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    Home » Side Dishes

    Shawarma Spice Blend

    Posted: Jan 8, 2022 · Updated: Jan 8, 2022 by Tonje

    Jump to Recipe
    Shawarma spice blend.
    Shawarma spice blend.

    This easy homemade shawarma spice blend is the perfect seasoning for grilled chicken, kebabs, and more. A fantastic spice mix that adds flavor to any meal.

    A spoon lifting up shawarma spice mix from a jar.
    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love it
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Top tips
    • What to make with shawarma spice
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • Frequently asked questions
    • You might also like these recipes
    • Recipe

    This post may contain affiliate links. Read more about it in the privacy policy.

    This delicious homemade shawarma seasoning recipe is easy to make, and tastes great. Keep a jar of this in your pantry to quickly improve any chicken dinner, or to season any grilled meat to perfection.

    Although traditionally used to season shawarma style grilled meat, you can use your shawarma mix with any Middle Eastern dish.

    Why you'll love it

    • Easy homemade seasoning mix
    • Customize the spice blend to suit your preferences
    • The spice blend stores for a really long time
    • Pre-mixing the spices saves you time when cooking
    • Use it on any meat or vegetables
    • Gluten free, vegan and nut free spice recipe

    Ingredients

    To make this easy homemade shawarma spice blend, you will need a variety of dried spices. I use cumin, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, ginger, and ground black pepper. You can omit, substitute, or add any spices as you like.

    You can also add brown sugar, flour, or salt depending on how you want to use your spice blend. I prefer to make this with only spices and add these additional ingredients when I want.

    The ingredients needed to make this recipe.

    Instructions

    You can find full instructions + ingredient measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of this page

    This homemade spice mix is really easy to make.

    Add the spices to a plate, bowl, jar, or container of your choice. Stir to combine them evenly. Then, transfer them to a sealable, air-tight container like a mason jar for storage.

    This recipe makes a few tablespoons worth of seasoning and should be enough to use in a few dishes. You can also easily multiply the ingredients if you want to make a big batch for long-term storage.

    Mixed spices on a plate.

    Top tips

    • Stir or shake the spices to blend them evenly.
    • Adjust the seasoning to taste. You can add more chili powder if you want to make it extra spicy, or replace or omit any spices that you don't like or have access to.
    • Store the shawarma blend in a sealed container to make them last longer.

    What to make with shawarma spice

    Your homemade shawarma spice can be used to season any meat like grilled or roasted chicken, chicken kebabs, beef, or lamb chops. It's particularly great for seasoning chicken shawarma.

    The spice mix is also perfect to season other dishes. Try adding it to curries, roasted vegetables, stews, or rice. It's also great as a flavorful addition to lentil soup or tomato-based vegetable soups.

    This is a great base seasoning for Middle Eastern, Turkish, or East Asian dishes. Feel free to experiment with using it in various dishes inspired by these cuisines.

    Shawarma spice mix in a jar, with vegetables on the side.

    Variations

    Other spices: You can add, omit or substitute any spices as you please. Try adding cayenne pepper for extra heat, or add curry powder, dried lemon zest, coriander, salt, smoked paprika, white pepper, oregano, thyme, or dried parsley.

    Added flour: This is a great alternative if you tend to use the shawarma seasoning in marinades or to make fried chicken, as these dishes would require you to combine the spices with flour anyway.

    A teaspoon with shawarma spice.

    Storage

    You can store homemade shawarma spices in a sealed container for up to 6 months in a dark, cool place. I recommend storing them in an airproof plastic or glass container, like a mason jar. This will keep the spices tasting fresh for as long as possible.

    I love making big batches of homemade spice blends to save time while cooking, especially with seasoning combinations that require quite a lot of different spices.

    Frequently asked questions

    What's the difference between doner and shawarma?

    Doner and shawarma are very similar, but they have different origins. Doner kebab is Turkish, and Shawarma has Arab or Middle Eastern origins.

    What is shawarma?

    Shawarma is a style of grilled meat. Thin slices of beef, lamb, or chicken are stacked on a vertical skewer and slowly roasted rotisserie style. The meat is usually seasoned well and served as a main course or in wraps.

    Is shawarma spice blend hot?

    Shawarma spice is usually not hot or spicy, but you can easily adjust the seasoning to your preference.

    You might also like these recipes

    • Easy Pork Seasoning
    • Fajita Seasoning without Cumin
    • Apple Cider Vinaigrette
    • Chicken Tikka Kebab

    If you make this recipe, make sure to post a photo to Instagram with #hintofhealthy!

    Recipe

    Shawarma spice mix in a spoon.

    Shawarma Spice Blend

    This easy homemade shawarma spice mix is the perfect seasoning for chicken shawarma, or any grilled or roasted meats. A delicious Middle Eastern spice blend packed with amazing flavors.
    5 from 2 votes
    Created by: Tonje
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 0 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Seasoning
    Cuisine Middle Eastern
    Servings 11 tablespoons
    Calories 16 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons cumin
    • 1 tablespoon paprika
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
    • 2 teaspoons turmeric
    • 1 teaspoon ginger
    • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon cloves
    • 1 teaspoon allspice
    • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
    • 1 teaspoon cardamom

    Instructions
     

    • Add the spices to a plate, bowl, jar, or container of your choice. Stir to combine them evenly.
    • Transfer the spice mix to a sealable, air-tight container like a mason jar for storage.

    Video

    Notes

    • Store in a sealed container for up to 6 months at room temperature.
    • Use the spices to make chicken shawarma, or to season any grilled or roasted meat that you like.
    • Feel free to omit, add or substitute any spices as you like.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 16kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 259IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword shawarma seasoning, shawarma spice, shawarma spices
    Tried this recipe?Mention @hintofhealthyfood or tag #hintofhealthy!

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    Hi, I'm Tonje! I make easy and healthy everyday recipes that your family will love. Browse my recipe collection to discover new favorites, and make sure to let me know what you think!

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