How to Make the Perfect Egyptian Shawarma
Egyptian · Medium · 45 min · 4 servings
Egyptian shawarma features thin slices of marinated chicken stacked and roasted with a spice blend heavy in coriander, cumin, and turmeric then wrapped in flatbread with tahini and pickles. It is street food perfection, combining smoky charred edges with juicy meat and bold condiments.
Why this recipe works
This Egyptian Shawarma recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 510 calories with 38g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 700 grams boneless chicken thighs
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 4 rounds Arabic flatbread
- 4 tablespoons tahini sauce
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Combine yogurt with ground coriander, turmeric, cumin, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Coat chicken thighs thoroughly and marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator or overnight for best results.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot. Cook marinated chicken thighs for 5 to 6 minutes per side until nicely charred on the outside and fully cooked through with no pink remaining.
Step 3: Slice and Rest
Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 5 minutes then slice thinly against the grain or chop into shawarma style strips. The resting period ensures the juices stay inside the meat.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Warm flatbread and spread tahini sauce down the center. Layer sliced chicken, pickled turnips, tomato, and parsley then roll tightly and serve immediately with extra tahini on the side.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- chicken thighs → chicken breast for a leaner option
- Arabic flatbread → pita bread or lavash
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the marination time which results in bland unseasoned chicken
- Cooking chicken on too low heat which steams rather than chars the exterior
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 510 calories, 38g protein, 40g carbs, 20g fat, 3g fiber.
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