Introducing a Game-Changer: Make Your Own Salt-Free Shawarma Seasoning! This special blend of spices adds lots of taste and is perfect for cooking shawarma on the grill, wrapping up delicious meals, making seafood dishes even better, and boosting the flavor of plant-based proteins. You definitely need to have this versatile shawarma Spice Mix in your kitchen!
Today, I'll guide you through making your very own shawarma seasoning. I'll provide you with the ingredients you'll need and demonstrate how to use it to elevate your dishes.
Our readers have tried and loved this blend, which I've also used to make delicious shawarma chicken. So, let's get started!
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What Exactly is Shawarma Seasoning
Shawarma is a tasty Middle Eastern dish that people all around the world enjoy. It's made by slicing thin pieces of meat, like lamb, chicken, beef, or a mix of these, and soaking them in a mix of spices. Then, the meat is slowly cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
Shawarma spice mix is a special seasoning used to coat meats before they hit the grill. This blend of spices is what gives shawarma its authentic Middle Eastern taste, and now you can make it at home, sodium-free and bursting with flavor!
What's Shawarma Seasoning Made Of?
Shawarma seasoning, also known as shawarma spice mix or blend, is typically made up of a combination of various spices and herbs. The exact ingredients can vary depending on regional preferences and personal recipes.
Here's the list of ingredients I used for my Shawarma Spice Mix. Each ingredient is important in creating the delicious and fragrant flavor that makes Shawarma special.
- Cumin. Cumin is a warm, earthy spice with a slightly nutty and peppery flavor. It provides a foundational earthiness and depth to the spice mix, enhancing the overall aroma and taste.
- Coriander. Coriander offers a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor with hints of lemon and sage. Coriander complements cumin by adding brightness and a touch of sweetness to balance the savory elements in the mix.
- Cinnamon. Cinnamon is a sweet and woody spice with warm, aromatic notes. It imparts a nice warmth and a subtle sweetness.
- All Spice. Allspice has a unique flavor resembling a blend of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It also has warmth and an undertone of sweetness.
- Paprika. Paprika provides a mild, smoky heat and a vibrant red color. It offers a subtle kick of heat and imparts a visually appealing hue to the spice mix.
- Turmeric. Turmeric is bright yellow and has a slightly bitter, peppery taste. Turmeric also gives a great color to the mix.
- Cayenne Pepper. Cayenne pepper is a hot chili powder known for its fiery, spicy kick. It brings the heat!.. (so those of you that enjoy that can add slightly more as desired).
- Black Pepper. Black pepper is pungent and delivers a sharp, biting heat. It contributes a distinct peppery kick.
How to Use Shawarma Spice Mix
Here's how to properly use Shawarma Spice Mix:
Step 1. Choose your meat: You can use beef, chicken, fish, lamb, or plant-based protein. This recipe is enough for up to 3 pounds of meat.
Step 2. Prepare the marinade: For a more intense flavor, mix the shawarma spice mix with ¼ cup of olive oil, 5 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt (adjust to taste), and 1 ½ tablespoons of minced garlic in a bowl.
Step 3. Marinate the meat: If you've prepared a marinade, place the meat in a bowl or a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the meat is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Longer marinating times (up to 24 hours) will result in a richer flavor.
Step 4. Cook the meat
- Option 1. Grilling. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers and grill over a hot barbecue or a stovetop grill pan until cooked through and slightly charred
- Option 2. Pan-fry: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat, add a little olive oil, and cook the seasoned meat until it's browned and cooked through.
- Option 3. Oven-Roast:
- If you're roasting a whole salmon, you can roast it at the same temperature (425°F) for about 15 minutes.
- For a whole leg of lamb, roast it at 350°F for about 4 hours or until it becomes tender and delicious.
- For chicken thighs, preheat your oven to 425°F and place the marinated meat on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25 minutes or longer until it's fully cooked.
Alternatively, If you're not marinating the meat, just sprinkle the shawarma spice mix right on it. Make sure it covers the meat evenly, but don't use too much because shawarma spice can be very strong.
How to Store Shawarma Spice Blend
To store this homemade shawarma spice mix, place it in an airtight container and keep it in a pantry away from direct sunlight and moisture. When stored properly, this spice mix can stay good for 6-12 months. After that, it's still safe to use, but its flavor may start to weaken.
Check Out More Seasoning Recipes
I hope you'll enjoy this recipe and share it with friends! If you try it and don’t mind, please leave me a comment and/or give this recipe a rating. Be sure to subscribe to receive weekly recipes and follow me on Pinterest.
📖 Recipe
Homemade Shawarma Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons ground cumin
- 1½ tablespoons ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1½ teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1½ teaspoons ground all spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground coarse black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, all spice, cinnamon, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to thoroughly mix the spices.
- Transfer the spice blend into an airtight container for storage. The entire serving of Shawarma seasoning is sufficient for seasoning 3 pounds of meat.
Notes
- Option 1. Grilling. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers and grill over a hot barbecue or a stovetop grill pan until cooked through and slightly charred
- Option 2. Pan-fry: Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat, add a little olive oil, and cook the seasoned meat until it's browned and cooked through.
- Option 3. Oven-Roast:
- If you're roasting a whole salmon, you can roast it at the same temperature (425°F) for about 15 minutes.
- For a whole leg of lamb, roast it at 350°F for about 4 hours or until it becomes tender and delicious.
- For chicken thighs, preheat your oven to 425°F and place the marinated meat on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25 minutes or longer until it's fully cooked.
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