
  7. Grill the Steak: Place the flank steak on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C) is reached for medium-rare doneness.
  8. Rest and Slice the Steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. Then slice the steak thinly against the grain for the best texture.
  9. Serve: Assemble the sliced beef shawarma in warm pita bread or with rice bowls. Add tahini sauce, hummus, and your choice of accompaniments such as tomatoes, pickled turnips, cucumbers, romaine lettuce, olives, feta, and parsley.

Notes

  • This marinade contains acidic lemon juice, so do not marinate the beef for longer than 2 hours to avoid altering the meat's texture and color.
  • If you prefer to marinate overnight, omit the lemon juice from the marinade to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
  • Bring the steak to room temperature before grilling to ensure it cooks evenly.
  • For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F; cook longer if you prefer a different level of doneness.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Halal