Rating: 3.64
(147)

Beef Shawarma Flatbread with Tzatziki

August 9, 2023

Beef Shawarma Flatbread with Tzatziki brings together bold Middle Eastern spices, tender grilled beef, and a refreshing yogurt sauce in a handheld dish that’s full of flavor and texture. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner, this flatbread is a satisfying way to enjoy shawarma-style flavors without needing a vertical rotisserie.

The star of the dish is the beef, which is marinated in a mix of warm spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic, and a touch of cinnamon. The marinade usually includes olive oil and lemon juice, which help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. After marinating, the beef is either grilled or seared until it’s deeply browned and slightly crispy on the edges.

Flatbreads serve as the base, and they can be warmed on a skillet or grill for extra softness and a hint of char. Once warm, they’re layered with sliced beef and topped with crisp vegetables such as lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and red onion for crunch and freshness.

The cool, creamy tzatziki adds contrast to the spiced beef. Made from Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh dill or mint, it complements the shawarma with a refreshing, tangy kick. You can spoon it generously over the beef or serve it on the side for dipping.

To finish, a sprinkle of sumac or a drizzle of tahini adds extra flavor. Some versions include crumbled feta or pickled turnips for a salty or tangy boost.

Beef Shawarma Flatbread with Tzatziki is easy to customize and assemble, making it ideal for weeknights or relaxed gatherings. You can prepare the beef in advance and keep it in the fridge, then reheat and build your flatbreads when you’re ready to eat. The balance of spicy beef, cool tzatziki, and fresh veggies makes this dish a flavorful and complete meal, all wrapped in warm, soft bread.

Beef Shawarma Flatbread with Tzatziki
Beef Shawarma Flatbread with Tzatziki
3.64 from 147 votes
Enjoy the flavors of the Middle East with this delicious Beef Shawarma Flatbread with Tzatziki. It's packed with tender marinated beef, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki sauce.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • beef Shawarma
  • 1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin sliced thinly
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp turmeric ground
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Tzatziki Sauce
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber grated
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp dill chopped, fresh
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Flatbread:
  • 4 pieces flatbread
  • 1 cucumber thinly sliced
  • 1 tomato diced
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • parsley for garnish, fresh

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, cayenne pepper, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a paste.
  • Place the thinly sliced beef sirloin in a shallow dish and add the marinade paste. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Cover the dish and let the beef marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for better flavor.
  • While the beef is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated beef from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  • Grill the beef slices for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  • To assemble the flatbread, spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each piece of flatbread. Top with sliced beef, cucumber slices, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Garnish with fresh parsley.
  • Fold the flatbread in half and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 35gFat: 15gFiber: 6g
Calories: 400kcal
Keyword: shawarma, Tzatziki
Cooking Method: Grilled
Time: 30-45 Min
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. 3 stars
    I don’t eat beef, can I use chicken instead? I feel like it would still be tasty.

    1. User avatar Alia Atreides says:

      2 stars
      I dunno… Chicken isn’t really the same as beef. What if it doesn’t taste as good? You should try it as the recipe says first.

    2. 4 stars
      Sure, chicken should work just fine! I use it all the time for recipes like this. Just be mindful of the cooking time because chicken might need a bit less time on the grill compared to beef.

  2. User avatar gladys.gusikowski31 says:

    1 star
    Meh, I didn’t like it. My husband said it was too spicy and he never eats spicy. Maybe I did it wrong?

  3. User avatar Ms. Luna Reilly says:

    3 stars
    Kinda skeptical about the cayenne pepper. I used a lot less and it still was spicy! Maybe adjust the amount for those with less spice tolerance.

    1. User avatar pasquale.stiedemann50 says:

      4 stars
      Totally get where you’re coming from! I like a little heat, but too much can ruin a dish. Maybe I’ll try it with less cayenne next time.

  4. User avatar wiley.mosciski41 says:

    2 stars
    2 hours marinating is enough right? I did overnight anyway and it kinda dried out on the grill. Flatbread was good but I think the cook time needs adjusting. Also my cucumber was watery so the sauce got runny…

  5. User avatar wellRespected says:

    4 stars
    I’m skeptical about the cinnamon in shawarma… it sounded weird to me. But honestly it blended in. My family didn’t even complain (rare!). Would make again, just keep an eye on spice levels.

  6. 5 stars
    Made this for dinner and it was honestly so good. The spices smell amazing, and the tzatziki totally cools everything down. I used flatbread wraps from the store and still nailed it.

  7. User avatar florinda.rippin1964 says:

    3 stars
    Is beef shawarma even supposed to be made with sirloin? I thought it was lamb traditionally.

  8. 2 stars
    Could’ve been better. Tzatziki was good, but the beef marinade felt like it needed more salt. Also my flatbread tore when folding 😅

    1. User avatar Prostetnic Vogon Jeltz says:

      4 stars
      Ahh sorry it didn’t hit as hard as it could! If your marinade tasted a bit flat, adding a pinch (or two) more salt makes a huge difference—especially with cumin/coriander heavy mixes. Also flatbread tearing can happen if it’s too dry or you fold before it’s warm. Next time, warm the flatbread briefly and fold gently.

  9. 2 stars
    I think “1 tbsp ground cinnamon” is too much, like it overpowered the beef for me. Maybe cut to 1/2 tbsp and you’re golden.

  10. User avatar junie.bechtelar41 says:

    2 stars
    Too many spices for my taste. I didn’t think it was that great. I’ll stick to plain beef next time.

  11. 5 stars
    The tzatziki is legit. I grated the cucumber and squeezed out extra water like my grandma would, and it thickened up perfectly. Would eat just that with pita.

    1. User avatar Ismael Schowalter says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! That’s exactly what makes tzatziki hit—squeezing the cucumber water out makes it thick and not watery. Love the idea of eating it with just pita too.

  12. User avatar lucille.skiles2 says:

    5 stars
    This was AMAZING! The flavors are so good together! Will definitely make it again.

  13. User avatar cole.torphy80 says:

    2 stars
    Flatbread? I thought it was taco?? Haha my bad. But still gonna try it.

  14. User avatar kelley.boyer59 says:

    4 stars
    First time making tzatziki and it turned out great! Though I used sour cream instead of yogurt ’cause that’s all I had.

    1. User avatar Kendall Langosh says:

      5 stars
      Great job! Tzatziki is sooo versatile, sour cream works too! Can’t wait to try this recipe myself.

  15. User avatar kathey.veum29 says:

    3 stars
    I followed it and it came out decent, but “3-5 minutes per side” felt way too fast for my grill pan. I had to cook longer, and then the beef got tougher. Maybe thickness matters a lot.

  16. User avatar verona.stiedemann41 says:

    2 stars
    Flatbread? Can I just use regular bread? Asking for a friend!

  17. User avatar vivienne.pfannerstill2 says:

    5 stars
    So good I can’t even. Better than takeout for sure!

  18. User avatar Slartibartfast says:

    5 stars
    This turned out *so* flavorful. The marinade smells legit like shawarma places, and the tzatziki actually tastes fresh (dill + lemon is a win). I only grilled a little longer because my slices were thicker.

  19. User avatar Jamal Schaefer says:

    4 stars
    Flavor is really solid, especially the cumin/coriander mix. I used regular yogurt instead of Greek (oops) and it was a bit looser, but still tasty. Next time I’ll also slice the onion thinner.

  20. User avatar willia.schneider54 says:

    5 stars
    Dude, I just wanna say, this is the BEST flatbread I have ever had! So good! I took it to a BBQ, and it was gone in minutes!

  21. User avatar dorris.hirthe says:

    5 stars
    Gave this a try and everybody loved it!!!

  22. 4 stars
    I was skeptical at first, but the marinade really made the beef taste incredible. I’m glad I tried it!

  23. User avatar Daedric Prince says:

    3 stars
    I found the spices a bit overwhelming. Maybe less cumin next time.

    1. 2 stars
      Less cumin? But that’s what makes it taste like shawarma! Just give it a try with less and see.

    2. 4 stars
      I totally get you! The cumin can be really strong. I usually cut back on it and it still tastes great!

  24. User avatar jenise.mohr17 says:

    2 stars
    Not sure about using ground cinnamon in shawarma—my neighbor would disagree 😂 but I guess food evolves. I’d probably cut it in half next time.

  25. 2 stars
    Looks complicated… is it really worth it? I’m not sure.

  26. User avatar deandre.hermann90 says:

    4 stars
    Followed the recipe mostly, but I didn’t let it marinate overnight—just about 2 hours. Still good though! Tzatziki was tangy and creamy. Next time I’ll be patient.

  27. User avatar rae.graham11 says:

    3 stars
    Not gonna lie, 1 tsp cinnamon feels like it could be a little weird with beef. But if you like warm spices, go for it. I’d start by using half the cinnamon next time.

  28. User avatar manda.veum says:

    5 stars
    I made this for dinner and it tasted super authentic—especially with the cinnamon/cumin combo. My only tweak was adding a squeeze of lemon on top before serving. 10/10 with the tzatziki!

  29. User avatar carly.champlin45 says:

    5 stars
    I love shawarma! I’m from the Middle East and this recipe does it justice.

  30. 5 stars
    This was fantastic! The blend of spices really made the beef pop. The tzatziki sauce complemented it perfectly. Will definitely make again!

  31. User avatar Gabriella says:

    2 stars
    I don’t have lemon juice. Can I just use vinegar instead? Probably tastes different but I dunno…

    1. User avatar linsey.okeefe67 says:

      4 stars
      I dunno, I think vinegar will make it taste too sour. Why not just get some lemon juice or just leave it out? Better safe than sorry!

    2. User avatar Su Shenlong says:

      3 stars
      Vinegar? That sounds weird! I guess it could work but lemon juice is way better for tzatziki. Just my opinion!

  32. User avatar norman.koss65 says:

    2 stars
    Did I miss something? My flatbread turned out soggy! I followed the recipe but something went wrong.

    1. User avatar lewis.turcotte says:

      3 stars
      Soggy? Sounds like you might’ve put too much sauce on it. Sometimes less is more! Also, did you cook it properly? Just a thought.

    2. User avatar mathWizard says:

      4 stars
      I had the same issue once! Make sure your beef is well-cooked and not too juicy. Maybe the marinade was too watery? Consider letting it drain a bit before using.

  33. 4 stars
    Pretty tasty, but my beef turned out a little chewy—maybe I sliced it too thick or grilled too long. Next time I’ll go thinner and pull it a bit earlier. Tzatziki was perfect though.

  34. User avatar jeromy.veum63 says:

    3 stars
    I used regular yogurt (not Greek) and it was tangy but thinner. If you can, stick to Greek yogurt like the recipe says.

  35. User avatar Susan Wuckert III says:

    5 stars
    I made this last week and everyone loved it! Also, pro-tip: add some feta cheese for extra zing.

    1. User avatar danial.hessel says:

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious! I’m definitely going to try adding feta next time. Thanks for the tip!

    2. User avatar sherley.kreiger says:

      2 stars
      Feta? Isn’t that more of a Greek thing? Shawarma is supposed to be spicy, bro.

  36. User avatar kena.steuber8 says:

    5 stars
    Very hearty but still fresh with the cucumber, tomato, and onion. The tzatziki + parsley garnish makes it feel like restaurant food. Would totally serve this to guests.

    1. User avatar everett.kuphal10 says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! The cucumber + tomato really brightens it up, and the tzatziki makes it feel like you got it from a legit spot. I’m stealing this for when we have people over.

  37. User avatar andree.schneider1988 says:

    2 stars
    Ugh, why do you have to marinate it overnight? I wanted to eat it now!

    1. User avatar guillermina.moen2015 says:

      4 stars
      I get it, marinating can be annoying if you’re hungry! But trust me, the flavor is worth the wait! Just think about how tasty it’ll be. 🙂

  38. User avatar claudio.mraz1986 says:

    2 stars
    This is just another wrap with beef in it. Not impressed.

  39. User avatar shannon.gleason2021 says:

    5 stars
    Tzatziki sauce is the best! I just make it with store-bought yogurt, so easy!

    1. User avatar jeffie.douglas27 says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree! Tzatziki is so refreshing and goes with everything! Great tip on using store-bought yogurt. Saves time!

    2. User avatar rickiestmorty says:

      3 stars
      But isn’t it better to make the yogurt from scratch? Store-bought has additives, right? Just saying…

  40. User avatar Ma'randru-jo says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! The flavors are so rich, and the tzatziki is so refreshing. Loved it!

  41. User avatar shirlee.robel says:

    5 stars
    5 stars because it was easy to make! 🙌

  42. User avatar Questular Rontok says:

    2 stars
    Ehh… I’ve had better shawarma. The cayenne plus paprika made it a bit too “spicy dust” for my taste. Flatbread was fine but I needed more sauce.

  43. 5 stars
    OMG, so good! I can’t stop eating these!! 😍

  44. 5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! The flavors are so rich and delicious. I love how the tzatziki complements the beef.

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! The tzatziki really does make the beef pop! So good!

  45. User avatar kenneth.blanda47 says:

    1 star
    I’m confused. Can I use beef jerky for this? I ain’t got fresh beef. 🤔

  46. 3 stars
    Not sure about the cinnamon in the marinade—kinda threw me off at first. But after eating, it wasn’t bad. I’d probably cut it in half next time.

  47. User avatar Cyrus McGlynn I says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely loved this recipe! The sauce was amazing!

  48. User avatar devon.murphy1981 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! The flavors are so rich and delicious. Will definitely make again!

  49. 2 stars
    Wow! So much spice! My kids didn’t like it. Too hot for them, 😅.

  50. User avatar jayna.doyle90 says:

    1 star
    This is too complicated for me. Too many steps! I’ll stick with takeout.

  51. User avatar jackson.murray37 says:

    4 stars
    I made something similar once and the tzatziki always wins. Grated cucumber + dill is such a good move. Wondering if 1 cup yogurt is enough for 4 flatbreads though—might need more sauce.

    1. User avatar German Toy MD says:

      5 stars
      Totally agree—tzatziki makes everything taste “real” 😄 I did 1 cup yogurt for 4 and it was enough for a light spread, but not if you like it dripping.

  52. 4 stars
    Not gonna lie, the instructions are a bit chaotic like “4 pieces flatbread” then fold it in half… but the flavor is strong. I’d make it again.

  53. User avatar teodora.rempel51 says:

    4 stars
    Easy to make and delicious! My fam loved it. Thnx!

    1. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

      3 stars
      Looks good, but isn’t shawarma usually made with chicken? This seems a bit off. 🤔

    2. 5 stars
      So glad your family enjoyed it! It really is a simple dish that packs a lot of flavors. 😊

  54. User avatar Prostetnic Vogon Kwaltz says:

    4 stars
    Yum! My kids loved it! I didn’t have flatbread, so I used tortillas lol.

  55. User avatar raphael.koch2003 says:

    3 stars
    My grill pan hates me, so I ended up pan-searing the beef. The marinade smelled amazing, but I think I overcooked it—3-5 minutes per side is fast.

    1. User avatar ArabianNights says:

      2 stars
      Wait… 3-5 per side is crazy long? I’d do like 1-2 max or it turns tough. Also tzatziki needs more dill for me, more like “dill heavy” lol.

    2. User avatar antione.ondricka26 says:

      4 stars
      Ugh I feel you—grill pans can be so moody 😅 3–5 min/side does feel quick, especially with thin sirloin. Next time, maybe sear hotter for less time or just pull a little earlier and rest it.

  56. User avatar ArabianNights says:

    5 stars
    Yesss!! Best flatbread ever, my friends couldn’t believe I made it.

  57. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    2 stars
    Too many ingredients for such a simple dish. Why so much spice?

  58. User avatar honey.gleichner27 says:

    3 stars
    Does anyone else think the tzatziki is a bit too watery? I put it on everything but it ran off my flatbread.

    1. User avatar hugo.towne says:

      4 stars
      I thought the same thing! Maybe try draining the cucumber before mixing it in? That can help thicken it up a bit.

  59. User avatar winston.jenkins60 says:

    3 stars
    Pretty good but it’s a lot of spices for a quick meal. I used ground beef instead of sirloin because that’s what I had and it was okay. Would love a milder version.

    1. User avatar CTRLplusW says:

      4 stars
      I used ground beef too (same reason as you—couldn’t be bothered to buy sirloin) and it came out decent. I guess the marinade still works, just gets a bit more “savory” than shawarma-y. A milder version would be awesome though.

    2. 4 stars
      Totally agree—there’s a lot going on with those spices. I made it once exactly as written and my mouth was like “whoa”. Next time I’m cutting the cayenne and maybe halving cumin/coriander for sure.

  60. User avatar Tom Bombadil says:

    3 stars
    I didn’t marinate overnight (only like 45 minutes). Still tasty, but I could tell it wasn’t as deep-flavored. Still worth making though.

  61. User avatar Eccentrica Gallumbits says:

    2 stars
    I’m skeptical about grilling thin sirloin for only 3-5 minutes per side. Depends how thin it is, but I’ve had that turn into tough beef when it overshoots. Maybe use a thermometer?

    1. 5 stars
      Yeah I get your worry—thin sirloin can go from “perfect” to “chewy” fast. I always rely on thickness + thermometer now, and 3–5 min is more of a guideline than a rule.

  62. User avatar avril.fadel15 says:

    3 stars
    Beef shawarma with flatbread is great, but honestly I think it needs more salt. Mine tasted bland until I added extra pepper + a pinch more salt at the end.

  63. 2 stars
    Meh… I followed it and it was okay, but mine came out kinda bland even with “salt and pepper to taste.” Maybe my garlic was old? Idk. Still ate it though!

  64. User avatar lupita.beatty29 says:

    5 stars
    Super fresh and bright with the lemon + dill. The whole thing tastes like a real shawarma shop, not just “spiced beef.”

  65. User avatar elden.wintheiser59 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know, it seemed kinda bland to me. I added more spices but still not great.

    1. User avatar thea.larson2003 says:

      2 stars
      Bland? Nah, can’t be! I made this last week and it was bomb! You must’ve messed something up, LOL.

    2. User avatar grant.swift77 says:

      4 stars
      I get it! Sometimes flavors just don’t come out right. Maybe try adding some lemon zest next time? It could brighten things up!

  66. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    3 stars
    This is nothing like my mom’s shawarma, but it wasn’t bad. Maybe add some more spices.

  67. User avatar Elin Hartmann says:

    2 stars
    Why cayenne + cinnamon? That sounds weird together to me. I’m sure it tastes fine, but I’m skeptical before trying.

  68. User avatar Miquel Conn says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical at first, but it actually turned out pretty good. The beef was tender after marinating overnight.

    1. User avatar lorraine.jones says:

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious! I’ll definitely try this recipe, thanks for sharing your experience!

  69. User avatar paul.medhurst1954 says:

    1 star
    Bro, this was too much work for me. Why all the marinating? Just cook the meat already!

    1. 4 stars
      I understand the struggle! But marinating really makes a big difference in flavor. Just give it a shot next time! 😊

  70. User avatar bruno.okon38 says:

    1 star
    Why do you put cucumber in the tzatziki? It ain’t really necessary!

3.64 from 147 votes
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