How to Make Shawarma at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide by Abu Omar

Are you a fan of shawarma and looking to recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen? Shawarma, a delicious Middle Eastern street food, is known for its perfectly spiced and juicy meat, wrapped in a warm pita with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of tangy sauce. Although traditionally cooked on a vertical spit, it’s absolutely possible to make flavorful shawarma at home without special equipment. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to prepare shawarma just like we do at Abu Omar Halal, using basic kitchen tools and ingredients you likely already have on hand.

What Is Shawarma?

Shawarma is a popular dish originating from the Middle East, traditionally made with thinly sliced marinated meats such as lamb, chicken, beef, or a mix of these. The meat is cooked on a vertical rotisserie and shaved off as it cooks, then served in pita bread or flatbread with various toppings. At Abu Omar Halal, we’ve perfected the art of shawarma, offering it as a signature dish in all of our locations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make shawarma at home, you don’t need a rotisserie, but you do need the right spices and ingredients to recreate its signature flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to make chicken:

For the marinade:

• • 1 lb of chicken thighs + Beef thinly sliced

• • 3 cloves of garlic (minced)

• • 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

• • 1 tablespoon of yogurt (optional, for a more tender texture)

• • 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• • 1 tablespoon ground coriander

• • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• • 1 teaspoon ground paprika

• • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• • Salt and pepper to taste

• • Pinch of ground allspice or cloves (optional for an authentic twist)

For the wrap:

• • Pita bread or flatbread

• • Thinly sliced tomatoes

• • Pickles( Middle eastern highly recommended)

• • Garlic sauce (recipe below)

Step 1: Marinate the Meat

Start by preparing the marinade. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, yogurt, and all the spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, cinnamon, salt, pepper, and allspice). Mix everything together until well combined. Add your chicken to the marinade, making sure the meat is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, let it sit overnight.

Step 2: Cook the Shawarma

While shawarma is traditionally cooked on a rotisserie, you can achieve similar results using your oven or stovetop. Here’s how:

Oven Method:

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

1. 1. Lay the marinated meat in a single layer on a baking sheet.

1. 1. Roast the meat for about 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through. The meat should be golden and slightly crispy on the edges.

Stovetop Method:

1. 1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.

1. 1. Cook the meat in batches, ensuring it’s not crowded in the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and caramelized.

Step 3: Prepare the Wraps

While the meat is cooking, prepare your pita bread and toppings. Slice the vegetables, chop the parsley, and set out the pickles. You can also make a quick and easy garlic sauce shawarma.

Garlic Sauce Recipe:

• • ½ cup mayonnaise

• • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced

• • Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. For a lighter option, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Step 4: Assemble the Shawarma

Once your meat is cooked, it’s time to assemble your shawarma wrap. Warm your pita or flatbread slightly, then layer the meat in the center. Add your choice of toppings—tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, parsley, and pickles—then drizzle generously with garlic sauce or tahini. Roll it up, and enjoy!

Step 5: Enjoy Your Homemade Shawarma!

That’s it! In just a few simple steps, you’ve created your very own shawarma at home. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a family dinner, this shawarma recipe is sure to impress. At Abu Omar Halal, we’re passionate about sharing authentic, flavorful dishes, and we hope this recipe brings a bit of our kitchen into yours.

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For more recipes and information on our restaurant, visit Abu Omar Halal. Stay tuned for more tips and tricks from me, Mohammad Altawaha (Abu Omar), the founder of Abu Omar Halal!