Shawarma Seasoning Recipe
Learn how to make your own shawarma seasoning at home in simple steps with this recipe using a handful of pantry staple spices. This classic Middle Eastern spice blend is great with chicken, beef, lamb and veggies.
My version of this homemade spice blend is flavourful and delicious. Let me show you how to make your own and how to use it with my step by step guide.
Why this shawarma seasoning is so good
Without sounding too cliché, here is why you’ll be making your own shawarma spice blend at home. Just like every other homemade spice out there, everyone makes it differently and according to their taste or what inspired the recipe.
This shawarma spice blend has been carefully selected to mimic the best middle eastern flavours I have tasted and loved. Long story short, this is the best homemade shawarma seasoning.
- The most obvious reason: quick and easy, 5 mins tops and your done.
- It is MSG and salt-free: you do not need a flavour enhancer when making your spice blend at home. It is absolutely unnecessary and you can adjust the salt level to your taste. that said, there is no salt in today’s spice blend as you have the option to add the salt just before you marinate your proteins or veggies.
- No preservatives are used in making this recipe, it is important to check the labels of the ingredients you will use for the seasoning. Make sure the spices are preservatives free and buy organic whenever you can.
- You can make a big batch and store it for up to 6 months or longer
- It is suitable for vegans and vegetarians
What does this spice blend taste like
The shawarma spice is fragrant, savoury, earthy, and flavourful but delicious. It is of Lebanese origin (Levantine)and should not be mistaken for the spices used in Gyro (which is Turkish).
Related recipe: homemade Lebanese 7 spice mix.
What is shawarma seasoning made of
here is the list of ingredients in my homemade spice blend
Green cardamom powder
Cumin powder
Smoked paprika
Allspice: also known as pimento or Jamaican pepper
Cinnamon
Coriander powder
Cayenne pepper
Ground cloves
Black pepper: I prefer to use finely ground black pepper for this recipe. you can use any if you have.
How to make shawarma seasoning at home
measure out the ingredients correctly, add to a dry bowl and mix to combine. Transfer the mixture to a dry airtight container. Label and store in the cupboard/spice rack and away from direct sunlight for up to 6 months or longer.
How to use shawarma seasoning
This spice blend is great on chicken, beef, lamb, veggies and legumes such as chickpeas. To every pound of protein, add about 1 ½ tablespoon of shawarma seasoning, olive oil and lemon juice to make the marinade. For best flavours, marinate from 2 to 24 hours.
Flavour your dipping sauce: add about a teaspoon to yoghurt and tahini and some lemon to make the best yoghurt-tahini dipping sauce.
Check my homemade shawarma chicken recipe using this homemade spice mix.
Tips
- Double or triple this recipe if making a big batch
- Make sure to use ingredients with long shelf lives.
- Don’t be tempted to add too much cinnamon powder other than specified to the spice blend as this would overpower the spice. The cinnamon should complement the overall flavour of the spice and not overpower it. You can always add more if need be.
- If using whole spices, you can toast it for a few minutes on low heat to release the aroma which will enhance the overall flavour of the shawarma spice blend.
Watch how to make it
More Middle Eastern flavours you will love
More DIY spices recipes
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Homemade Shawarma Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp green cardamon powder
- 1 tbsp cumin powder
- ½ tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ tbsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp finely ground black pepper
Instructions
- Measure out the ingredients correctly, add to a dry bowl and mix to combine. Transfer the mixture to a dry airtight container. Label and store in the cupboard/spice rack and away from direct sunlight for up to 6 months or longer.
Notes
- Double or triple this recipe is making a big batch Make sure to use ingredients with long shelf lives.
- Don’t be tempted to add too much cinnamon powder other than specified to the spice blend as this would overpower the spice. The cinnamon should complement the overall flavour of the spice and not overpower it. You can always add more if need be.
- If using whole spices, you can toast it for a few minutes on low heat to release the aroma which will enhance the overall flavour of the shawarma spice blend.
Nutrition
Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.
I made this a couple of evenings ago and used it to make your chicken shawarma recipe which was absolutely delicious.
Have been to my local “Indian/Middle Eastern” shop today to buy more spices and herbs so I can make some of your other seasonings.
I’m looking forward to your fish seasoning with some Mackerel.
Thank you for your recipes
Paul.
Hello Paul, thank you so much for your kind feedback, I am glad you love my seasoning recipes.