Sheet Pan Beef Shawarma is my Lebanese husband's weeknight version of the real thing and it is dangerously good. Thinly sliced sirloin marinated in Greek yogurt, lemon, and spices, broiled on a preheated sheet pan until caramelized and slightly charred at the edges, stuffed into warm pita with pickles, sumac tomatoes, and tahini sauce.
If slicing at home, place the steak in the freezer for 20 minutes until slightly firm. Slice as thinly as possible against the grain into strips roughly the same size so they cook evenly under the broiler.
1.5 lbs sirloin
In a large bowl combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, crushed garlic, paprika, coriander, allspice, Aleppo pepper, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Add the sliced beef and toss until every piece is evenly and generously coated. Marinate for up to 3 hours in the fridge for the best flavor, or cook right away if you do not have time. Do not marinate longer than 3 hours as the lemon juice will start to break down the meat.
½ cup full fat Greek yogurt, Juice of 1 lemon, 3 garlic cloves, 2 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper, 1 tablespoon cumin, 2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 2 teaspoon kosher salt or 1 teaspoon regular salt, ¼ teaspoon allspice
Preheat the sheet pan
Position your oven rack as close to the broiler element as possible. Place a large sheet pan on the rack and preheat under the broiler on high for 10 full minutes. The pan needs to be screaming hot before the beef goes on. This is the step that gives you the caramelized sear that makes this recipe work.
Broil the beef
Carefully remove the hot sheet pan from the oven using oven mitts. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat. Quickly spread the marinated beef in a single even layer across the pan. Do not pile the meat. Everything needs contact with the hot surface.
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil for cooking
Return to the top rack and broil on high for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is deeply caramelized and the edges are slightly charred. Watch closely during this step. The difference between perfectly charred and burnt is about 60 seconds under a broiler. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes.
Make the tomato salad
While the beef broils, toss the sliced cherry tomatoes and white onion together in a bowl. Add the sumac, salt, black pepper, and olive oil and toss until evenly coated. Set aside.
2 cups cherry tomatoes, ½ white onion, 1 teaspoon sumac, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Make the tahini sauce
Prepare the tarator tahini sauce per the linked recipe. Set aside at room temperature.
Assemble and toast
Warm the pita breads briefly in the microwave for 20 seconds or in a dry pan so they are pliable and do not crack when folded.
4 large pita breads
Lay each pita flat and layer the broiled beef down the center. Add a generous spoonful of the sumac tomato salad, sliced pickles, pickled turnips if using, and a drizzle of tahini sauce.
Dill pickles, Pickled turnips, Tahini sauce
Fold the pita tightly around the filling. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled wrap seam side down and press gently with a spatula so the whole surface makes contact with the pan. Toast for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crispy on the outside and warm all the way through. Serve immediately.
Nutrition facts are only estimatesStorageStore leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through and the edges crisp back up slightly. Avoid the microwave as it will make the beef tough and dry. Store the tomato salad and tahini sauce separately. Assemble wraps fresh rather than storing assembled wraps as the pita will go soggy. The tomato salad keeps for up to 2 days in the fridge. The tahini sauce keeps for up to 5 days. Not recommended for freezing.