6 Must-try Recipes To Pair With Beef Shawarma

beef shawarma side dish

Beef shawarma is a delicious dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

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If you have been looking for a good companion to serve with your beef shawarma all the time, this article will help you by offering the six best recipes that perfectly complement this Middle Eastern staple.

Read on and grab some ideas!

What is beef shawarma?

Beef shawarma is a popular dish from the Middle East.

The best cut for beef shawarma is a ribeye steak, which is well-marinated with olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and various seasonings like cumin, paprika, coriander, pepper, turmeric, or cinnamon.

But other cuts which work the same way (tender and well-marbled) can be a good option too.

It is then slowly roasted on a vertical rotisserie pit and is often sliced for sandwiches when cooked.

The resulting dish has a rich, savory, and tangy taste that pairs well with many different side dishes.

What to consider when choosing a beef shawarma side dish?

To make sure that your meal with beef shawarma is as delicious and hearty as possible, it is crucial to choose the right side dish to accompany it.

So what to consider when picking a beef shawarma accompaniment?

Here they are:

Beef shawarma can be served with a starchy side, a vegetable side, or a sauce

There are a lot of options for what to serve with beef shawarma.

Accordingly, you can serve this Middle Eastern dish with a starchy dish, a vegetable side, or even a dipping sauce.

Depending on your preference and the time you have to cook these dishes, you can choose whatever you want to serve alongside your beef shawarma.

Beef shawarma is typically served with a Middle Eastern side dish

There is nothing better than pairing dishes from the same cuisine so that the flavors will blend perfectly with each other and result in a balanced and delicious meal.

Therefore, you should consider serving your beef shawarma with a Middle Eastern side dish to have the best result.

6 best side dishes to serve with beef shawarma

Here we provide the six best side dishes that you should try pairing with your beef shawarma:

1.     Steamed rice

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Steamed rice is a classic starchy side dish to accompany beef shawarma.

This recipe can call for white rice or brown rice per your preference, and they are both budget-friendly.

The mild flavor of steamed rice can go well easily with savory and tangy beef shawarma, as well as help keep you fuller.

2.     Pita bread

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Pita bread is another good and classic side dish to serve with beef shawarma.

Pita bread is one of the staples of Middle Eastern cuisine.

You can use pita bread, or pita bread pocket to wrap over beef shawarma with or without other veggies to have a hearty and nutritious meal to enjoy at any time of the day.

3.     Tomato and cucumber salad

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A salad that is mainly made of tomatoes and cucumber, with other ingredients like red onion and fresh herbs will act as a nice addition to your beef shawarma.

This side dish has a refreshing and tangy flavor that will surely balance the rich and savory taste of any meat dish.

It is also easy to make and very affordable.

4.     Roasted vegetable

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Roasted vegetables are the fourth option to accompany beef shawarma.

This dish is made by coating veggies with a bit of olive oil and spices, then roasting them in the oven.

The result typically has a tasty, mildly sweet, and earthy flavor, while the texture can be crispy or tender depending on the type of veggies.

5.     Lentil soup

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You can also serve your beef shawarma with a lentil soup.

A hearty and rich soup is best for a winter meal, and it is packed with flavor and nutrients.

There are different kinds of lentils so that you will have a variety of options to choose from.

6.     Tahini

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Tahini can be a great dipping sauce for beef shawarma.

This Middle Eastern condiment is made from toasted ground hulled sesame, so it has a nutty flavor that can easily offset the savory taste of beef shawarma.

Tahini can be made from scratch without any fuss or bought from a grocery store.

The bottom line

After reading this post, hopefully, your next beef shawarma will taste as delicious as possible when served with the right side dish.

You can choose one or several of the six aforementioned recipes to complement your meal beautifully without any fuss.

Let us know which one you and your family like the most to serve on the side of beef shawarma.