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High Protein Beef Shawarma Protein Plates - Flavor-Packed, Meal-Prep Friendly

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the beef:
  • 1.5 pounds lean beef (sirloin, flank, or top round), thinly sliced against the grain
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 0.5–1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (to taste)
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 0.5–1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or cayenne (optional, for heat)
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • For the yogurt-tahini sauce:
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (2% or nonfat)
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
  • Water to thin, as needed
  • Plate components:
  • 3–4 cups cooked quinoa, brown rice, or cauliflower rice
  • 4 cups mixed greens or chopped romaine
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 1–2 tomatoes, chopped (or a handful of cherry tomatoes, halved)
  • 0.5 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: pickled red onions, pickles, olives, or feta

Method
 

  1. Slice the beef: Freeze the beef for 20–30 minutes to firm it up. Slice very thinly against the grain so it cooks quickly and stays tender.
  2. Make the marinade: In a large bowl, stir together olive oil, garlic, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon, allspice, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and lemon juice.
  3. Marinate: Add the sliced beef to the bowl and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 4–12 hours for maximum flavor.
  4. Prep the sauce: Whisk Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Thin with a splash of water until it’s drizzleable. Chill until serving.
  5. Prepare the plate components: Cook your chosen grain. Chop cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and herbs. Set out greens and any optional toppings.
  6. Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over high heat until very hot. Work in batches to avoid crowding. Sear the beef 1–2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat.
  7. Rest and slice if needed: Let the beef rest 3–5 minutes. If any pieces are thicker, slice them into bite-sized strips.
  8. Assemble the plates: Add a scoop of grains or cauliflower rice and a handful of greens to each plate or container. Top with beef, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and herbs. Drizzle with yogurt-tahini sauce.
  9. Finish with extras: Add pickled onions, olives, or feta if you like. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon at the table.