Authentic Arabic Shawarma Recipe

News Desk

Islamabad: Craving the bold, juicy flavors of Middle Eastern street food?

This authentic Arabic Shawarma recipe brings you the real taste of the Middle East, right in your kitchen! With tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices, creamy garlic tahini sauce, and fresh vegetables wrapped in soft tortillas—this homemade shawarma is simply irresistible.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• Chicken thighs – 500 g (boneless, skinless)
• Yogurt – 1 cup
• Black pepper powder – 1 tsp
• Paprika powder – 1 tbsp
• Cinnamon powder – 1 tsp
• Coriander powder – ½ tsp
• Cumin powder – 1 tsp
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Garlic powder – 1 tsp
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
• Oil – as required for shallow frying

For the Shawarma Sauce

• Sesame seeds – ¼ cup
• Olive oil – ¼ cup
• Mayonnaise – 1 cup
• Garlic (chopped) – 1 tbsp
• Black pepper powder – 1 tsp
• Salt – ½ tsp

For Assembling

• Tortilla wraps or Arabic flatbreads – as required
• Prepared chicken – sliced
• Prepared sauce – as required
• Iceberg lettuce – shredded, as needed
• Onion – thinly sliced, as needed

Preparation Steps

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs with yogurt, black pepper, paprika, cinnamon, coriander, cumin, salt, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Mix well to coat evenly. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes for best flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat a little oil in a skillet or non-stick pan. Shallow fry the marinated chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side or until cooked through and lightly browned. Once done, slice the chicken into thin strips and set aside.

3. Prepare the Shawarma Sauce

In a dry pan, roast the sesame seeds on medium heat until golden brown and fragrant. Transfer them to a blender. Add olive oil, mayonnaise, chopped garlic, black pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Shawarma

Take a tortilla wrap or flatbread and spread a generous layer of the prepared sauce. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced onions, and cooked chicken strips. Roll the wrap tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed.

Serving Suggestion

Serve warm with fries, pickled vegetables, or extra garlic sauce on the side for an authentic street food experience!

Enjoy your homemade Arabic Shawarma!

Perfect for lunch, dinner, or any party gathering—this recipe brings irresistible Middle Eastern flavors to your table.