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Home » Condiments

Easy Shawarma Spice Mix

Published: Jun 26, 2023 · Modified: Apr 23, 2024 by Janelle Hama *This post may contain affiliate links. Disclosure

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An easy recipe for how to make a homemade shawarma spice mix with 10 different spices. Keep this blend in the pantry ready for use anytime.

different coloured spices in a white plate
Shawarma spices mix before blending

What is Shawarma Spice Mix?

Shawarma (sha·warr·mah) is a Middle Eastern street sandwich based on the doner kebab, which traditionally is made with thinly sliced (shaved) marinated meat (beef, chicken, lamb) that has been stacked on top of each other on a gyrating vertical skewer, then served on a plate or in a wrap with a delicious shawarma sauce.

The marinade consists of various spices which is known as “shawarma spice mix”.

a mound of mixed brown spices

Spices You’ll Need

10 different spices laid out on a white plate

Here’s the list ground spices needed to make this blend; 

  • Allspice (بهارحلو - Filful Franjy 7iloo) - also known as Jamaica pepper, pimento, pimento, or myrtle pepper. Allspice is a brown berry from the Pimenta dioica. It was given its name ‘allspice’ as it resembled the flavoring of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. 
  • Coriander (كزبرة - Kizbra)
  • Cumin (كمون - Kamoon) 
  • Sumac (السماق - Al Simak) - a sour spice from a red fruit which grows across Asia. This might be a little tricky to source in your local area, though nowadays most large supermarkets stock it, here is where you can buy sumac online ). Otherwise, it can be found at your local Middle Eastern grocer.
  • Turmeric (كركم - Kurkam) - a bright yellow rhizome.
  • Paprika (فلفلأحمر filfil ahmar) red pepper.
  • Black pepper (فلفل اسود - Falful aswad) 
  • Clove (كبشقرنفل - Karinful) - dried flower buds, can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes.
  • Ginger powder (زنجبيل - Zanjabil)
  • Garlic powder (ثوم thoom)

Variations

Shawarma spices can differ between Middle Eastern countries or even family recipes. 

Other spices that have been used include white pepper, cinnamon or various chili.

pouring spices into a clear glass jar

Pro Tips

Although ground spices are used in this recipe as I was tight on time, it's preferable to use whole spices whenever possible, as they impart better flavors.

To use whole spices, you will need to grind them which is easily done in a spice grinder.

different coloured spices layered on top of each other in a clear jar

FAQ

Is Garam Masala the same as shawarma?

No, garam masala and shawarma spice are not the same. While some of the spices used within each blend cross over, they contain different spices resulting in different flavorings. Garam masala is a more general warming spice blend, while shawarma masala is specifically designed for shawarma and has a more savory flavor.

Is shawarma spice the same as 7 spice?

No, shawarma spice is not the same as 7 spice. The shawarma spice blend is made with 10 spices, and while some of the spices cross over, the flavor profile is different. 7 Spice is a little sweeter than shawarma spice which is slightly more savory.

a female hand holding a jar of spices with a black lid

More Middle Eastern Seasonings and Beyond

If you're like me and like making your own blend of spices try making my Lebanese 7 spice blend which is used frequently in my Lebanese cooking. For kibbeh dishes try this kamouneh spice recipe.

Or a herb blend I can't live without is my tasty Lebanese zaatar blend.

Otherwise, a seasoning that's handy for many applications is a homemade dry rub or this Santa Maria seasoning.

Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.

Recipe

different coloured spices in a white plate

Easy Shawarma Spice Mix

An easy recipe for how to make a homemade shawarma spice mix with 10 different spices. Keep this blend in the pantry ready for use anytime.
Print Pin Rate Save Recipe Saved Recipe
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Lebanese, Middle Eastern
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Fat, Vegan
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 155 grams
Author: Janelle Hama

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon All spice ground
  • 1 tablespoon Coriander ground
  • 1 tablespoon Cumin ground
  • 1 teaspoon Sumac ground
  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric ground
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper ground
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika ground
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Ginger powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cloves ground
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Instructions

  • In a bowl (or jar) add all spices. Mix until well combined.
  • Store in an air-tight jar in the pantry, for up to one year.

Video


Notes

Yield ˜4.5oz.
This blend is suitable for approximately 1kg or 2.2lb of shawarma (meat or vegetable)
Using ground spices is the quickest way to make this blend, otherwise, whole spices can be used and ground in a spice blender.
Serving Suggestion
The typical use for shawarma seasoning is as a marinade (traditionally on chicken, lamb, or beef) which is then placed in a shawarma sandwich, I love my delicious vegan shawarma recipe. 
Sprinkle over your favorite vegetables and roast them (potatoes are awesome!)
In a grilled vegetable salad - only a small sprinkle is needed!
 
Recipe first released in May 2022. Information has been updated

Equipment

Spice grinder
1 Spice grinder
Bowl
Bowl
jar

Nutrition

Calories: 1kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.


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Comments

    4.98 from 35 votes (34 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Jay

    November 07, 2022 at 6:24 pm

    Don't forget to salt it to taste!

    Reply
  2. Charli

    May 23, 2022 at 6:30 pm

    5 stars
    Thisssssss spice with garbanzo beans.

    Reply

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