tzatziki sauce shawarma recipe

3 min read 21-01-2025

Meta Description: Craving delicious shawarma? This recipe combines tender marinated meat, fluffy pita bread, and the coolest tzatziki sauce. Learn how to make authentic shawarma with a homemade tzatziki that'll blow you away! Get the step-by-step guide and impress your friends and family with this flavorful feast. #shawarma #tzatziki #recipe

The Ultimate Guide to Making Tzatziki Sauce Shawarma

This recipe takes you on a culinary journey to the heart of the Middle East, where succulent shawarma meets the refreshing coolness of homemade tzatziki sauce. Forget takeout – you’ll be making this incredible dish again and again!

What You'll Need:

For the Marinated Shawarma:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or lamb, beef, or a mix!)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for best results)
1/2 cup grated cucumber (squeeze out excess water)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For Assembly:

8-10 pita breads
Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Shawarma:

In a large bowl, combine all the shawarma marinade ingredients. Add the chicken (or your chosen meat), ensuring it's thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. This step allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

3. Cook the Shawarma:

You can cook the shawarma in several ways:

Skewers: Thread the marinated meat onto skewers. Grill over medium heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through (about 10-15 minutes).
Pan-fry: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated meat and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through (about 15-20 minutes).
Oven-bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated meat in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

4. Assemble Your Shawarma:

Warm the pita breads according to package directions. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce inside each pita. Add the cooked shawarma, and your favorite toppings. Wrap and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shawarma marinade.
If you don't have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried herbs (use about 1/3 the amount).
Feel free to experiment with different toppings – hummus, tahini, pickled onions, and hot sauce all pair wonderfully with shawarma.
Leftover shawarma can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tzatziki sauce will also keep well in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other types of meat for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Lamb, beef, or even a mix of meats work great. Adjust marinating time as needed depending on the type of meat.

Q: How can I make the tzatziki sauce less watery?

A: Ensure you squeeze out as much excess water as possible from the grated cucumber. You can also let the sauce sit in the refrigerator for a longer period to allow the liquid to separate.

Q: How long can I keep the leftover shawarma and tzatziki?

A: Store leftover shawarma and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Shawarma lasts for up to 3 days, while tzatziki can last up to a week.

This Tzatziki Sauce Shawarma recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of tender marinated meat and cool, creamy tzatziki is simply irresistible. Enjoy!