Home Cook Together. Celebrate Life.

Middle EasternAuthentic Cuisine

Lamb Shawarma

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat, shawarma

Lamb Shawarma

Lamb Shawarma is a Levantine classic, typically found spinning on vertical rotisseries in bustling shops across the region. This home version captures the essence of those street-side delights, bringing the flavors of the Levant into your kitchen. Crafted by hand, the salt is measured by instinct while the richness of fat is celebrated, creating a dish meant for sharing around the table.

Expect each bite to be a symphony of tender lamb, infused with shawarma spices and kissed by olive oil. Wrapped in warm pita, alongside juicy tomatoes and a drizzle of tahini sauce, this dish is a flavorful embrace, inviting you to savor its layered complexities with every mouthful.

Ingredients

  • 800 glamb leg — sliced
  • 2 tbspshawarma spice
  • 3 tbspolive oil
  • 4pita breads
  • 1tomato
  • tahini sauce — to serve
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by cutting the 800 g lamb leg into thin strips, approximately 1 cm wide. This will allow the spices to coat the meat evenly and ensure quicker cooking. In a large bowl, combine the lamb strips with 2 tbsp shawarma spice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and a generous pinch of fine sea salt and black pepper. Mix well until the lamb is thoroughly coated with the spices, ensuring each piece is covered.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tbsp olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned lamb strips in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the lamb for about 3-4 minutes on each side until each piece develops a deep, caramelized brown color. This browning is crucial as it enhances the flavor and texture of the shawarma.
  3. Once the lamb is browned, reduce the heat to medium-low. If you prefer a more tender texture, cover the skillet with a lid to allow the lamb to braise in its own juices for an additional 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, for a more traditional grilled texture, transfer the lamb to a preheated grill and cook for another 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the lamb is tender and juicy.
  4. While the lamb finishes cooking, slice the tomato into thin rounds. Warm the 4 pita breads either in a dry skillet over medium heat or in the oven at a low temperature until they are pliable and soft.
  5. Taste the cooked lamb for seasoning and adjust with more fine sea salt and black pepper if necessary. The lamb should be tender and flavorful, with a balanced taste of spices and salt.
  6. To serve, place a few slices of lamb onto each warm pita bread, add a few slices of fresh tomato, and drizzle with tahini sauce. Roll the pita around the filling or serve open-faced, allowing everyone to enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of the lamb shawarma.
Cover of Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Middle Eastern Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Middle Eastern volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

Explore Middle Eastern cuisine