Shawarma Spice Blend
An aromatic and bold seasoning blend that will transform any plain Jane chicken dinner, this Homemade Shawarma Spice Blend is one you won’t regret adding to your spice cabinet.
Shawarma Seasoning Recipe
Chicken Shawarma is one of my favorite take-out meals, but it can get a bit pricey for the whole family, so I had to experiment with making my own Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma – for which I had to also create my own shawarma seasoning blend, since I couldn’t find anything pre-made in the store!
I don’t mind making our own seasoning blends, though – I actually prefer it, so I can control the salt content, omit ingredients that I don’t enjoy and increase the amount for spices that I love.
Our shawarma seasoning blend is bold, complex, smoky and warming, adding robust flavors to any dish that it is added to. (For inspiration on how to use your shawarma seasoning blend, I’ve provided a list of suggestions further down.)
The best cost savings with this recipe is to purchase your spices from a bulk store, or if that’s not an option, buy the large containers of the individual spices and herbs. Buying the little containers to make this seasoning would be crazy expensive (but ironically, still cheaper than using the seasoning packets).
This shawarma seasoning is shelf-stable for up to a year, as long as you use fresh (dried) herbs and spices when you make it and store in a cool, dry spot in your kitchen.
It is also gluten-free, paleo, low-carb and vegan and makes a great homemade gift.
What is shawarma seasoning? Our shawarma season is made with a variety of common seasonings: turmeric, cumin, dried coriander, garlic powder, paprika, ground allspice and black pepper. Some variations include cayenne pepper, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and/or ginger.
What is the difference between Greek seasoning and shawarma seasoning? The two seasonings have different origins (Greece vs the Middle East) and while Greek seasoning is more herbaceous and earthy, Shawarma seasoning is bolder and more warming.
Is 7 Spice the same as shawarma spice? While both often contain the same 7 ingredients, shawarma seasoning includes extra ingredients like turmeric and paprika for a deeper and smokier flavor.
How to make a shawarma marinade: To make a shawarma marinade for meat, double our recipe below to make 1/4 cup of the seasoning spice, and then combine with equal parts olive oil and lemon juice.
Need some inspiration for how to use your shawarma seasoning? Check out these recipes for how to use onion soup mix:
- Make our Instant Pot Chicken Shawarma
- Or, for a budget-friendly option, Instant Pot Pork Shawarma
- Sprinkle onto scrambled eggs
- Add to hummus or a savoury yogurt dip
- Use as a burger seasoning
- Swap out the seasoning called for in a falafel recipe (like this one) for your own spice blend
- Roasted Potatoes or other hearty veggies
- Make a shawarma rice pilaf by adding a teaspoon or two of seasoning to your rice after you are done cooking.
- Swap out the seasoning called for in your favorite spiced nuts or crackers recipes for a shawarma version.
- These Shawarma Chickpeas from Jamie Heller look amazing!
You can also use it on homemade french fries or potatoes, chicken wings, breaded chicken tenders, or on roasted veggies. The options are endless!
Chicken Shawarma Seasoning Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Turmeric
- 2 teaspoons Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Dried Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.
Tip: customize this seasoning blend by adding cayenne pepper, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and/or ginger.
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
- Measuring Spoons
- Jar, for storing
How to Make Shawarma Seasoning
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.
Taste and adjust to personal preferences – you may want to have a cooked piece of meat or a roast/mashed potato to taste test the seasoning on.
Transfer seasoning to a small jar with an airtight lid.
Pin this Sensational Shawarma Seasoning blend to add some bold flavors to your next chicken dinner:
Grab your free printable recipe card for our DIY shawarma seasoning blend:
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DIY Shawarma Seasoning Blend
An aromatic and bold seasoning blend that will transform any plain Jane chicken dinner, this Homemade Shawarma Spice Blend is one you won’t regret adding to your spice cabinet.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons Turmeric
- 2 teaspoons Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Dried Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Taste and adjust to personal preferences - you may want to have a cooked piece of meat or a roast/mashed potato to taste test the seasoning on.
- Transfer seasoning to a small jar with an airtight lid.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Dwaraka Organic - Turmeric Powder, 7oz, Healthy, Organic, Non GMO, All Natural -
Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Cumin Ground, 16 Ounce
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VERONES Mason Jars Canning Jars, 4 OZ Jelly Jars With Regular Lids and Bands, Ideal for Jam, Honey, Wedding Favors, Shower Favors, Baby Foods, DIY Magnetic Spice Jars, 16 PACK,Extra 16 Lids
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
5Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 12Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
Sugar, Spice and Glitter uses an auto-generate nutrition calculator. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate unless analyzed in a scientific lab, so these should be considered more of a guideline than medical information.
I hope you love this easy homemade shawarma seasoning blend as much as I do!
For more homemade pantry staples, check out our full pantry staples recipe collection here:
