How to Prepare Shawarma for Sale

If you’re reading this, you might be wondering how to prepare shawarma for sale or perhaps finding it challenging to make this delicious delicacy. Shawarma is a nutritious and flavorful dish that has gained immense popularity, especially in Nigeria. It is one of the most enjoyed street foods, often found at bustling food stalls and restaurants, where people flock to savor its unique taste and aroma.

Shawarma is made by layering marinated meat—typically chicken, beef, or lamb—on a vertical rotisserie. As the meat cooks, it is shaved off and wrapped in flatbread with a variety of toppings and sauces. This delightful combination of flavors makes shawarma a favorite among food lovers, whether enjoyed on the streets or in a restaurant setting.

In this guide, I will show you how to prepare shawarma, how to source the necessary ingredients, and provide tips on selling it. Whether you want to sell shawarma from home, share it with friends at gatherings, or set up a small business, this guide will help you navigate the process. You’ll learn about the key ingredients, preparation techniques, and how to market your delicious shawarma effectively.

Preparing shawarma can be a rewarding experience, as it allows you to bring this beloved dish to your community. With the right skills and passion, you can create a tasty product that resonates with customers, whether they are seeking a quick snack on the go or a satisfying meal to enjoy with friends.

Here are the ingredients you will need to prepare shawarma.

Please note that the prices may vary depending on your location and changes in the market.

1. Lebanese Bread: This is essential for wrapping your shawarma. You can find it in supermarkets, usually priced around ₦1,500. To keep it fresh, store the Lebanese bread in the refrigerator.
2. Meat: You can choose between chicken or beef for your shawarma. Chicken typically costs around ₦4,500 per kilo, while beef is about ₦4,500 per kilo as well. The quantity you purchase will depend on how many servings of shawarma you intend to prepare.
3. Vegetables: Fresh vegetables are crucial for adding flavor and nutrition to your shawarma. You will need ingredients such as cabbage (approximately ₦1,000), carrots (about ₦300), and fresh peppers. You can also use dried peppers if you prefer a bit of spice.
4. Sauces: The most popular sauces in Nigeria for shawarma are garlic sauce and spicy mayonnaise. Ketchup is also a common addition and can be purchased for around ₦1,200. These sauces enhance the flavor of your shawarma and make it more enjoyable.
5. Fresh Tomatoes: You will need fresh tomatoes, which are essential vegetables in the preparation of shawarma.
6. Onions: Onions add flavor to your shawarma and should be included in your ingredient list. You can choose red or white onions based on your preference.
7. Cost: The estimated cost for the vegetables, including cabbage and carrots, can range from ₦1,000 to ₦2,000, depending on the size and type of the vegetables you purchase. Please note that prices may vary depending on your location and changes in the market.

By gathering these ingredients, you’ll be well-equipped to prepare delicious shawarma that your customers will love. Remember that the prices mentioned above might change based on the area and fluctuations in the market in Nigeria.

Items Needed for Preparing Shawarma at Home

Basic Items for Low-Budget Preparation:

1. Basic Cooking Tools: Knife, cutting board, and a frying pan

1. Packaging for Delivery (if selling):

1. Storage Containers

Additional Items for High-Budget Preparation:

1. Electric Grill or Rotisserie Machine: ₦20,000 – ₦50,000
2. Refrigerator

Shawarma Preparation Procedure

1. Prepare the Meat:

• Begin by selecting your meat, either chicken (chicken breast) or beef, and carefully slice it into thin, bread-like strips. The key is to cut the meat into small, uniform slices, similar in thickness to slices of bread. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and absorbs the marinade more effectively, giving your shawarma a rich, flavorful taste.
• Once the meat is sliced, it’s time to marinate. Prepare a marinade using a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, garlic powder, coriander, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Thoroughly coat the meat slices in this marinade, ensuring each piece is well covered. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 2 hours, though for the best results, refrigerate it overnight. This extended marination process allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

1. Grill the Meat:

• When you’re ready to cook, heat a pot, frying pan, or grill over medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill, make sure it’s preheated to ensure even cooking.
• Grill the chicken separately from the beef to avoid mixing flavors. As you place the chicken on the grill, sprinkle a bit of seasoning powder over it. This added layer of seasoning enhances the flavor and gives the chicken a delicious, savory taste.
• Cook the meat until it’s browned and thoroughly cooked through. Stir or rotate the meat regularly to ensure even cooking. The grilling process should take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your slices. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the heat and set it aside. The grilled meat will be the heart of your shawarma, so make sure it’s cooked to perfection.

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• While the meat is cooking, prepare your vegetables. Wash and thoroughly shred the cabbage, carrots, and any other vegetables you plan to include, such as lettuce, cucumber, or bell peppers.
• Using a grater, finely grate the carrots, which will add a nice texture to your shawarma. Slice the onions and tomatoes into thin, even pieces. If you like, you can lightly sauté the onions to bring out their sweetness and reduce their sharpness.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, grated carrots, and sliced onions. Toss the vegetables together until they are evenly mixed. This vegetable mix will add a fresh, crunchy element to your shawarma, balancing the richness of the meat.

1. Prepare the Sauce:

• Next, prepare the sauce that will tie all the flavors together. In a separate bowl, mix 5 tablespoons of mayonnaise with some ketchup, a dash of pepper, and a little water. The water helps to thin out the sauce slightly, making it easier to mix with the vegetables. The exact amount of water will depend on how many shawarmas you plan to make and how creamy you want your filling to be.
• Stir the sauce ingredients together until they form a smooth, creamy mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Add the prepared vegetable mix to the sauce bowl and stir until the vegetables are fully coated. This creamy vegetable mixture will serve as the base layer of your shawarma, providing a delicious contrast to the grilled meat.

1. Assemble the Shawarma:

• To assemble your shawarma, start by warming the Lebanese bread slightly on a pan or grill for about 30 seconds on each side. Warming the bread makes it more pliable, which will help you wrap it around the filling without tearing.
• Spread a generous layer of the creamy vegetable mixture onto the warmed bread. Make sure to cover the bread evenly so that each bite is flavorful.
• On top of the vegetables, add a portion of the grilled chicken, beef, or a combination of both. If you prefer a creamier shawarma, you can mix the grilled meat with the vegetable mixture before placing it on the bread. This step ensures that the flavors are well integrated and that each bite has a balanced mix of ingredients.

1. Wrap the Shawarma:

• Now it’s time to wrap your shawarma. Start by folding the sides of the bread inward, over the filling. Then, roll the bread up tightly from the bottom to the top, enclosing all the ingredients securely inside.
• For those who prefer a soft, warm shawarma, wrap the entire roll in foil. This not only keeps the shawarma warm but also prevents the bread from getting too crunchy. If you’re a fan of a crunchy shawarma, skip the foil and place the wrapped shawarma directly on the grill or pan. Toast it for 1-2 minutes on each side, pressing down gently to flatten it slightly. The toasting process will give the bread a delightful crunch, adding texture to your shawarma.

1. Serve or Package:

• Once your shawarma is wrapped, you can cut it in half if desired, making it easier to eat. Serve immediately while it’s still warm and fresh. If you’re planning to sell or deliver the shawarma, package it in food-safe wrap to keep it intact and preserve its warmth.

Wrapping the shawarma correctly is essential for maintaining the integrity of the ingredients and ensuring that every bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you prefer a soft and tender wrap or a crispy and crunchy one, this method allows you to create a shawarma that’s not only delicious but also satisfying in every way. By following these steps, you’ll be able to prepare shawarma at home that rivals those from your favorite street vendors or restaurants.