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    Home » Condiments and Sauces » Shawarma Seasoning Recipe

    Published: Aug 19, 2021 · Modified: Nov 7, 2022 by Ajoke · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Shawarma Seasoning Recipe

    Skip to Recipe - Print 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.

    a platter of flavourful sliced chicken thighs and chopped vegetables with a small pot of yogurt tahini sauce on the side.
    Chicken shawarma platter

    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

    Spicy falafel wrap

    hummus

    More DIY spices recipes

    Peri-peri seasoning

    Homemade fish seasoning

    Homemade taco seasoning

    Herbs de Provence

    Chicken shawarma wrap

    If you made this homemade shawarma seasoning recipe, don’t forget to leave me feedback and rate it 5 stars. Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagram and save away to your Pinterest. Please subscribe to the blog if you haven’t for free new recipes to your inbox

    shawarma spice blend in a bowl.

    Homemade Shawarma Seasoning

    Ajoke
    Learn how to make your own shawarma seasoning at home in simple steps 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
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Course Homemade Spices
    Cuisine Lebanese
    Servings 6 tablespoons
    Calories 16 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tablespoon green cardamon powder
    • 1 tablespoon cumin powder
    • ½ tablespoon smoked paprika
    • 2 teaspoon allspice
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 2 teaspoon coriander powder
    • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • ½ tablespoon ground cloves
    • 1 teaspoon 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

    How to use shawarma seasoning
    This spice blend is great on chicken, beef, lamb, veggies and legumes such as chickpeas. To every pound (1kg) of protein, add about 1 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.
    Tips
    • 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

    Calories: 16kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 446IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mg

    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.

    Keyword lebanese seasoning, shawarma seasoning
    Tried this recipe?Mention @thedinnerbite or tag #thedinnerbite!
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    102 shares

    Filed Under: Condiments and Sauces

    About Ajoke

    Hello, Nice to meet you! Welcome and thanks for visiting my food blog "The Dinner Bite". Feel free to browse through, you are guaranteed nothing here but a yummy experience

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    Comments

    1. Paul says

      March 07, 2023 at 2:22 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Ajoke says

        March 07, 2023 at 11:22 am

        Hello Paul, thank you so much for your kind feedback, I am glad you love my seasoning recipes.

        Reply

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