Beef Shawarma & Rice Platter

The Beef Shawarma & Rice platter is a culinary delight that transports you straight to the bustling streets of the Middle East. Known for its rich spices and succulent flavors, shawarma is a beloved dish that combines marinated beef, grilled to perfection, with fluffy rice and vibrant accompaniments. The enchanting aroma of spices like cumin, paprika, and garlic wafts through the air as the beef cooks, drawing everyone to the table in anticipation of a hearty meal. Each bite is a celebration of flavors, offering a satisfying experience that nourishes both body and soul.

This platter is not just about the tender, spiced beef; it’s also about the harmonious blend of textures and flavors that come together beautifully. The rice, often cooked with fragrant spices or broth, acts as the perfect canvas for the shawarma, soaking up the savory juices and enhancing the overall experience. To elevate the dish further, fresh vegetables, tangy pickles, and a creamy sauce add layers of taste and texture that make every mouthful a delight. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this platter is sure to impress.

What makes the Beef Shawarma & Rice platter truly special is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your taste preferences, whether you prefer it spicy or mild, or wish to add an array of toppings. This dish not only embodies the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine but also invites creativity in the kitchen. It’s a meal that brings people together, making it perfect for sharing with loved ones while creating lasting memories over delicious food.

How Many Calories Are in the Beef Shawarma & Rice Platter?

When it comes to enjoying a flavorful meal like the Beef Shawarma & Rice platter, many wonder about its nutritional content, particularly the calorie count. A typical serving of this delicious dish contains approximately 600 calories, making it a hearty option for lunch or dinner. These calories come from a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, thanks to the marinated beef, rice, and accompanying vegetables.

Beyond the calorie count, the Beef Shawarma & Rice platter offers essential nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet. The beef provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair, while the rice serves as a source of energy through carbohydrates. Additionally, the fresh vegetables not only add vibrant color but also provide vitamins and minerals that are vital for overall health. This makes the platter a satisfying and nutritious choice that allows you to indulge without the guilt.

What is Beef Shawarma Made Of?

After marination, the beef is stacked in a cone shape on the rotisserie and slow-cooked, allowing the outer layers to crisp up while the inside remains tender. As the outer layer cooks, it is shaved off in thin slices to be served in various ways—typically in a wrap, on a plate with rice, or in a salad. The cooking method plays a crucial role in the final flavor and texture of the beef shawarma, making it a beloved dish across the globe.

Beef shawarma is a mouthwatering Middle Eastern dish that features marinated beef cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The beef is typically cut into thin strips and marinated in a mixture of spices and herbs, which may include cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, garlic, and lemon juice. This marinade not only infuses the meat with a rich, aromatic flavor but also helps to tenderize it, resulting in juicy and succulent pieces once cooked. The marinating process can vary from a few hours to overnight, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

What Are the 3 Most Common Foods Put in the Shawarma?

When it comes to assembling a delicious shawarma, there are a few staple ingredients that frequently make an appearance. The first is the seasoned meat itself, which can range from beef and lamb to chicken or even turkey, depending on personal preferences. Alongside the meat, fresh vegetables are essential. Common additions include sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled turnips, which provide a refreshing crunch and balance the rich flavors of the meat.

Finally, sauces are a key component in enhancing the shawarma experience. The most popular choice is tahini sauce or garlic sauce, which adds creaminess and a punch of flavor. Some variations might include yogurt-based sauces or spicy harissa, catering to different tastes. Together, these components create a symphony of flavors and textures that make shawarma a favorite street food around the world.

Is Beef Shawarma Same as Gyro?

While beef shawarma and gyro may appear similar at first glance, they are distinct dishes with different origins and flavor profiles. Shawarma hails from the Middle East and is typically made with marinated meats like beef, chicken, or lamb that are cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The seasoning blends often include a variety of spices that create a rich and complex flavor, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions of the region. Shawarma is usually served in wraps, with fresh vegetables and sauces that complement the marinated meat.

On the other hand, gyro originates from Greece and is traditionally made with pork or chicken, although lamb is also used. The meat is seasoned with a blend of Greek herbs such as oregano and served in pita bread, often accompanied by tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, and onions. The difference in spices and cooking methods contributes to the unique taste and texture of each dish. While both shawarma and gyro are delicious and satisfying, they reflect the distinct culinary traditions from which they originate.

Beef Shawarma & Rice platter

Recipe by AdminCourse: Main CourseCuisine: Middle EasternDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

600

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Beef Shawarma:

• 500g beef (thinly sliced, preferably sirloin or flank)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 2 teaspoons ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Juice of 1 lemon

• For the Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice

• 4 cups beef broth (or water)

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 teaspoon salt

• For the Garnish:

• 1 cup parsley (chopped)

• 1 cucumber (sliced)

• 1 tomato (diced)

• ½ red onion (thinly sliced)

• Lemon wedges for serving

• Tahini sauce or garlic sauce (optional)

Directions

• Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Add the sliced beef and mix well to coat evenly. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
• Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the beef broth (or water) to a boil. Add the basmati rice, butter, and salt. Stir briefly, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and fluffy. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes.
• Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in batches (if necessary) to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
• Prepare the Garnish: While the beef is cooking, chop the parsley and prepare the salad by mixing the cucumber, tomato, and red onion in a bowl. Set aside.
• Assemble the Platter: On a large serving plate, fluff the cooked rice with a fork and create a bed of rice. Arrange the cooked beef shawarma on top of the rice. Scatter the chopped parsley and prepared salad around the platter.
• Serve: Add lemon wedges and a drizzle of tahini sauce or garlic sauce if desired. Enjoy your Beef Shawarma & Rice platter while it’s warm!

Notes

• For the best flavor, allow the beef to marinate for as long as possible. Cooking the beef in batches helps to achieve a nice sear. When serving, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice enhances the overall flavor of the dish, so don’t skip it!