Lebanese Shawarma Platter
Experience the flavors of a Lebanese Shawarma Platter, a delightful fusion of spices and fresh ingredients.
Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour hour
Total Time: 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes
Course: Homestyle Dinners
Cuisine: Lebanese
Keyword: easy recipes, homemade shawarma, Lebanese Cuisine, Platter, shawarma
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 600kcal
grill
Mixing bowl
Pot
skillet
For the Shawarma
- 1 lb chicken thighs or beef/lamb thinly sliced for easy marinating and grilling.
- 1/4 cup olive oil enhances flavor and keeps the meat moist.
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt adds tenderness and a tangy note to the marinade.
- 3 cloves garlic minced for a robust aromatic base.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin brings warmth and earthiness to the dish.
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander adds a hint of citrus and sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika for a subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric contributes a beautiful golden hue and health benefits.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon gives a warm, comforting flavor perfect for shawarma.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for those who like a little kick!
- Salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the overall flavor of the shawarma.
- Juice of 1 lemon brightens the marinade with a zesty freshness.
For Assembly
- Pita bread ideal for wrapping the delicious fillings.
- Hummus creamy goodness, perfect for spreading or dipping.
- Tabbouleh salad a refreshing, herbaceous counterpart that complements the rich flavors.
- Pickles such as turnips or cucumbers, adding a crunchy tang.
- Tahini sauce drizzle over the shawarma for a nutty, creamy finish.
- Fresh parsley for garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness.
For the Tabbouleh
- 1 cup bulgur wheat serves as the hearty base of this vibrant salad.
- 2 cups water needed to cook the bulgur to fluffy perfection.
- 1 cup fresh parsley finely chopped to pack the salad with refreshing greens.
- 1/2 cup fresh mint finely chopped for a burst of cooling flavor.
- 1/2 cup tomatoes diced, adding juiciness and sweetness to the salad.
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced for a mild oniony crunch.
- 1/4 cup olive oil drizzled in to bring the salad together.
- Juice of 2 lemons brightens the tabbouleh and complements the shawarma.
- Salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the salad is well-seasoned.
Procedure
Whisk the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, yogurt, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and fragrant.
Marinate the Meat: Add the thinly sliced chicken or beef/lamb to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Prepare the Bulgur: In a pot, bring the water to a boil. Stir in the bulgur wheat, then remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed and the grains are fluffy. Fluff with a fork and allow it to cool.
Toss the Tabbouleh: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled bulgur with fresh parsley, mint, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the bulgur mixture with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss everything well to combine and set aside for flavors to meld.
Heat the Grill: Preheat a grill or large skillet to medium-high heat.
Cook the Meat: Place the marinated meat on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly charred, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
Slice and Rest: Remove the cooked meat from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, thinly slice into strips for serving.
Assemble the Platter: On a large serving platter, arrange the sliced shawarma, a generous scoop of hummus, the vibrant tabbouleh salad, pickles, and warm pita bread for a complete experience.
Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle tahini sauce over the shawarma slices and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for an inviting touch of color.
Serve Family-Style: Serve warm, enticing your guests to build their own wraps with the pita, delectable meat, creamy hummus, and refreshing salad.
Optional: Garnish with lemon wedges for an extra burst of brightness. Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Serving: 1platter | Calories: 600kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 800mg | Potassium: 800mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 20IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 15mg