Transform your kitchen into a flavor haven with this Homemade Shawarma Spice Blend. It’s economical, quick to make, and lifts simple meals into something memorable—sprinkle it on meats, vegetables, or bread and enjoy bold Middle Eastern flavors in every bite.
Middle Eastern cooking relies on warm, aromatic spice combinations, and shawarma seasoning is a staple across many dishes. Whether you’re preparing chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, or a vegetable-based option like spiced cauliflower, a homemade shawarma blend adds depth and character. While pre-made mixes are available in some stores, making your own is faster, more affordable, and easy to customize.
We tested this blend repeatedly to balance the flavors so it works well across recipes. It takes only a few minutes to prepare and stores well, so you’ll have a versatile seasoning ready whenever you need it.
What Is Shawarma?
Shawarma is a beloved street food across the Middle East, particularly popular in Egypt. It traditionally features marinated protein slow-roasted on a vertical spit, then thinly sliced and served with salads, hummus, and flatbread. Chicken, lamb, beef, turkey, or even vegetables can be seasoned with shawarma spices and served as a plated meal or wrapped in pita for an easy sandwich.
What’s In a DIY Shawarma Spice Blend?
Chances are your pantry already holds most of these spices. If not, they are inexpensive and easy to find. This blend balances warm, earthy, and slightly sweet notes with a touch of heat if you like it spicy. The basic components are:
- Ground cumin – warm and slightly citrusy with a peppery edge.
- Ground coriander – made from cilantro seeds; mildly sweet and nutty.
- Garlic powder – adds savory depth.
- Paprika – for color and mild peppery flavor; smoked paprika can be used for a richer taste.
- Onion powder – a subtle sweetness and extra savory note not always found in store-bought blends.
- Turmeric – earthy with a gentle bitter edge and vibrant color.
- Cinnamon – a hint of sweetness to round the blend.
- Ground cardamom – slightly minty and aromatic, used in small amounts.
- Cayenne pepper – optional, for heat.
- Allspice – adds warm, rounded flavor.
How to Make Shawarma Seasoning
This mix comes together in minutes and stores well for regular use. The process is simple:
- Combine. Add all the spices to a medium bowl and whisk until evenly blended.
- Store. Transfer the mixture to an airtight jar and keep it in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, the blend will stay flavorful for up to 6 months. Label the jar with the date to track freshness.
Pro tip: Turn the dry blend into a marinade by stirring it with olive oil and lemon juice. Rub the mixture over your protein and marinate for at least two hours or overnight for best flavor.
Ways to Use This Easy Shawarma Spice Blend
This shawarma seasoning is very versatile. It enhances classic shawarma dishes like chicken wraps and sheet-pan chicken, and it pairs beautifully with many other foods. Try it:
- As a dry rub for chicken, lamb, beef, or whole roasted poultry.
- Mixed into roasted vegetables or sprinkled over roasted chickpeas.
- Stirred into rice, bulgur pilaf, or grain bowls for an aromatic boost.
- Added to pita bread dough or sprinkled on flatbreads before baking.
- On seafood like shrimp, or on plant-based proteins such as tofu, jackfruit, or mushrooms.
- Even lightly dusted over popcorn for a savory snack.
Common Questions about Homemade Shawarma Spice Blend
Yes. It brightens roasted vegetables, chickpeas, tofu, and grains, and works well as a general-purpose seasoning for many dishes.
Not inherently. The blend is warm and aromatic; heat comes from optional cayenne or chili, so you can adjust it to your preference.
Chicken and lamb are classic choices, but the mix complements beef, shrimp, and plant-based proteins like jackfruit or mushrooms very well.
Expect a mouthwatering blend of toasty spices, gentle sweetness, and the distinctive scent of Middle Eastern spice blends that will fill your kitchen.
More DIY Recipes
If you enjoy making your own spice blends, try other homemade recipes to expand your pantry. DIY seasonings are a simple way to elevate everyday meals and control flavor and salt levels.
- Taco Seasoning
- Homemade Nutella
- Homemade Basil Pesto
- Easy Zhoug Sauce
Homemade Shawarma Spice Blend Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 Tablespoon coriander
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
Instructions
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Add all the spices to a medium bowl.
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Whisk to combine, then transfer the mixture to a sealable jar.
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Store at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Equipment
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.