Shawarma Seasoning

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shawarma seasoning captures the rich, aromatic flavors of traditional Middle Eastern street food without any preservatives or fillers. It’s completely customizable—adjust the heat, sweetness, or smokiness to your liking. Plus, it stores well, so you can keep it on hand for quick weeknight meals or special gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon cilantro powder
1 tablespoon cumin powder
2 teaspoon paprika powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
½ teaspoon allspice
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ginger powder
½ teaspoon sea salt

Directions

1. Measure all the ingredients and place them in a mixing bowl.

2. Stir thoroughly for at least one minute to evenly combine all the spices.

3. Transfer the seasoning to a clean glass jar or airtight container for storage.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings of seasoning mix. Prep time is just 2 minutes, with a total time of 2 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

• For a smokier flavor, replace part of the paprika with smoked paprika.

• Reduce or omit the cayenne for a milder version.

• Add a pinch of sumac for tangy citrus notes.

• Incorporate a teaspoon of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness that balances the spices.

• Mix with olive oil and lemon juice to create a marinade for meats or vegetables.

Storage/Reheating

Store the shawarma seasoning in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It will maintain its best flavor for up to 6 months. There’s no reheating needed—just sprinkle or mix directly into your recipes.

FAQs

1. What is shawarma seasoning made of?

It’s a blend of warm spices like cumin, coriander (cilantro powder), paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, and other aromatics that give shawarma its signature flavor.

2. Can I use ground coriander instead of cilantro powder?

Yes, cilantro powder is another name for ground coriander seeds, so they are interchangeable.

3. Is this seasoning spicy?

It has a mild heat from cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.

4. Can I use this seasoning on vegetables?

Absolutely. It works wonderfully on roasted vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, and potatoes.

5. How much seasoning should I use for meat?

A good rule of thumb is 1 to 1½ tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat.

6. Can I make a larger batch?

Yes, simply multiply the ingredient amounts and store the extra mix in an airtight container.

7. Can I turn this into a marinade?

Yes, mix the seasoning with olive oil, lemon juice, and yogurt to make a flavorful marinade.

8. What can I substitute for cayenne pepper?

Hot chili powder is a great substitute with a similar heat profile.

9. Does this recipe contain salt?

Yes, it includes a small amount of sea salt, but you can reduce or omit it if needed.

10. Can I use this for grilling?

Yes, it’s perfect for grilled meats and vegetables, adding rich, smoky-sweet flavor.

Conclusion

This homemade shawarma seasoning is a simple yet powerful way to bring Middle Eastern flavors into your kitchen. With just a few pantry staples and two minutes of your time, you’ll have a versatile spice blend that works for meats, veggies, and even marinades. Make a batch today and elevate your cooking with the warm, aromatic taste of shawarma.

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