Shawarma
Discover this authentic Egyptian Shawarma recipe — a rewarding dish that's a culinary masterpiece for the ambitious cook. Made with chicken thighs, coriander, cumin and 12 more fresh ingredients, this recipe guides you through 9 detailed steps to create a truly memorable meal. Ready in about 1455 minutes from start to finish. Whether you're cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this egyptian classic is sure to impress.
20
Prep Time (min)
1440
Cook Time (min)
4
servings
430
Calories/serving
Expert
Difficulty
Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken Thighs
- 1 tbs Coriander
- 1 tbs Cumin
- 1 tbs Cardamom
- 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 2 tbs Lemon Juice
- 3 tbs Olive Oil
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt
- 1 Garlic Clove
- 1 tsp Cumin
- Splash Lemon Juice
- Sliced Lettuce
- Sliced Tomato
- 6 Pita Bread
Instructions
9 steps · ~73 minutes total
Step 1
Combine the marinade ingredients in a large ziplock bag (or bowl).
3 minutesFor best results, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.Step 2
Add the chicken and use your hands to make sure each piece is coated. If using a ziplock bag, I find it convenient to close the bag then massage the bag to disperse the rub all over each chicken piece.
10 minutesStep 3
Marinate overnight or up to 24 hours.
30 minutesFor best results, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.Step 4
Combine the Yoghurt Sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix. Cover and put in the fridge until required (it will last for 3 days in the fridge).
3 minutesStep 5
Heat grill/BBQ (or large heavy based pan on stove) on medium high. You should not need to oil it because the marinade has oil in it and also thigh fillets have fat. But if you are worried then oil your hotplate/grill. (See notes for baking)
2 minutesFor best results, marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.Step 6
Place chicken on the grill and cook the first side for 4 to 5 minutes until nicely charred, then turn and cook the other side for 3 to 4 minutes (the 2nd side takes less time).
5 minutesOil the grill grates before placing food to prevent sticking.Step 7
Remove chicken from the grill and cover loosely with foil. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes.
10 minutesOil the grill grates before placing food to prevent sticking.Step 8
Slice chicken and pile onto platter alongside flatbreads, Salad and the Yoghurt Sauce.
5 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.Step 9
To make a wrap, get a piece of flatbread and smear with Yoghurt Sauce. Top with a bit of lettuce and tomato and Chicken Shawarma. Roll up and enjoy!
5 minutes
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your egyptian meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Shawarma is a beloved dish from Egyptian cuisine, originating in Egypt. With a total preparation time of about 1460 minutes, it is a rewarding project for when you have extra time in the kitchen.
Egyptian cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.
This recipe is rated expert difficulty and uses 15 ingredients. Experienced cooks will appreciate the technique involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, Egyptian Shawarma is made with marinated chicken or beef, though lamb and turkey can also be used for different flavor profiles.
Rate This Recipe
How was this recipe?
Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
