How to Make Authentic Shawarma at Home

Shawarma is more than just a meal—it's a culinary tradition that's been perfected over centuries. Today, we're sharing the secrets behind our famous shawarma marinade and cooking technique so you can recreate this Middle Eastern masterpiece at home.

The Foundation: Understanding Shawarma

Traditional shawarma is made by stacking thin slices of marinated meat on a vertical rotisserie, where it slowly roasts for hours. The outer layer gets crispy and caramelized while the inside stays juicy and tender. At home, we can achieve similar results using your oven or grill.

Ingredients for the Marinade

For the Meat (2 lbs chicken or beef):

2 lbs boneless meat, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced

Spices:

2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all the spices. Mix well until you have a smooth, fragrant marinade. The key here is to not skimp on the spices—they're what give shawarma its distinctive flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Meat

Add your thinly sliced meat to the marinade and mix thoroughly, making sure every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender your shawarma will be.

Step 3: Cooking Methods

You have two excellent options for cooking your shawarma at home:

Grill Method (Recommended):

Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely charred and cooked through. The high heat will give you that authentic charred exterior.

Oven Method:

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the marinated meat in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are crispy and the meat is cooked through.

Step 4: Assembly

Warm your pita bread or tortillas. Add the cooked shawarma meat, then top with diced tomatoes, sliced onions, fresh cilantro, and your choice of sauce. We recommend tahini sauce or garlic sauce for chicken, and tahini with hot sauce for beef or pork.

Pro Tips from Our Kitchen

Slice thin: The thinner you slice your meat, the more tender it will be and the better it will absorb the marinade
Don't crowd the pan: Give your meat space to develop that crispy, caramelized exterior
Toast your bread: A quick toast on the grill or in a pan makes all the difference
Make extra: Shawarma keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days and tastes even better the next day

Serving Suggestions

Serve your homemade shawarma with:

French fries (yes, inside the wrap!)
Pickled vegetables
Fresh salad with lemon dressing
Hummus and pita on the side

While nothing beats the convenience of ordering from Eatarra (we've got that vertical rotisserie down to perfection!), making shawarma at home is a fun way to explore Middle Eastern flavors and impress your family and friends.

Don't Have Time to Cook?

Let us do the work! Order our authentic shawarma for pickup or dine-in.

Order Shawarma Now