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beef shawarma bowl

Beef Shawarma Bowl Recipe: A Flavorful, Meal-Prep-Friendly Delight


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 bowls 1x

Description

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.


Ingredients

Scale

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)


For the 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

  • 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


Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef

  1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, and all spices.

  2. Add sliced beef and toss to coat well.

  3. Marinate at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for maximum flavor).


2. Cook the Beef

  1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over high heat.

  2. Add marinated beef (in batches if needed to avoid crowding).

  3. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and slightly charred but tender.

  4. Remove from heat and rest for a few minutes before slicing into bite-size pieces.


3. Assemble the Bowls

In each bowl, layer:

  • A scoop of rice, couscous, or quinoa

  • A handful of greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and onions

  • A portion of beef shawarma

  • A drizzle of garlic yogurt or tahini sauce

  • Garnish with parsley, pickled veggies, or a lemon wedge

Notes

Serve your shawarma bowl with warm pita or flatbread and a drizzle of garlic sauce or tahini. For extra freshness, add pickled vegetables, chopped cucumbers, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s a perfect balanced meal for lunch or dinner!

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing / Bowl Assembly
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 520

Keywords: Shawarma Bowl, Beef Shawarma, Beef Shawarma Recipe, Shawarma Salad Bowl, Beef Shawarma Meal