This vegetable and low-carb beef shawarma is a simple, tasty, and low-carb one-pot meal for your Instant Pot. Its both flavorful and super family-friendly.
The ketogenic diet has soared in popularity over the last few years. This very low-carb, high-fat diet can be an effective way to lose weight, lower blood sugar and more. But with carb counts limited to just 20-50 grams per day, keto dieters have to be choosy about the foods they eat. So is Middle Eastern favorite beef shawarma a smart choice for keto?
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at how beef shawarma stacks up for keto. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn it can fit into a ketogenic meal plan. We’ll also share tips for making it keto-friendly, along with some delicious recipe ideas.
What is Beef Shawarma?
Shawarma refers to thinly sliced meats that are stacked and roasted on a rotisserie or spit. Beef is commonly used, but chicken, lamb, turkey or mixed meats are options too. The roasted meat slices are served in pita bread, wraps, bowls or plates. Traditional to-go street food versions are wrapped up like a burrito in flatbread or pita.
Shawarma is popular fare across the Middle East, especially Lebanon, Turkey, and Israel. It has also become a fast casual favorite in the United States and worldwide The seasoning blend gives the beef a distinctive flavor Spices like cumin, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg and paprika are often used. For marinating, ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, tahini, yogurt and various spices help add big flavor.
How Beef Shawarma Fits into a Keto Diet
At first glance, pita bread or wraps may make shawarma seem off limits for keto. But you can definitely still enjoy the delicious spiced meat itself while avoiding the high-carb sides
Here’s a breakdown of how beef shawarma fits into a ketogenic diet:
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High protein – A 3 ounce serving of beef provides around 22 grams of protein. This helps keto dieters reach their higher protein goals.
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Low carb – Plain beef is zero net carbs. Avoid the pita or rice, and seasonings add minimal carbs.
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High fat – Depending on the cut and fat content, beef provides healthy fats like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA).
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Nutrient dense – In addition to protein, beef offers key nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
When enjoyed plain or combined with low-carb ingredients, beef shawarma is a nutritious keto-approved choice. Be mindful of added sugars in some marinades and dressings.
Tips for Making Beef Shawarma Keto-Friendly
Follow these tips to keep beef shawarma low in carbs for keto
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Skip the pita or flatbread wraps. Use lettuce leaves instead or enjoy it as a bowl.
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Avoid rice-based sides. Opt for cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles or roasted radishes instead.
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Watch out for sugary dressings or high-carb tzatziki sauce. Make your own yogurt sauce using full fat Greek yogurt.
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Load up on fiber-rich salad veggies like cabbage, cucumber, bell peppers and tomatoes.
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Add healthy fats like olive oil, avocado or tahini sauce.
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Use spices like garlic, paprika, cumin and chili powder to add big flavor.
Keto Beef Shawarma Recipes
Here are some delicious keto-friendly recipes to enjoy seasoned, savory beef shawarma flavor:
Keto Beef Shawarma Bowls – Spiced ground beef served over riced cauliflower with broccoli, tomatoes, onion and parsley.
Instant Pot Beef Shawarma – Flank steak cooks quickly in the pressure cooker then is sliced and served with non-starchy veggies.
Beef Shawarma Salad – Marinated steak on a bed of arugula and lettuce topped with cucumber, tomato and creamy tahini dressing.
Keto Beef Shawarma Wraps – Flank steak wrapped in lettuce leaves with tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty white sauce.
Shawarma Stuffed Avocados – Ground beef shawarma served in halved avocados for the perfect keto meal prep lunch.
Enjoy Authentic Flavor on Keto
Part of the fun of keto eating is discovering flavorful cuisines from around the world that you can tailor to fit the diet. With some simple substitutions like skipping the pita and rice, beef shawarma can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your ketogenic meal plan.
Beef offers protein and nutrients important for keto success. And the bold Middle Eastern seasoning blend gives this meat a complexity of flavors that is sure to satisfy. Try one of the keto beef shawarma recipes above to enjoy a taste of authentic street food from the comfort of your low-carb kitchen.
Looking For More Ways To Use My Shawarma Spice Mix? Check These Recipes Out!
- With just a few spices, you can make real Chicken Shwarma in your Instant Pot. Its low carb, high protein, and keto-friendly!.
- You can make these Shawarma Green Beans in your Air Fryer. They are a light and tasty side dish. From start to finish, they’re ready in 15 minutes!
- This Instant Pot Ground Beef Shwarma and Rice is a new take on comfort food made with ground beef, rice, and spices. It’s easy to make in a pressure cooker.
Either you want a low-carb meal or you just want something quick and easy that the whole family will love for dinner, this Low Carb Beef Shawarma recipe is sure to please. Share this recipe on Pinterest or Facebook so that your friends can also enjoy it.
Tips And Tricks For Making This Low Carb Beef Shawarma
- If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make it on the stove: cook the ground beef and onions together until they’re brown. After they are done cooking, add the other vegetables, 1/2 cup of water, and a lid. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft but still crisp.
- You can use store-bought shawarma seasoning, but I really think you should make it yourself. It really changes how the dish tastes.
- You can substitute any ground meat of your choice.
- Almost all of my recipes freeze well, but I wouldn’t want to freeze this one because I think the vegetables will get mushy when I reheat it.
LOW CARB BEEF SHAWARMA | MY LOW CARB RECIPE
FAQ
Can we eat shawarma in keto?
Does shawarma meat have carbs?
How healthy is beef shawarma?
Is beef OK for keto?
Is shawarma low carb?
This Low Carb Beef Shawarma with vegetables is an easy, delicious, low carb one-pot meal for your Instant Pot. It’s both flavorful and super family-friendly. I have this extremely popular Ground Beef Shawarma with rice recipe that’s very family-friendly as well.
Are shawarma bowls Paleo?
An easy Paleo, Whole30 + Keto beef shawarma bowl is uniquely flavored and chock full of delicious and healthy ingredients. You take seasoned beef, spinach, cauliflower rice, cucumbers, red onion, and tomatoes and top it with a creamy, dairy-free tzatziki sauce. 24. Buffalo Chicken Bowls
How to make shawarma sauce?
1. In a bowl, mix the ground beef and shawarma beef spices. 2. In a separate container, combine yogurt and lemon juice. Mix until homogeneous. 3. Combine beef and yogurt mixture. Mix well until combined and sticky. Set aside in the refrigerator while preparing the sauces. 4. For the white garlic sauce, combine all ingredients in a container.
How do you make a shawarma sandwich?
Heat a 12 inch sauté pan on the stove on medium heat. When the pan is hot, add oil. To the hot oil, add the ground beef and break up the clumps. Raise to high heat. Add onions and sauté until the onions are translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add shawarma mix and salt, and stir well. Mix in the shredded cabbage or slaw mix.