Shawarma Shredded Beef

Shawarma Shredded Beef

INGREDIENTS

  • 2–3 lb chuck roast
  • 1 fresh tomato, cubed
  • ½ onion, shallot, or green onion, thinly sliced
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 2 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp each black pepper and white pepper
  • 2 tsp ground allspice
  • ¼ tsp ground cardamom
  • ½ cup red wine vinegar
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Optional: 1–2 whole cardamom pods
  • ½–1 cup beef broth or water (for braising)

MARINADE

  1. Pat the chuck roast dry and pierce it a few times with a knife to help the flavors penetrate.
  2. Whisk together the tomato, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, white pepper, allspice, cardamom, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and optional whole cardamom pods.
  3. Pour the marinade over the roast in a large zip-top bag or covered bowl, making sure it’s well coated. Marinate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight (up to 24 hours).

PREP

  • Remove the roast from the marinade, reserving the marinade.
  • Heat a Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the roast on all sides until deeply browned, about 3–4 minutes per side.
  • Add the reserved marinade around the roast along with ½–1 cup beef broth or water. Cover with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Transfer to a 325°F (163°C) oven and cook for 3½–4½ hours, or until the chuck roast is fork-tender and easily shreds.
  • Remove the roast and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the braising liquid and toss until coated in the flavorful juices.

SERVE

  • Serve the shredded beef with garlic toum, Lebanese pickles, pickled turnips, fresh cilantro, warm pita, and/or Lebanese rice. It’s also delicious stuffed into pita sandwiches or spooned over fries.
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