If you’re craving the vibrant flavors of a classic beef shawarma, this Beef Shawarma Bowl recipe is a perfect way to enjoy all those tasty elements, but in a fresh, bowl-style format. Juicy, spiced beef layered over fluffy rice or grains, with crisp veggies and a creamy garlic-tahini or yogurt sauce, is everything you love about a shawarma, with added flexibility. It’s a meal prep-friendly dish that you can easily prepare ahead of time or serve for a quick and satisfying dinner.
This recipe delivers a full balance of savory, tangy, and spiced flavors, making it an unforgettable dish for your tastebuds.
What is the Beef Shawarma Bowl?
A Beef Shawarma Bowl is essentially a deconstructed version of the beloved beef shawarma wrap. Instead of being wrapped in pita bread, the beef and toppings are served over a base of grains like rice, couscous, or quinoa. Topped with fresh vegetables, your choice of sauce (garlic yogurt or tahini), and garnished with herbs and pickled vegetables, this bowl is an explosion of textures and flavors. It brings together tender, spiced beef, cool vegetables, and a creamy sauce, making it a perfect option for those who crave Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Origin of the Beef Shawarma Bowl
Shawarma, the star of this bowl, originates from the Middle East, where it’s traditionally made by stacking layers of meat on a vertical rotisserie. The beef is marinated with a blend of spices, giving it a delicious depth of flavor. Over the years, shawarma has transcended its traditional roots, finding its way into various adaptations worldwide. The Beef Shawarma Bowl is one of those modern twists, offering the same comforting taste but with added versatility and ease. You’ll find it commonly in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and even global fusion restaurants that seek to bring these bold flavors to a wider audience.
Ingredients for the Beef Shawarma Bowl
For the Beef:
- 1½ lbs (680 g) beef sirloin, flank, or skirt steak – thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (optional, but deepens flavor)
- 1½ tsp ground cumin
- 1½ tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Pinch of cayenne (optional for heat)
Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice, couscous, or quinoa
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded lettuce or baby greens
- ¼ cup chopped parsley or mint
- Pickled turnips or red cabbage (optional, but authentic and tangy!)
For the Garlic Yogurt or Tahini Sauce
Option 1: Garlic Yogurt Sauce (Creamy and Dairy-Based)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Option 2: Tahini Garlic Sauce (Dairy-Free)
- ¼ cup tahini
- 1½ tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2–3 tbsp water (to thin)
- Salt to taste
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Marinate the Beef
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, and all of the spices, including cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, allspice, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Add the sliced beef to the bowl and toss everything together, ensuring the beef is well-coated in the marinade.
- Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours) to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Cook the Beef
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over high heat until it’s nice and hot.
- Add the marinated beef in batches, if necessary, to avoid overcrowding. Sear the beef for 3–4 minutes per side until it is browned and slightly charred but still tender.
- Once cooked, remove the beef from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Assemble the Bowls
- In each bowl, start by layering a scoop of cooked rice, couscous, or quinoa as the base.
- Add a handful of greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and onions on top of the grains.
- Place a generous portion of the cooked beef shawarma over the veggies.
- Drizzle with your choice of garlic yogurt sauce or tahini garlic sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, and if desired, top with pickled turnips or red cabbage and a lemon wedge for extra zing.
Variations of the Beef Shawarma Bowl
While this recipe is a classic, you can easily adjust it to suit your dietary preferences and needs. Here are some variations:
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the grains and serve the beef on a bed of cauliflower rice or use a big, fresh salad base instead. This makes for a perfect keto-friendly meal.
- Meal Prep Friendly: If you’re meal prepping, store the beef and grains separately. Assemble the bowls fresh when you’re ready to eat.
- Add Crunch: For a satisfying crunch, you can top the bowls with toasted pine nuts or crispy chickpeas.
- Extra Sauce Flavor: If you want to take your sauce game up a notch, add a pinch of sumac or more cumin to the yogurt sauce for a tangy twist.
FAQs About Beef Shawarma Bowl
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with chicken thighs or chicken breast for a lighter version of this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Beef Shawarma Bowl is naturally gluten-free if you choose a gluten-free base like quinoa or cauliflower rice. Just double-check that your spices and sauces don’t contain gluten.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. The beef and the grains can be stored separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the bowls with your fresh veggies and sauce.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover beef and grains in separate containers in the refrigerator. The veggies and sauces can be stored in their own containers as well. To reheat, warm the beef and grains in a skillet or microwave and assemble the bowls fresh with the remaining ingredients.
Conclusion: Beef Shawarma Bowl
This Beef Shawarma Bowl recipe is a deliciously versatile meal that brings the flavors of traditional shawarma into a fresh and vibrant bowl. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep solution, or something to impress guests at your next gathering, this dish is a winner. It’s easy to customize, bursting with flavors, and incredibly satisfying. So why not give this beef shawarma bowl a try and indulge in a healthy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion?
[tasty-recipe id=”15184″]
