Chicken Shawarma Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is chicken shawarma made of? ›

Shawarma is the Middle Eastern dish of shaved pieces of spit roasted chicken, beef, or lamb. The thin slices of meat (and fat) are layered in a cone-like shape on a vertical spit. The thin strips of golden brown meat are served in lots of different ways: in warm pita pockets, as a bowl, or atop salad or rice pilaf.

Shawarma is prepared from thin cuts of seasoned and marinated lamb, mutton, veal, beef, chicken, or turkey. The slices are stacked on a skewer about 60 cm (20 in) high. Pieces of fat may be added to the stack to provide extra juiciness and flavour.

The distinctive flavor of shawarma spice comes from its main ingredients, including ground cumin, coriander, and black pepper. Other additions include cinnamon, cloves, allspice and dried mint. In some recipes, you'll also find nutmeg and cardamom.

Gyro is savory with a hint of sweetness and garlic, while Shawarma has a smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness from the marinade. To add flavor and texture, both dishes can be topped with various sauces, pickles, and vegetables. The main difference between shawarma and gyro is the type of meat used.

This dish really needs some dark meat in it to make it taste great. You can make it with all chicken thighs, if you prefer (I actually love it that way), but don't sub all chicken breast.

Authentic beef shawarma however is always served with a tahini sauce, and not toum. This tahini sauce is often referred to as "tarator" in Lebanon and other Levant countries. Its simply made by whisking together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. It's also the same sauce used to drizzle over falafel.

So, what sets shawarma apart? The answer lies in the garnish. Shawarma is all about the delicious sauces that accompany the meat – typically garlic yoghurt or tahini and hommus – and the secret ingredient: pickles.

There and throughout the Middle East, it is also made of chicken, turkey, and goat. It is typically spiced with coriander, turmeric, black pepper, cumin, sumac, and other aromatics. Shawarma is usually served with pita bread alongside hummus, rice, pickled vegetables, tabbouleh, and other accompaniments.

A Middle Eastern staple, shawarma seasoning is made with a unique combination of spices including cumin, turmeric, and paprika. It's bold, bright, and unbelievably delicious. If you've never had it, you're in for a serious treat! All you have to do is combine the ingredients in a bowl, and they're good to go.

What is the white thing in shawarma? ›

The white sauce served with chicken shawarma is toum basically garlic sauce and beef shawarma is served with thin Tahini sauce it is a sesame seed paste. What is the "white sauce" on NYC falafel or shawarma? It's either Lebanese garlic spread or tahini sauce.

There are a million ways to make delicious shawarma, and I know that some web recipes include mayonnaise in the garlicky white sauce, but in the original Ottoman recipes right up to the ones you find today on the streets of Istanbul, you probably wouldn't find mayo.

In fact, it's widely known that eating food that contains fiber can help reduce the symptoms of bloating as well as constipation. Thus, eating shawarma could assist in meeting the carbohydrates you require. Additionally, fiber is also beneficial in weight loss and for regulating the level of sugar within the body.

Known for its high acidity and citrus flavors, Aligoté can provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the Shawarma's richness, while its subtle herbal notes can harmonize with the dish's spices. Gewürztraminer from Alsace, a white wine known for its bold, aromatic profile, could also pair well with Chicken Shawarma.

Flavorful Seasonings: Shawarma is typically made with a combination of aromatic spices, including cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, and garlic, which create a rich and complex flavor profile. The seasonings are what give shawarma its distinct and delicious taste.

A shawarma is a dish with thin slices of meat stacked in a cone. A kebab is a meat dish with chopped or ground meat. Shawarma is derived from an Arabic translation of a Turkish term, which means 'turning. ' Kebab comes from the ancient Aramaic word 'kababa,' meaning 'char or burn.

For the wrap build: First, spread tahini sauce on the tortillas, then top with shredded romaine, then the relish, then the chopped chicken. Add some pickled peppers, roll up tight and eat!

Shawarma is a Levantine dish with a rich history dating back to the Ottoman Empire in the Eastern Mediterranean region, particularly in Turkey and Lebanon.

The meat satisfies your craving of eating something tasty without adding extra fat to your body. It is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C and protein. Chicken Shawarma provides your body with calcium, magnesium, iron and sodium.