This Shawarma Seasoning recipe is the perfect mix of Middle Eastern Spices! Use it on meats, vegetables, grains, or in soups or dressings for a taste of classic Middle Eastern street food. With its rich bold flavor, you're going to want to use it on everything!
If you're looking for a unique way to spice up your food, you must make this homemade Shawarma seasoning.
This blend combines smoky notes along with spice from ginger and pepper that is leveled off with warming flavors from cinnamon and nutmeg.
The classic Middle Eastern street food spice is made up of bold flavors including cumin, coriander, garlic, turmeric, cardamom and more.
Try it on kabobs, roasted veggies, or on Halloumi Kabobs.
Jump to:
What is Shawarma?
Shawarma is a popular middle eastern street food that has gained popularity internationally. It consists of thinly sliced meat placed on a spit in a cone shape where it is slowly roasted and shaved for sandwiches and wraps.
The meat is often flavored with a special blend of seasonings that combines different levels of flavor which helps compliment the protein.
You can easily make this spice blend at home with simple spice ingredients!
As a veggie, I love making my own spices so I can add lots of flavor to tofu and vegetables. This shawarma seasoning is my go-to for a burst of great taste.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You can customize this shawarma spice blend by adding more or less of your favorite spices.
- It lasts up to 1 year in a sealed container.
- Makes a perfect gift for any food lover in your life.
- It pairs well with vegetables, meats, tofu and makes a great dressing or marinade flavor base.
- An easy way to add delicious Middle Eastern flavor to dishes.
Ingredients
This unique blend of spices is made up of basic kitchen spices you can find anywhere. The combination of everything together makes a powerful flavor combination for Shawarma Spice Blend. For this recipe you'll need the following ground spices:
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Garlic Powder
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Cardamom
- Allspice
- Cloves
- Black Pepper
- Paprika
Step By Step Tutorial
Measure out your spices: Using measuring spoons, measure out each spice according to the recipe and add them to a small bowl.
Mix the spice blend: Using a whisk, stir the spices together until evenly combined.
Package it up: Using a kitchen funnel, add the spice blend to sanitized jars or sealed containers. Store in the pantry for up to 1 year.
Tips
When choosing spices to make this shawarma seasoning blend, make sure they are fresh and not expired as they will be blending with other spices with varying potency.
Always sanitize your jars and containers and dry completely before adding any spice mixture, especially if you are using it as a gift.
Double or triple this recipe to make a large batch.
When using this spice blend to season protein, use 1 tablespoon per pound of meat as a start.
Serving Suggestions
Use it as a dry rub for grilling meats, tofu etc... like these tempeh kabobs or vegan kabobs.
Add to some oil and brush over proteins for a quick marinade.
Shawarma spice is great to add flavor to rice, quinoa, cous cous or other grains.
Add to simmering lentils for a quick and easy side dish.
Stir into oil and toss with veggies before roasting.
Variations
For a delightful smoky flavor, replace the paprika with smoked paprika.
Give this seasoning a kick of heat by adding some cayenne pepper or red chili flake.
This spice blend pairs well with a tablespoon or two of granulated sugar or brown sugar to soften all the flavors.
Add a pinch of cinnamon for additional warming flavor.
If you can find it in the shops, add some dried sumac for a tangy lemony taste.
Storage
Storing: Store shawarma seasoning in an airtight container or jar with a lid for up to 1 year.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the strong flavors may seep into the contents of the freezer.
FAQs
Can you buy Shawarma seasoning?
You can purchase this seasoning at specialty international grocery stores, but homemade is best!
What does Shawarma taste like?
The interesting combination of flavors gives any food a tangy and warm taste with a bit of spice.
Where does Shawarma come from?
Although shawarma is popular internationally, it originated in Lebanon.
More Homemade Spices & Seasonings
I hope you love this shawarma seasoning as much as we do. Be sure to try these other savory seasoning blends to add a punch of flavor to your next meal.
Baharat Spice Blend
Ranch Seasoning
Dill Seasoning
Everything Bagel Seasoning
Vegan Chicken Broth Seasoning
Old Bay Seasoning
Sign up for our free newsletter and never miss a recipe!
Plus, you'll get a free eBook: 15 Minute Vegan Dinners!
📖 Recipe
Shawarma Seasoning
Equipment
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons ground coriander
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Measure out all of the spice ingredients.
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl thoroughly.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Toni says
This quickly became a staple at my house! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Tracy says
So delicious!! What a great homemade spice! So so much better than premade and we used it on so many things!
Savita says
This was amazing. So much flavor and so easy to prepare. I used it on cauliflower tacos!
Beth says
I would give this 10 stars if I could. I love shawarma, but I never knew what it was seasoned with. I can't wait to make this and give it a try.
Gina says
One of my favorite all-around spices. So flavorful and easy to make!