Beef Shawarma Sweet Rolls

Category Main Dish / Street Food
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes

Intro

Shawarma is a beloved street food across the Middle East, known for its tender meat, warm spices, and bold toppings. This version brings a fun, indulgent twist by transforming traditional beef shawarma into layered sweet rolls—think pull-apart bun sliders stacked with juicy beef, garlicky tahini yogurt sauce, crispy fries, and melted cheese. It’s everything you crave in a late-night bite, but easy enough to prepare any day of the week. Whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself, this is the kind of comfort food that delivers satisfaction in every bite. The addition of Aleppo pepper adds a mild heat and rich depth, and the sweet rolls hold it all together with a soft, slightly sweet base that contrasts beautifully with the savory filling.

Ingredients

For the Shawarma Beef:

500g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
1 large yellow onion, sliced into half moons
1 tbsp shawarma spice blend (see note)
1 tsp Aleppo pepper (optional, but recommended)
1–2 tbsp olive oil

Garlicky Tahini Yogurt Sauce:

1 cup Greek yogurt
2–3 roasted garlic cloves
1 tbsp tahini
Salt to taste

Additional Ingredients:

1 pack of sweet slider buns or milk rolls
1 cup crispy French fries (homemade or frozen)
8 slices cheese (cheddar and provolone blend recommended)

Instructions

Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, roasted garlic (mashed), tahini, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Set aside or chill until needed.
Cook the Shawarma Beef:
Heat a large pan with olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef for 2 minutes until it begins to brown. Add the onions and cook another 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add shawarma spice and Aleppo pepper and cook for 2 more minutes. Set aside.
Assemble the Sweet Rolls:
Preheat oven to 370°F (190°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Slice the rolls horizontally as one piece (like a sandwich), removing the top layer.
Layer the bottom half with cooked beef, followed by the yogurt tahini sauce, crispy fries, and slices of cheese. Place the top half of the buns back on and press gently.
For softer buns, wrap loosely in foil before baking.
Bake:
Bake for 5–7 minutes until cheese is melted and buns are warmed through. Remove, slice along the bun lines, and serve hot.

Notes

Serving Suggestion:

Serve with pickled turnips, crunchy cucumbers, and a side of extra tahini sauce or garlic dip. These sweet rolls are great for sharing perfect as a party platter or even a fun weeknight dinner.

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