Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Beef Shawarma Recipe
When you try this Instant Pot Beef Shawarma recipe, you’ll quickly realize why it’s a favorite in my kitchen. The incredible blend of spices creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills the house, making it impossible not to get excited about dinner.
Plus, the Instant Pot makes everything so easy and quick; I love how I can set it and forget it! The beef turns out incredibly tender, perfect for stuffing into warm pita bread.
It’s versatile, too—whether you like it with fresh veggies or a dollop of hummus, you’ll find it’s a satisfying meal that everyone loves.
Ingredients of Instant Pot Beef Shawarma
When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal, the ingredients can make all the difference. For this Instant Pot Beef Shawarma, you’ll want to gather a colorful mix of spices, fresh veggies, and a few other staples that come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Trust me, once you have everything laid out, you’ll feel like a culinary rockstar ready to impress your friends and family. Plus, the best part is that most of these ingredients are pretty easy to find, and you might even have some of them hanging out in your pantry already!
Here’s what you’ll need to make this mouthwatering shawarma:
- 2 lbs boneless beef chuck roast, cut in half
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 head garlic, cut in half
- 10 pieces pita bread
- 3 plum tomatoes, sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 small cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 bunch flat leaf parsley, chopped
- 1 cup store-bought hummus
- 1/4 cup tahini
Now, let’s talk about a few considerations when it comes to these ingredients. First off, if you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can totally adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
Maybe you just want a hint of heat instead of a full-on fire-breathing dragon situation, right? And when it comes to the veggies, feel free to mix and match! Got some leftover bell peppers or maybe some radishes? Toss them in! Cooking is all about using what you have and making it your own.
Finally, don’t skimp on the hummus and tahini—they’re the creamy dream team that takes these sandwiches over the top. So gather your ingredients, get ready to marinate, and let’s get cooking!
How to Make Instant Pot Beef Shawarma
Alright, let’s plunge into making this incredible Instant Pot Beef Shawarma! First things first, you’ll want to marinate your 2 lbs of boneless beef chuck roast. Grab a large bowl and mix together 2 tablespoons of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne.
Add in 1/4 cup of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar to form a fragrant paste. Now, take that chuck roast and turn it in the marinade a few times until it’s fully coated. You can even throw in a head of garlic, cut in half, because who doesn’t love garlic? Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, but if you can swing it, overnight is even better. The longer, the tastier.
When you’re ready to cook—yes, that’s the most exciting part—just place the marinated chuck roast into your Instant Pot. You’ll want to add about 1 cup of water to help build that lovely steam. Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on Manual for 90 minutes on high pressure.
While that’s happening, you can daydream about the delicious sandwiches you’re about to build. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will make it feel like you’ve been transported to a bustling Middle Eastern market. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for about 10 minutes.
Then, carefully remove the beef and place it on a rimmed baking sheet or in a bowl. Use two forks to shred it up—don’t worry if it gets a little messy; that’s all part of the fun. Mix in about ½ cup of the reserved cooking liquid to keep that beef moist and flavorful.
Now for the fun part—building your sandwiches! Grab some pita bread and slather on a generous amount of store-bought hummus. Top it with your tender, mouthwatering shredded beef, and add a colorful array of garnishes like sliced plum tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and chopped flat leaf parsley.
If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle a bit of tahini on top. There you have it, your very own beef shawarma that’s ready to impress anyone lucky enough to share the meal with you. Just remember, if you spill a little hummus on your shirt, it’s just a sign of a good time!
Instant Pot Beef Shawarma Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your Instant Pot Beef Shawarma, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to explore.
You can swap out the beef chuck for lamb or chicken if you prefer a different protein. For a vegetarian option, try using jackfruit or mushrooms.
Feel free to experiment with spices—adding smoked paprika or coriander can give it a unique twist. Instead of olive oil, you can use avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
Finally, try different toppings like pickled vegetables or spicy sauces for an extra kick. The possibilities are endless!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Beef Shawarma
To enhance the flavor and experience of your Instant Pot Beef Shawarma, consider serving it with a variety of complementary sides and toppings.
I love adding fresh sliced cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy red onions for crunch and brightness. A sprinkle of chopped parsley elevates the dish with freshness.
Don’t forget a generous dollop of hummus and a drizzle of tahini for creaminess. Warm pita bread is perfect for wrapping everything together.
You can even serve it alongside a simple salad, like tabbouleh or a Greek salad, to balance the rich flavors of the beef.
Enjoy every bite!
Additional Tips & Notes
Serving your Instant Pot Beef Shawarma with fresh sides like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions really enhances the meal, but there are a few additional tips to guarantee you get the most out of this delicious dish.
First, let the beef marinate overnight for deeper flavor. When shredding, keep some cooking liquid to maintain juiciness.
If you want extra crispiness, broil the shredded beef for a few minutes after cooking.
Finally, experiment with toppings like pickled turnips or a drizzle of tahini for a unique twist.
Enjoy crafting your perfect shawarma experience with these simple adjustments!