This homemade shawarma spice blend is warm, earthy and incredibly robust. It’s made with a balanced blend of smoky, earthy, peppery & subtly-sweet spices that work together to create a rich and savory flavor profile.
Shawarma Spice Blend
A few things to know about shawarma/shawarma spice:
- Shawarma is a popular, Middle Eastern street food.
- Traditional shawarma is typically made by stacking thin slices of meat marinated in a Middle Eastern spice blend (lamb, mutton, beef or chicken) onto a vertical spit (a big spike) and slow-roasted until ready to serve.
- Shawarma spice refers to the spice blend.
- Before cooking, you need to properly season or marinate your protein with the classic shawarma spices.
- Spice blends will vary depending on who’s making it.
- This is true for many traditional spice blends popular within specific cuisines. Though you will find a big crossover between spices used to make shawarma seasoning, the amounts and exact spices will vary depending on who is making it.
Shawarma Seasoning Spices
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Sumac
- Garlic
- Salt
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Allspice
- Cardamom
- Cayenne
- Black Pepper
Extra Notes on a Few of the Spices:
- Sumac: Sumac is probably the most unique ingredient in this mix. If you enjoy Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cooking then it’s worth keeping a jar of sumac in your spice cabinet. It’s bright, citrusy and acidic flavor is essential to so many different recipes that you’d miss if you went without.
- Paprika: Any type you want: regular paprika (sweet paprika), hot, or smoked paprika.
- Cayenne: Shawarma is spiced, but not spicy. The amount of cayenne here is quite small – enough to add a bit of warmth without being spicy. That being said if you are especially spice-sensitive then just leave it out.
Enjoy!
Let me know if you try this Shawarma spice blend recipe! Leave a comment and review with your thoughts. I always appreciate the feedback and serving suggestions that you come up with!
Recipe
Homemade Shawarma Spice Blend Recipe
Yield:
¾ cup
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Total Time:
5 minutes
This Shawarma spice mix is rich, savory & incredibly aromatic thanks to it's mix of warm, earthy, smokey & subtly sweet spices.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp ground coriander
- 2 tbsp sumac
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp sea salt or kosher salt
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp ground turmeric
- 2 tsp allspice
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp black pepper
Need help converting to weights? Check out my cups to grams Conversion Guide.
Instructions
- Add spices to a small bowl or jar and mix together until evenly combined.
- Transfer to an airtight container if needed or screw the lid on tight. Keep stored out of direct sunlight and store in cool, dark dry place. Spice blends like this shouldn't go bad, but they do lose potency so use within 1 year for best results.
Notes
- Use about 2-3 tbsp per pound of meat if using as a dry rub or in marinades.
- Make Shawarma Paste/Marinade: For every 1 pound of protein combine: 2 tbsp spice mix + 1 tablespoon olive oil + 1 tablespoon yogurt (or lemon juice) + 1 tbsp minced garlic.
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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