Can I use Ground Beef instead of Ground Turkey?

I think ground beef could be substituted if you want, since beef has a much stronger flavor than ground turkey, you may need to add a bit more shawarma seasoning. Use a lean ground beef, 7% would be ideal, otherwise be sure to drain the excess fat before adding your spice mix.

How long does the shawarma spice seasoning last in my pantry?

Typically ground spices are best within 6-8 months, that being said, I know I've had some longer than that and have had zero issues. They may lose a bit of potency. This recipe yield about 3/4 cup which will give you enough for 1-2 more times cooking.

Can I adjust the spices?

Of course, if you really aren't a fan of a particular spice, omit it and add a little more of another one if you'd like. Same goes for if you don't have a spice on hand. The idea is a blend of very aromatic sweet and savory spices. But feel free to adapt and make it your own.

Could this be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cook your ground turkey ahead of time and reheat when ready to serve with your toppings. This meal would be great for entertaining a lot of guests, think of it as a taco bar where everyone makes their own.

Can this be made vegetarian?

Simple answer is yes - I would recommend using my Lebanese cauliflower bites recipe (arnabeet) and use shawarma seasoning to roast. This would be a fantastic option to offer to a vegetarian.

10 Minute Ground Turkey Shawarma Lettuce Wraps

Name: 10 Minute Ground Turkey Shawarma Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 2 Tbsp kosher salt; 2 Tbsp cumin; 2 tsp paprika; 2 tsp coriander; 2 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp cinnamon; 2 tsp ginger; 2 tsp allspice; 1 tsp cardamom; 1 tsp ground turmeric; 2 pounds ground turkey - 7-15% fat; 1 large onion, diced; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 4 Tablespoons of prepared shawarma seasoning, divided; Pita bread; Romaine or butter lettuce for wraps; Pickled turnips (lifit); Hummus or taratore sauce; Tomatoes; Sumac onions ** sumac needed; Scallions; Fresh mint; Parsley; Feta cheese; Lemon

Description

No slice, cutting or oven used to make these 10 Minute Ground Turkey Shawarma Lettuce Wraps. A cross between a salad and taco with warm shawarma flavor from our own homemade shawarma seasoning. Perfect for a sunny summer day.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Shawarma Seasoning

2 Tbsp kosher salt
2 Tbsp cumin
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp coriander
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp ginger
2 tsp allspice
1 tsp cardamom
1 tsp ground turmeric

Turkey Shawarma

2 pounds ground turkey - 7-15% fat
1 large onion, diced
2 Tablespoons olive oil
4 Tablespoons of prepared shawarma seasoning, divided

Optional Toppings

Pita bread
Romaine or butter lettuce for wraps
Pickled turnips (lifit)
Hummus or taratore sauce
Tomatoes
Sumac onions ** sumac needed
Scallions
Fresh mint
Parsley
Feta cheese
Lemon

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Instructions

Shawarma Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine your seasoning ingredients and whisk until combined. This will make more than we need for this recipe but I like to make a bit extra to use for another day. Store in sealed jar in a dark cool place, be sure to label.
- 2 Tbsp kosher salt
- 2 Tbsp cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp coriander
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp ginger
- 2 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp cardamom
- 1 tsp ground turmeric

Turkey Shawarma

Dice your onion and set aside.
Heat a large skillet, 12-14" is ideal to medium-high heat.
Add your olive oil, once hot and glistening, add your ground turkey and diced onions. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, mix to ensure even cooking. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
Next, 3 Tablespoons of your shawarma seasoning and continue cooking for another 5-8 minutes until the turkey is fully cooked through.
- 3 Tablespoons of prepared shawarma seasoning
Remove from heat and add your final tablespoon of shawarma spice.
- 1 Tablespoon of prepared shawarma seasoning
Begin assembling your lettuce wraps:
- Smear a bit of hummus on your romaine lettuce
- Add your shawarma turkey
- Then add your toppings to your specifications, Enjoy!

Notes

If using prepared shawarma seasoning, taste after the initial 3 Tablespoons for flavor, it's hard to know how much exactly to use when it's a different mix. Adjust accordingly.
Mix and match and use whatever toppings you'd like - you can also swap the avenue of enjoying: lettuce, pita, tortillas, taco shells, rice or simply a salad.
If making the sumac onions you'll need an additional large onion and 2 Tablespoons of sumac.
- Simply slice one large onion then add 2 Tablespoons of sumac spice to the onions in a bowl.
- Using clean hands, really work and massage the onions and sumac spice together. Releasing the juice from the onions. You want to massage and work until the onions appear soft and wilted, almost as though they have been slightly cooked.
- The onions won't be as potent as raw onions, allowing the moisture to release also gives them a more subtle, sweeter flavor combined with the sumac.
- Once you have gotten them to this point, enjoy on sandwiches, these lettuce wraps, tacos or whatever you have on hand! Store in the fridge in a sealed container for a week.