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.
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”.
Spices You’ll Need
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.
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.
FAQ
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.
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.
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
Easy Shawarma Spice Mix
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
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
Equipment
Nutrition
N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
If you enjoyed this recipe, consider supporting my work for the cost of a cup of coffee.
Jay
Don't forget to salt it to taste!
Charli
Thisssssss spice with garbanzo beans.