If you love bold flavors and crispy fries, shawarma fries might be your new favorite dish. They combine spiced chicken strips with seasoned potatoes and a garlicky, tangy sauce, creating a simple yet flavorful meal. The key ingredients include lemon, olive oil, cumin, paprika, turmeric, allspice, cinnamon, cayenne, garlic, chicken breasts, russet potatoes, hot sauce, and a creamy garlic mayo sauce.
I like to mix spices like cumin, paprika, and a pinch of cinnamon to give the chicken its signature taste. Then, I pair those juicy, seasoned chicken strips with crispy homemade fries and drizzle everything with a bright, garlicky mayo that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
What Are Shawarma Fries?
It is a delicious twist on traditional fries. Instead of just plain seasoned fries, they come topped with flavorful shawarma meat and various toppings.
Typically, the fries are crispy and golden. Then, vendors or home cooks add sliced marinated meat—usually chicken, beef, or lamb—cooked with Middle Eastern spices. The spices include cumin, paprika, garlic, and turmeric, giving the meat a rich, savory taste.
These fries often come with a mix of toppings like:
- Fresh veggies (tomatoes, onions, cucumbers)
- Garlic sauce or tahini
- Pickles
- Herbs such as parsley or cilantro
This dish is a hybrid between loaded fries and a shawarma wrap, blending the best parts of both in one dish.
I enjoy them because they combine crispy, salty fries with juicy, spiced meat and refreshing toppings. They make a filling snack or even a casual meal.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 tsp of cumin
- 1 tsp of paprika
- 1/2 tsp of turmeric
- 1/2 tsp of allspice
- A pinch of cinnamon
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- salt
- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 chicken breasts (approx. 1lb, sliced into 5 – 6 strips)
- 1-1/2 lbs of potatoes (approx. 2 large potatoes)
- Hot harissa sauce
Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 – 2 tsp of lemon juice
- 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
- salt
How to make shawarma fries?
- First, mix lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, spices, and crushed garlic in a big Ziplock bag. Then add the chicken pieces, close the bag, and squish everything together so the chicken gets coated. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours if you have time.
- Next, cut potatoes into fries. If you can, cut them up to 12 hours before cooking and keep them under water in the fridge. Before baking, drain the fries and dry them well with kitchen towels.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Lay foil on a baking sheet, spray it lightly with nonstick spray, then spread the marinated chicken out. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. When done, slice the chicken thin and cover it with foil to keep warm.
- Then, turn the oven up to 425°F (220°C) and prepare another baking sheet the same way. Add the potato fries, drizzle with 2 more tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and toss with your hands. Spread the fries out evenly and bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- For the garlic sauce, blend all the sauce ingredients until smooth. Usually start with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and add more if needed. Making it ahead makes things easier.
Other Popular Variations
Beef Shawarma Fries
They use thin slices of spiced beef, often marinated with spices like allspice, cinnamon, and cloves. The beef usually has a deeper, earthier flavor compared to chicken.
I notice this variation often pairs well with caramelized onions or a tangy yogurt-based sauce. Some versions add fresh tomatoes and cucumber for texture contrast.
The beef’s richness complements the fries, making it a hearty meal. It also suits those who prefer red meat’s taste and slightly firmer texture.
Vegetarian Shawarma Fries
The vegetarian version replaces meat with seasoned vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, or chickpeas. These are spiced with traditional shawarma blends to keep that signature flavor profile.
I like seeing toppings such as roasted garlic sauce, tahini, and fresh herbs combined with pickled vegetables. The result is a colorful and wholesome dish.
This option is great for anyone avoiding meat but still craving the spices and richness of shawarma. It provides a good balance of protein and fiber without sacrificing flavor.
Pairing and Serving Ideas
I like to serve this dish with a variety of dips. Classic choices include garlic sauce, tahini, and spicy harissa. These sauces add a nice contrast to the crispy fries and savory toppings.
A fresh side salad works great for balance. Try a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. It adds a refreshing crunch alongside the rich flavors of the shawarma fries.
For drinks, I often pick light options like sparkling water or a cold lemonade. They help cleanse the palate and don’t overpower the bold spices. If you want something warm, a mint tea complements the Middle Eastern spices well.
I sometimes add pickled vegetables on the side. Their acidity cuts through the richness and brightens each bite.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
One common mistake I see is overloading the fries with too much sauce. It can make the fries soggy and mask the other flavors. I recommend adding sauce gradually and tasting as you go.
Another pitfall is using the wrong fries. Thick or soggy fries won’t give you that crisp texture I love. I stick to thin, crispy fries or shoestring fries to keep the texture right.
Sometimes, people forget to properly season the meat. Shawarma spices should be bold but balanced. I always taste the meat before serving to make sure it’s well-seasoned.
Using cold toppings like lettuce or tomatoes without drying them can water down the dish. I pat them dry first so the fries stay crisp and don’t get soggy.
Lastly, don’t skip resting the meat after cooking. Letting it sit for a few minutes helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and flavorful.
Conclusion
I find shawarma fries a satisfying mix of flavors and textures. The crispy fries pair perfectly with the savory, spiced shawarma meat. It’s a simple dish that balances comfort food with a touch of Middle Eastern flair.
Making it at home is doable and fun. You can customize the toppings, sauce, and seasoning to suit your taste. I like experimenting with different herbs and spices to keep it interesting.
If you want to try this recipe, start with good-quality fries and marinated meat. Don’t forget sauces like garlic sauce, tahini, or spicy chili for extra flavor.
For me, shawarma fries bring a new twist to classic fries. They’re a dish I enjoy sharing with friends or grabbing as a casual snack. If you like bold flavors and crispy textures, give this recipe a try!
As mentioned above, garlic sauce is a great dip for this dish.
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