The Difference between Shawarma and Kebab (2/2)

As you learn more about kebab and its varieties, doner kebab, in particular, a question arises – what makes these two popular dishes different?

Meat Varieties

In the beginning, lamb or mutton was used to make shawarma. Nowadays, however, as the popularity of the dish has expanded, shawarma is made with many other meat varieties, including beef, chicken, veal, and turkey. Despite the type of meat being used, lamb fat may be added in between the layers to make shawarma meat juicier and more flavourful. Lamb fat can also be added to the ground meat for kebabs for lightness and added depth of flavour. For kebabs, the traditional meat varieties are also mutton or lamb. But as many countries have developed their kebab varieties, the dish is now made with different meat types. You may come across different kebab recipes that use beef, chicken, goat, pork, and even fish and shrimp.

Meat Preparations

When it comes to the preparation of the meat, shawarma has only one way of doing it. Layers of thin meat are marinated and seasoned beforehand. These layers are then put on the rod that will be spinning and evenly cooking them from the outside. As it is difficult to come up with evenly shaped layers of meat, people assembling the shawarma meat cone should do it in a balanced way. This ensures that the meat is cooked evenly from all sides of the cone. The layers of shawarma are typically assembled to form an inverted cone. However, an even barrel-like shape also works. For kebabs, there are multiple ways of preparing the meat depending on the specific variety being cooked. For doner kebab, the preparations are largely similar to those of shawarma. The meat for shish kebabs is cut into even pieces. Depending on the size of the skewer being used, the size of the meat cubes varies. The meat for kebabs may also be ground. Similar to shawarma, kebab meat may be marinated or seasoned beforehand.

Cooking Methods

There is one cooking method for traditional shawarma. Meat layers stacked on a rotisserie are slowly grilled while the rod rotates. Once the outer layer is nicely cooked, it is shaved off to prepare shawarma sandwiches. As for the cooking methods of kebabs, there is quite a variety. Kebab on metal skewers may be cooked over a fire. Kebab may also be cooked in the oven or fried in a pan. The latter is suitable for kebab varieties where the meat is cooked without skewers in the form of a patty. Tas kebab, another variety of this dish, is cooked as a stew. It is made with veal or mutton.

Serving

There are multiple ways of serving shawarma. The meat may be served on a large plate along with condiments, vegetables, and bread accompanying it. However, shawarma is a street-food and many people prefer it to be convenient for eating on the go. Thus, sizzling shaved meat may also be served as a sandwich in pita bread. The most popular way of serving shawarma is wrapping the meat in flatbread. Kebabs are generally served on a plate, especially when the meat is cooked on small bamboo skewers. Kebabs may also be wrapped in different kinds of bread and be served as a sandwich or as a wrap.

Toppings and Garnishes

You will never eat plain shawarma or plain kebab, without any garnishes and condiments. Shawarma, whether it is on a plate or served as a wrap, often comes with such fresh vegetables as tomatoes and cucumbers, pickled vegetables, lettuce, etc. A popular sauce served with shawarma in Middle East countries is tahini. Kebab is served with fresh vegetables, such as shredded cabbage and diced tomatoes. Condiments accompanying kebab are tzatziki sauce, yogurt with spices, mint and herbs chutney, etc. French fries and onions are common ingredients accompanying the meat in both dishes. In fast-food restaurants around the world ketchup and mayonnaise are two of the most basic common toppings used in shawarma and kebab wraps. When it comes to kebab, there is one place that matters in Auburn. Sahan Mezopotamian Street Food is the place where you can get a wide range of kebabs. From Adana Kebab, Shish Kebab, to Iskender Kebab. We also serve mixed plate of kebab for those who want to have a special meal. Order our kebab ASAP! Source: Foods Guy