Recipes

Shawarma Seasoning

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Shawarma Seasoning 🌿

An Easy Homemade Middle Eastern Spice Blend

Shawarma seasoning is a warm, aromatic spice blend that brings classic Middle Eastern flavor to meats, vegetables, and even grains. Fragrant, slightly smoky, and deeply savory, this seasoning is easy to make at home and perfect for keeping on hand when you want to instantly elevate your cooking.

Homemade shawarma seasoning is fresher, more customizable, and free from additives found in store-bought versions.

🧾 Shawarma Seasoning Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1½ teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon allspice
  • ½ teaspoon cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon cloves (optional, for depth)

🥣 How to Make Shawarma Seasoning

  1. Add all spices to a small bowl.
  2. Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
  3. Transfer to an airtight jar.

That’s it—your shawarma seasoning is ready to use.

🍗 How to Use Shawarma Seasoning

For Meat (Chicken, Beef, or Lamb)

  • Mix 1–2 tablespoons seasoning with olive oil and lemon juice
  • Marinate meat for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best)
  • Grill, roast, or pan-cook

For Vegetables

  • Toss vegetables with olive oil and 1 teaspoon seasoning
  • Roast until golden and tender

For Wraps & Bowls

  • Sprinkle over rice, chickpeas, or potatoes
  • Use as a finishing spice for hummus or yogurt sauces

🌿 Optional Variations

Spicy Shawarma Blend

Add:

  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes

Smoky Version

Use smoked paprika and add a pinch of ground cumin

Salt-Free Version

Omit salt and season dishes separately

🧠 Tips for Best Flavor

  • Use fresh spices for maximum aroma
  • Toast whole spices before grinding for deeper flavor
  • Store away from heat and light
  • Shake before each use

❄️ Storage

  • Store in an airtight container
  • Keeps 6–12 months
  • Best flavor within the first 6 months

🌟 Final Thoughts

Shawarma seasoning is a simple blend that delivers complex, authentic flavor. With warm spices and fragrant notes, it instantly transforms everyday ingredients into something special.

Make it once, keep it on hand, and bring Middle Eastern flavor to your kitchen anytime.

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