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    Home » Recipes » Condiments

    Shawarma Seasoning

    Published: Mar 16, 2022 by Kate Hackworthy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe
    Wooden table and bowl of spices, with text: How to make shawarma spice.
    Spoonful of spice, with text; Shawarma Spice Blend.

    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!

    Spoonful of spice coming out of a bowl of shawarma seasoning.
    Shawarma Seasoning

    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? 
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Step By Step Tutorial
    • Tips 
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Variations
    • Storage 
    • FAQs 
    • More Homemade Spices & Seasonings
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    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.
    A plate with spoonfuls of spices.

    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. 

    Spices in a small bowl.

    Mix the spice blend: Using a whisk, stir the spices together until evenly combined. 

    Bowl of seasoning.

    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

    Wooden table with a bowl of shawarma seasoning.
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    📖 Recipe

    Wooden table with a bowl of shawarma seasoning.

    Shawarma Seasoning

    Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
    This Shawarma Seasoning recipe is the perfect mix of Middle Eastern Spices! Use it on meats, vegetables, grains, or in soups or dressings.
    5 from 10 votes
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    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Condiments
    Cuisine Middle Eastern
    Servings 12
    Calories 14 kcal

    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

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 14kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 63mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 179IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 21mgIron: 1mg

    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.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Toni

      May 16, 2022 at 1:37 pm

      5 stars
      This quickly became a staple at my house! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

      Reply
    2. Tracy

      March 28, 2022 at 12:30 pm

      5 stars
      So delicious!! What a great homemade spice! So so much better than premade and we used it on so many things!

      Reply
    3. Savita

      March 23, 2022 at 3:09 pm

      5 stars
      This was amazing. So much flavor and so easy to prepare. I used it on cauliflower tacos!

      Reply
    4. Beth

      March 20, 2022 at 1:38 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
    5. Gina

      March 16, 2022 at 2:14 pm

      5 stars
      One of my favorite all-around spices. So flavorful and easy to make!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

    Collage of press logos.

    Popular recipes

    • The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl
    • Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
    • Mini Baked Potatoes
    • Easy Lentil Soup

    Easter Recipes

    • Easter Rice Krispie Nests
    • Italian Easter Bread (Pane di Pasqua)
    • Mushroom Wellington
    • Nut Roast

    My cookbook

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    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

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