The Recipe Critic

Shawarma Seasoning

May 21, 2022

Shawarma seasoning brings aromatic and authentic Middle Eastern flavors to your recipes. This easy to assemble spice blend is great to make ahead and have on hand when you want to elevate your cooking flavors.

Homemade spice blends are always better than store-bought. Spices are much fresher when the shelf life is shorter, so start making your seasonings at home. Some of my other favorite seasonings that are easy to make at home are my taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, and delicious Cajun seasoning.

A bowl of mixed spices with a wooden spoon.

What is Shawarma Seasoning?

Shawarma seasoning came about in the Middle East as a way to add flavor and spice to meats. This seasoning is so unique and delicious. It’s a shawarma spice blend of cinnamon, paprika, cumin, and a few other delicious and robust spices. When you put them together, then it creates a warm spice that will flavor just about anything! I especially love using it on chicken.

The great thing about making spices and seasonings at home is that you can really make them work for you. If you really like a specific taste or flavor, then you can just add more (or take away) that particular seasoning. Plus, this only takes about 5 minutes to put together, and then you will have it on hand whenever you want! You will love the flavor that this brings to your food, and it will be one that you find new foods to use it on constantly.

Ingredients in Shawarma Seasoning Recipe

Once you have all of these spices on hand, then you can throw this together anytime that you want! These shawarma spices are so delicious! Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

  • Cumin: This is a rich and heatry spice with a hint of citrus flavoring.
  • Paprika: You can use regular paprika or smoked paprika.
  • Ground Coriander: Did you know that coriander seeds are what cilantro comes from? The leaves and stem of coriander are called cilantro!
  • Garlic Powder: I love adding in garlic powder anywhere I can and it’s a must in this seasoning.
  • Tumeric: Not only does this add in a fantastic flavor but the color is so bright!
  • Dried Oregano: This deep and earthy flavor really grounds this seasoning.
  • Cardamom: This might be the one seasoning that you don’t already have on hand. The flavor is minty with a hint of pepper.
  • Cinnamon: This sweet flabor brings a delicious contrast to the seasoning.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: These will wnhance all of the other flavors in the mix.

How to Make Homemade Shawarma Seasoning

Take 5 minutes and throw this together. You can use it on meats, vegetables, and bread. Really, it goes with just about anything and adds in such a delicious flavor!

  1. Combine: In a medium sized bowl, combine all the spices and then mix to combine.
  2. Store: Put your seasoning in and airtight jar and then store it in a cool dry place. This seasoning will last for about 6 months! So make sure to label the container with the name of the seasoning and the date that you made it!
A wooded bowl filled with individual spices that haven't been mixed together yet.

Can I Make this into a Marinade?

Yes! You can use this mixture as a marinade, rub, or seasoning! Combine ¼ cup shawarma seasoning, ¼ cup olive oil, and ¼ cup lemon juice to make a marinade. Then, whisk it all together and marinate with 2 lbs of meat of choice. Marinate for 1-24 hours.

Some grilled chicken on a platter that has been seasoned with shawarma seasoning.

How to Use It

Shawarma seasoning has a complementary combination of spices that enhance many types of foods. Give it a try in the following list of ideas!

  • Protein: Try using this seasoning to add to a rotisserie chicken, lamb, pork or beef. You can use it as a rub or a marinade, whichever you prefer.
  • Vegetables: Sprinkle it on some veggies and roast them in your air fryer or oven. Try it on some chickpeas, carrots, or zucchini!
  • Grains: Add some flavor to your rice or quinoa by adding in some of this spice to it. Then, top the rice with your favorite protein and vegetables and you have yourself a delicious meal!

More Homemade Seasonings

Once you jump on board this homemade seasoning train, you will never be able to get off! You will find that homemade seasonings are so much more delicious and flavorful than anything that you buy from the store. Pluse, they are so simple to make so why not make them at home?! Here are a few more of my favorites to try out.

Print

Shawarama Seasoning

Shawarma seasoing brings aromatic and authentic Middle Eastern flavors to your recipes. This easy to assemble spice blend is great to make ahead and have on hand when you want to elevate the flavors of your cooking.
Course Seasoning
Cuisine Middle East
Keyword gluten free, keto-friendly, shawarma seasoning, vegan
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Calories 177kcal
Author Alyssa Rivers

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp Cumin
  • 2 Tbsp Paprika or Smoked Paprika
  • 1 Tbsp Ground Coriander
  • 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 Tbsp Tumeric
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Cardamom
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • 2 tsp Pepper

Instructions

  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the spices and mix to combine.
  • Store in an airtight container in a dry cool place for up to 6 months.
  • Use as a marinade, rub, or seasoning! To make a marinade, combine ¼ cup shawarma seasoning, ¼ cup olive oil, and ¼ cup lemon juice. Whisk together and marinate with 2 lbs meat of choice. Marinate for 1-24 hours.

Nutrition

Calories: 177kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 4692mg | Potassium: 980mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 7110IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 279mg | Iron: 17mg

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