Authentic Lebanese Shawarma with Pickled Vegetables and Sumac Yogurt Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender marinated lamb grilled to perfection, served with a tangy sumac yogurt sauce and crisp pickled vegetables. This lebanese-inspired mediterranean (gluten-free) ready in about 55 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes lamb shoulder, sumac, minced garlic into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Lebanese cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 lbs lamb shoulder cubes with 1 tbsp sumac, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Marinate for 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the lamb in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Prepare pickled vegetables: submerge 1 cup julienned carrots, 1 cup julienned cucumber, and 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion in 2 cups pickling brine. Let sit for 30 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Make yogurt sauce: mix 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1 tbsp sumac and 1/2 tsp salt. Serve lamb with pickled vegetables and yogurt sauce on warm pita bread or over couscous.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Authentic Lebanese Shawarma with Pickled Vegetables and Sumac Yogurt Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Authentic Lebanese Shawarma with Pickled Vegetables and Sumac Yogurt Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Lebanese Shawarma with Pickled Vegetables and Sumac Yogurt Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Authentic Lebanese Shawarma with Pickled Vegetables and Sumac Yogurt Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Authentic Lebanese Shawarma with Pickled Vegetables and Sumac Yogurt Sauce gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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