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Shawarma is a beloved street food that has roots in the Middle East, particularly in countries like Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria. This dish is made by stacking marinated meat—typically lamb, chicken, or beef—on a vertical rotisserie and cooking it slowly to achieve a juicy, tender texture. As the meat cooks, it is shaved off in thin slices, usually served in pita bread or on a plate with various accompaniments such as vegetables, sauces, and pickles.
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Homemade Sloppy Joes; Shawarma Seasoned

Discover a delightful twist on a classic favorite with Shawarma-Spiced Sloppy Joes! This innovative recipe combines the comforting goodness of traditional sloppy joes with the vibrant spices of Middle Eastern shawarma. Perfect for impressing guests or spicing up weeknight dinners, this dish delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures that everyone will love. Try it for a fun and flavorful meal! #SloppyJoes #Shawarma #DinnerIdeas #FusionCuisine #SpiceItUp #Foodie

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)

1 medium onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)

1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)

4 burger buns (preferably brioche or pita bread)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion (for serving)

Instructions

Cook the Meat: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

    Brown the Meat: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary.

      Season the Mixture: Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Mix well. Add the cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to evenly coat the meat.

        Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning if needed.

          Prepare the Buns: While the meat cooks, lightly toast the burger buns (if using) on a skillet or in the toaster.

            Assemble and Serve: Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the toasted buns. Top with fresh cilantro and any additional toppings, such as sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Serve with pickles or chips on the side for a complete meal.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings.