Shishbarak Recipe- Authentic Syrian Dumplings in Garlic Yogurt Sauce | CookPick

Syrian recipe Shishbarak Meat dumplings Yogurt sauce Comfort food

Shishbarak – The Syrian Meat Dumplings That Swim in Garlicky Yogurt

📅 June 21, 2026 | 🍽️ Syrian | ⏱️ 2 hours | ★★★★★

Shishbarak is what happens when little pockets of spiced meat meet a velvety, garlicky yogurt sauce. It's the Syrian dumpling dish that takes time, love, and a little bit of patience – but every bite is worth it.

This is the dish Syrian grandmothers make on cold weekends. The dough is soft, the filling is aromatic, and the yogurt sauce is tangy and rich. Served with vermicelli rice and toasted pine nuts, it's a meal that feeds the soul.

💡 The Syrian secret: Bake the dumplings before adding them to the yogurt. This keeps them firm and prevents them from falling apart in the sauce. And never skip the garlic-coriander sizzle on top – that's where the magic lives.

🌿 What You Need

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup lukewarm water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Filling:

• 250g ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ tsp seven spices
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch of nutmeg

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 kg plain yogurt (full-fat)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ½ cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
• 1 tbsp ghee or butter
• Toasted pine nuts for garnish

👩‍🍳 How to Make Syrian Shishbarak

1. Make the dough – Combine flour, salt, and oil in a bowl. Gradually add lukewarm water and knead until you get a soft, smooth dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
2. Make the filling – Sauté the onion in olive oil until soft. Add the ground meat, salt, pepper, and spices. Cook until browned. Set aside to cool.
3. Shape the dumplings – Roll the dough out thin and cut into small circles (about 5cm/2 inches wide). Place a small amount of filling in the center of each circle. Fold into a half-moon and seal the edges. Then bring the two corners together and pinch to form a little "hat" or "ear" shape.
4. Bake the dumplings – Place the shaped dumplings on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with a little oil and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 10-15 minutes until they are firm and lightly golden.
5. Prepare the yogurt sauce – In a large pot, dissolve cornstarch in water. Add the yogurt, salt, and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce comes to a gentle boil.
6. Cook the dumplings – Gently add the baked dumplings to the yogurt sauce. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-45 minutes, until the dumplings are tender and have absorbed the flavors.
7. Make the sizzle – In a small pan, heat ghee and sauté the minced garlic with fresh coriander until fragrant. Pour this over the shishbarak just before serving.
8. Serve – Garnish with toasted pine nuts and serve hot with vermicelli rice.

💡 The golden rule: Stir the yogurt constantly while heating – if it boils too fast, it will curdle. And don't skip the baking step – it keeps the dumplings from falling apart in the sauce.

Why This Shishbarak Recipe Wins

• 🥟 Soft, pillowy dumplings – the dough is light and tender
• 🍖 Spiced meat filling – warm, aromatic, and hearty
• 🧄 Garlicky yogurt sauce – tangy, creamy, and addictive
• 🇸🇾 Authentically Syrian – straight from the Levantine kitchen
• 👪 Feeds a crowd – perfect for family gatherings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is shishbarak?
Shishbarak is a Syrian dish of small meat-filled dumplings cooked in a garlicky yogurt sauce. It's similar to ravioli or tortellini, but with a distinct Middle Eastern flavor.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes! You can shape and bake the dumplings ahead of time and freeze them. When you're ready to cook, add them directly to the yogurt sauce.

What if I don't have seven spices?
You can use a mix of allspice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The goal is a warm, aromatic flavor.

What goes with shishbarak?
It's traditionally served with vermicelli rice and a side of fresh salad or pickles.

🍽️ You Might Also Like These Syrian Classics

• Syrian Chicken Fatteh – Toasted Bread & Yogurt
• Kibbeh Labanieh – Creamy Yogurt Kibbeh
• Grilled Kibbeh – Syrian Street Food

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This shishbarak recipe is the kind of food that makes you feel like you're sitting in a Syrian kitchen. Make it for your family. Watch everyone go quiet. That's the sound of good food.

Sahtain 💚

Made with flour, meat, and a little bit of Syria.

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Keywords: shishbarak, Syrian shishbarak, meat dumplings, yogurt sauce, Syrian comfort food, Levantine recipe, shish barak, Middle Eastern dumplings, Syrian main course.