Delicious and Quick Lamb Shawarma Recipe

Looking for a show-stopping dish that will have your guests coming back for more without keeping you tied up in the kitchen all day? Look no further than this Easy Lamb Shawarma recipe. Imagine juicy lamb, bursting with Middle Eastern flavors, slow-cooked to perfection until it practically falls apart with just a touch of a fork. The secret lies in the simple yet incredibly flavorful shawarma spice mix that infuses the meat as it cooks low and slow. Whether you opt for a boneless lamb leg or a succulent lamb shoulder, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for gatherings and can even be prepared in advance. And for an extra burst of flavor, don’t forget to finish it off on the BBQ for that irresistible char!

I still remember the first time I made this Easy Lamb Shawarma for a backyard soiree. The tantalizing aroma that wafted through the house had my guests eager to dig in before they even found their seats. What truly captivates me about this dish is how a handful of humble spices can transform a simple cut of lamb into a culinary masterpiece fit for a special occasion, yet it’s so effortless that anyone can master it. Trust me, the key lies in using top-notch spices to ensure that each bite is packed with robust and fresh flavors. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to impress your guests with this unforgettable Easy Lamb Shawarma that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Quick Benefits

• Flavorful Middle Eastern spices: The shawarma spice mix infuses the lamb with rich and fragrant flavors that make every bite delicious.
• Moist and tender meat: Whether using lamb leg or shoulder, slow-cooking results in juicy, fall-apart lamb that is perfect for gatherings or meals made ahead.
• Easy preparation and cooking process: With basic ingredients and simple steps, this dish is impressive enough for special occasions but easy enough for anyone to master.
• Versatile leftovers: The lamb shawarma can be transformed into various meals, from quesadillas to pita sandwiches, ensuring that no delicious bite goes to waste.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious and Quick Lamb Shawarma Recipe Recipe

• Flavor-Packed: The simple shawarma spice mix infuses the lamb with a rich, fragrant taste that is sure to impress your guests.
• Effortless Cooking: The slow-cooking process turns basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dish without requiring constant attention in the kitchen, making it perfect for gatherings.
• Versatile: This recipe is adaptable for various occasions and dietary preferences – from using different cuts of meat to accommodating vegetarians, low-carb diets, and gluten-free needs.
• Make Ahead: Prep the lamb a day ahead and finish it off before serving for a stress-free cooking experience, allowing you to enjoy the party without being tied to the stove.
• Leftover Transformations: Turn any remaining lamb into new and exciting dishes, ensuring you look forward to the next-day meals just as much as the initial serving.
• Middle Eastern Flavors: Pair the lamb shawarma with delicious sides such as lemon herb couscous, tomato-cucumber salad, hummus, baba ganoush, and warm flatbreads for a complete Middle Eastern feast.
• Family Favorite: This dish has the potential to become a staple at gatherings and special events, earning you compliments and requests for the recipe every time you serve it.
• Aromatic Delight: The tantalizing aroma that fills your home while the lamb is cooking adds to the anticipation and enjoyment of the meal, creating a sensory experience for all involved.

Ingredients for Delicious and Quick Lamb Shawarma Recipe

Lamb

• 1.7 kg boneless lamb leg OR 2 kg lamb shoulder with the bone in

Shawarma Paste

• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin)
• 1 tbsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp cayenne for heat

Cooking

• Half a liter (2 cups) of water

Pro Tips for Delicious and Quick Lamb Shawarma Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For the best results, invest in high-quality spices for this lamb shawarma recipe. Fresh and aromatic spices will elevate the flavor of the dish and make it truly stand out. Before you start cooking, take a moment to make sure your spices are fragrant and potent to ensure a delicious end result.

Pro Tip 2: To make this dish ahead for a stress-free party, cook the lamb fully the day before and store it in the fridge in its juices. When you’re ready to serve, let the lamb come to room temperature and then heat it gently in the oven under foil. For an extra burst of flavor, finish the lamb on a hot BBQ to create a tasty crust. This make-ahead method not only saves time on the day of the event but also allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in even more delicious lamb shawarma.

Pro Tip 3: Don’t let the leftover lamb go to waste! Get creative with your leftovers by turning them into new and exciting meals. Whether it’s stuffing the lamb into quesadillas, pita pockets, or creating a Middle Eastern hash, the flavorful spices in the lamb shawarma make for versatile and tasty leftover transformations that your family will love.

How to Make Delicious and Quick Lamb Shawarma Recipe

Step 1: Make the Paste

Combine garlic, coriander, cumin, cardamom, cayenne, paprika, pepper, salt, lemon juice, and oil until mixture is smooth and spreadable.

Step 2: Prep the Lamb

Position the lamb with the fat side facing up in a roasting pan, then evenly coat it with the paste.

Step 3: Slow Roast

Place lamb in a baking dish with water, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 3 hours. Baste with juices a few times while cooking.

Step 4: Crisp It Up

Remove foil, baste again, check tenderness by pulling with forks, then bake uncovered for 30 minutes to brown.

Step 5: Optional BBQ Finish

Allow the lamb to cool for 20 minutes, then shred or cut into chunks. Mix with its juices and grill on a medium BBQ until crispy and golden.

Step 6: Serve

Shred or slice the meat, pour pan juices over it, and serve with soft wraps or couscous.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Slow Cooked Lamb Shawarma, it is important to store any leftovers properly to maintain their flavor and freshness. Once the dish has cooled down to room temperature, transfer the lamb shawarma along with its juices into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the lamb in the oven under foil or on a hot BBQ for the best flavor and texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked lamb shawarma. Place the cooled lamb and juices in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, making sure to remove any excess air. The lamb shawarma can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen lamb overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stovetop or in the oven. Freezing may slightly alter the texture, but the flavors will still be delicious. Remember to label the container with the date before freezing to keep track of freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the lamb cut, if you prefer a leaner option than lamb shoulder, you can substitute boneless lamb leg. While the bone-in shoulder adds richness to the dish, the boneless leg will also work well and provide tender meat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on the cut you choose to ensure the lamb is cooked to perfection.

If you don’t have all the spices listed, you can still achieve a delicious flavor profile by making some substitutions. For example, if you’re missing ground cardamom, you can increase the amount of ground cumin or coriander to add complexity to the spice mix. Similarly, if you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used with a dash of liquid smoke for a similar smoky flavor. Feel free to customize the spice blend based on your preferences and what you have available in your pantry to create a unique twist on this lamb shawarma recipe.

Serving Suggestions

For an impressive dinner party spread, serve the Easy Lamb Shawarma alongside a refreshing lemon herb couscous and a zesty tomato-cucumber salad. Complete the Middle Eastern experience by offering sides like hummus, baba ganoush, and warm flatbreads for guests to create their own flavorful wraps. The combination of the juicy, spiced lamb with the vibrant and herbaceous accompaniments will transport your guests to a culinary journey through the Middle East.

Transform leftover Slow Cooked Lamb Shawarma into exciting next-day meals. Crisp up the lamb pieces and use them to fill quesadillas with crumbled feta, stuff them in pitas with cucumber, tomato, and tzatziki for a quick lunch, or create a Middle Eastern hash by sautéing the lamb with potatoes, bell peppers, and onions, topped with a runny egg. The versatile flavors of the lamb shawarma make it easy to repurpose into delicious dishes that your family will eagerly anticipate all week long.

FAQs for Delicious and Quick Lamb Shawarma Recipe

Can I use lamb leg instead of lamb shoulder for this recipe?

Yes, you can use either butterflied lamb leg or lamb shoulder with the bone in for this lamb shawarma recipe. Both cuts will result in juicy, flavorful meat that falls apart easily after slow-cooking.

Can I make this lamb shawarma ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! This lamb shawarma is perfect for making ahead of time. Cook the lamb fully the day before, pull it into chunks, and store it in its juices in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, let it come to room temperature and either gently warm it in the oven or finish it on a hot BBQ for extra flavor.

How can I modify this recipe for vegetarian guests?

For vegetarian guests, you can skip the meat and add more eggs along with extra veggies. You can also consider using cauliflower rice as a substitute for regular rice to keep all the flavors intact while accommodating different dietary preferences.

What are some recommended side dishes to serve with this lamb shawarma?

Some great side dishes to complement this lamb shawarma include lemon herb couscous, tomato-cucumber salad, hummus, baba ganoush, and warm flatbreads. These sides enhance the Middle Eastern flavors of the dish and allow guests to create their own wraps or plates.

Conclusion

Incorporating the flavors of the Middle East into your kitchen has never been tastier or easier with this Easy Lamb Shawarma recipe. The combination of simple ingredients slow-cooked to perfection creates a dish that will impress your guests without keeping you tied to the stove. The aromatic spices infuse the lamb with rich flavors, making every bite a delight for your taste buds.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cuts of meat or variations to suit your dietary preferences. Whether you’re serving it fresh or repurposing leftovers into exciting new meals, this Easy Lamb Shawarma is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Embrace the convenience and versatility of this dish, and watch as it transforms into a family favorite that will have everyone asking for more.