Nigerian Shawarma is a delicious and flavorful street food that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many who have indulged in it. The ingredients and techniques used in making the Nigerian shawarma result in its unique blend of spices and a perfect balance of textures.
Shawarma was introduced to Nigeria with the influx of Lebanese expatriates into Nigeria. Over time, Nigerians have refined the regular shawarma with Nigerian herbs & spices, additional ingredients, and cooking techniques, making a visibly similar but distinctively tasting treat.
Nigerian Shawarma is one of our in-house favorites. Following this recipe helps you to create your own mouthwatering Nigerian Shawarma, indulging in the joy of crafting this iconic wrap in your own kitchen.
Utensils And Appliances Needed For Making Nigerian Shawarma:
Bowls
Kitchen Scissors
Knife
Chopping Board
Foil Wrap or Parchment Paper
Grill Pan
Frying Pan or Oven Tray
Panini Press
Ingredients For Making Nigerian Shawarma:
Nigerian Beef or Chicken Marinade:
500g boneless beef or chicken (Thinly sliced)
3 tablespoons plain yogurt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground garlic
1 teaspoon thyme
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Bouillon powder (To taste)
Salt and Cayenne pepper (To taste)
Nigerian Shawarma Cream:
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon mustard
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and Cayenne pepper (To taste)
Other Ingredients For Nigerian Shawarma:
Pita bread or flatbread
Shredded cabbage
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced cucumbers
Thinly Sliced onions
Instructions For Making Nigerian Shawarma:
Gather all ingredients and utensils for your convenience.
In a bowl, mix the yogurt, vegetable oil, ground ginger, ground garlic, thyme, curry powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade. Add the thinly sliced beef or chicken to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium to high heat. Grill the marinated beef or chicken slices until fully cooked and slightly charred on the edges. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes for chicken and 8 to 10 minutes for beef.
Now, on to the Nigerian Shawarma cream. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences. This cream should have a mildly tangy and slightly spicy flavor.
Warm the pita bread or flatbread in the oven or on the stovetop. Once your choice of pita or bread is warm, spread a generous layer of the Shawarma cream on the warmed bread. Arrange the grilled beef or chicken slices on the sauce. Add the shredded cabbage, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and thinly sliced onions to the beef or chicken on the warmed pita or flatbread. Drizzle with additional Shawarma cream.
Fold in the edges of the pita or flatbread at opposite ends and carefully roll the assembled Shawarma, creating a secure wrap or sandwich. For the most accurate-looking Nigerian Shawarma, gently place the securely folded wrap in the panini press for added crunch and the appearance of thin lines.
Secure the delicious Nigerian Shawarma wrap with foil wrap or parchment paper to hold it together. We prefer parchment paper. Using foil wrap to hold the Nigerian Shawarma together seals in moisture and softens the pita or flatbread. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite.
Bringing the delicious street food experience of Nigerian Shawarma into your home is one that is sure to have you craving for more. With the perfect blend of spices, succulent grilled beef or chicken, a mildly zesty cream, and crunchy fresh vegetables, all wrapped into warm flatbread, your homemade Nigerian Shawarma is sure to transport you to the bustling streets of Nigeria.
To watch making delicious and satisfying meals, click the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/@phoenixwrapsandbowls
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