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Easy Homemade Shawarma Spice Blend

Byrecipesbyabbie
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A flavorful Middle Eastern seasoning you will want to keep on hand

If you have ever tasted real shawarma, you know how unforgettable that deep, spiced flavor is. It is bold, warm, and packed with personality. The secret behind it is not just the meat or the method of cooking. It is the seasoning. This homemade shawarma spice blend is simple to make, incredibly aromatic, and far better than anything you will find in a jar from the store.

A variety of whole and ground shawarma spices in a clear glass bowl

In just a few minutes, you can prepare a jar of seasoning that transforms your meals. Whether you want to flavor chicken, beef, roasted vegetables, rice, or even popcorn, this blend will bring the taste of the Middle East into your kitchen.

What is Shawarma Seasoning?

Shawarma is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made by roasting marinated meat on a vertical spit. As the meat cooks, it is shaved off in thin layers and served in flatbreads with fresh toppings and sauces. While the cooking method is unique, what truly defines shawarma is the spice blend used to marinate the meat.

Shawarma’s technique of vertically roasting marinated meat on a spit traces back to the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century, marking a culinary tradition that spread throughout the Middle East. Read more about the origins of shawarma in the Ottoman Empire.

Shawarma seasoning is a mix of warm, earthy, and slightly spicy spices that work together to create deep flavor. Making your own means you control the quality, taste, and balance. It also allows you to leave out fillers and preservatives that are common in store-bought blends.

Key Ingredients in the Spice Blend

This recipe includes just seven ingredients, most of which you may already have in your pantry. Each one plays an important role in achieving that authentic taste.

  • Cumin: This is the backbone of the blend. It brings a warm, slightly smoky flavor that is both grounding and earthy.
  • Turmeric: It gives the seasoning a golden hue and adds a subtle bitterness that balances the other spices.
  • Coriander: Often overlooked, coriander has a sweet, citrus-like note that lightens the overall flavor.
  • Garlic powder: A must for savory depth, garlic powder brings out the richness of meats and vegetables.
  • Paprika: For color and sweetness, paprika adds a mild smoky flavor. You can use sweet or Spanish paprika depending on what you have.
  • Ground cloves: Just a touch gives this mix a warm, slightly floral finish. It rounds out the flavor profile.
  • Cayenne pepper: This is your heat. You can add more or less depending on how spicy you like things.

All of these work in harmony to give shawarma its signature aroma and taste. When mixed correctly, the result is savory, slightly sweet, and lightly spicy.

Top-down view of seven shawarma spices neatly separated in a glass bowl

Shawarma Spice Blend Recipe

Yield: About 4 tablespoons
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

This homemade shawarma spice blend is rich, warm, and perfectly balanced. Made with simple pantry spices, it's perfect for seasoning chicken, beef, vegetables, and more. Keep a jar on hand to add bold Middle Eastern flavor to any dish in seconds.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 3/4 tablespoon turmeric
  • 3/4 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 3/4 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 tablespoon sweet or Spanish paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Add all the spices to a small mixing bowl.
  2. Whisk together until fully combined.
  3. Transfer to a clean spice jar or airtight container.
  4. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Notes

  • Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons of spice mix per pound of meat or vegetables.
  • Great for shawarma-style marinades, roasted chickpeas, spiced fries, and rice bowls.
  • This blend does not include salt so you can season to your preference.
  • Always store in an airtight container to preserve freshness and potency.

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    © Abbie
    Cuisine: Middle Eastern

    Why Make It at Home?

    There are many good reasons to mix your own seasoning blends.

    • You get maximum freshness. Pre-mixed seasonings may sit on a store shelf for months. When you make it yourself, every spice is as fresh as possible.
    • You save money. Buying bulk spices and mixing them at home is more cost-effective over time.
    • You can adjust the flavor. Maybe you like more garlic or less heat. You can tailor the blend to your personal taste.
    • No unnecessary ingredients. Store-bought mixes often contain preservatives, fillers, or too much salt. Homemade means pure, clean flavor.
    Blended shawarma seasoning in a glass bowl with a wooden scoop

    How to Make Shawarma Spice Mix

    This part is quick and easy. You will need:

    Ingredients

    • 3/4 tablespoon ground cumin
    • 3/4 tablespoon turmeric
    • 3/4 tablespoon ground coriander
    • 3/4 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 3/4 tablespoon paprika (sweet or Spanish)
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
    • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)

    Instructions

    1. Add all ingredients to a small bowl.
    2. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or small whisk until well combined.
    3. Transfer to an airtight spice jar or container.
    4. Store in a cool, dry place for up to six months.

    You can easily double or triple the recipe if you plan to use it often.

    How to Use It

    This spice mix is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to use it:

    1. For meats:
    Rub chicken thighs, beef strips, or lamb with olive oil and the spice blend. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results. Then roast, grill, or pan-sear until golden and cooked through.

    Mix a spoonful of this blend with olive oil and lemon juice to create a quick marinade. For another flavor-packed option, check out our Lemon Garlic Marinade for Chicken.

    2. Roasted vegetables:
    Toss cauliflower, sweet potatoes, carrots, or chickpeas with olive oil and a generous sprinkle of the seasoning. Roast in a hot oven until crispy and fragrant.

    3. Rice or grain bowls:
    Mix a small amount of the spice blend into cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous for an easy side dish with extra flavor.

    4. Shawarma sandwiches or wraps:
    Use spiced meat or veggies in pita or flatbread with sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and a spoonful of tahini or yogurt sauce.

    5. Snacks:
    Sprinkle over popcorn or roasted nuts for a savory, spicy twist on a simple snack.

    Top-down view of seven shawarma spices neatly separated in a glass bowl

    Tips for Success

    • Start with a small amount and adjust. About one to two tablespoons per pound of meat is a good starting point.
    • Combine the seasoning with lemon juice or vinegar in marinades to balance the richness of the spices.
    • Leave out the salt. This allows you to season each dish to your taste and keep the spice blend more flexible.
    • Label your jar and date it. This way, you know when you made it and how fresh it is.

    Final Thoughts

    This easy homemade shawarma seasoning is one of those blends you will find yourself using again and again. It adds warmth, depth, and character to everyday ingredients. With pantry staples like cumin, turmeric, and paprika, you can create big flavor with very little effort.

    Try it in a wrap, sprinkle it over roasted veggies, or mix it into your next marinade. However you use it, this blend brings the magic of Middle Eastern cooking right to your kitchen.

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