Homemade shawarma spice mix is a simple pantry secret that gives chicken, veggies, or potatoes that fragrant, Middle Eastern flavor you crave (but in the comfort of your own home).
I started making my own after realizing store-bought blends were either flat or packed with filler, and once I nailed the balance, I never went back.
Mixing it at home means fresher spices, a customizable kick of heat, and that unmistakable shawarma depth anytime you want it. Best of all, the measurements are designed to fit perfectly into a 1.6 oz spice jar, so if you've got an empty bottle hanging around, you can refill ot with the fresh homemade mix. Let's take a look at the spices you'll need to make your own blend.
Spices You'll Need
To make this shawarma spic mix, you'll need warm, earthy cumin and citrusy coriander as the base, along with smoky paprika and golden turmeric for color and depth. A touch of cinnamon and cardamom brings that signature Middle Eastern warmth, while the dried thyme keeps it savory and balanced.
For a little kick, I use Aleppo pepper (or mild chili flakes) plus plenty of black pepper. Tangy sumac lifts everything with a lemony note, and finally, granulated garlic rounds it out with its fragrant flavor.
This blend comes together quickly and fills a standard 1.6 oz spice jar.
What does Shawarma Spice Taste Like?
Think of shawarma spice as the Middle Eastern cousin of taco seasoning, bold, smoky, with a little warmth. It pairs beautifully with chicken, lamb, and beef, but it's just as good sprinkled over veggies, stirred into olive oil for a marinade, or mixed with yogurt as a quick sauce.
How to Make Homemade Shawarma Spice Mix
Making shawarma spice mix is as simple as stirring everything together - no grinding, no fancy equipment. Just measure your spices into a bowl, whisk until the colors are evenly blended, and funnel into a clean 1.6-oz spice jar. That's it!
A Few Tips
Toast your spices (like cumin or coriander) if you want extra depth, just warm them in a dry skillet for a minute before mixing them in with the rest of the spices.
Use fresh spices. Old parika or turmeric can taste flat and lose its potency, so this is a great excuse to refresh your spice drawer.
Ways to Use Shawarma Spice
This blend is incredibly versatile. Once you have it, you'll find yourself reaching for it all the time.
- Marinate meats. Use it to marinade chicken, beef, and lamb (hello chicken shawarma!)
- Sprinkle it on veggies. Toss it with potatoes, cauliflower, or eggplant right before baking. I also like to sprinkle it onto pita chips. So good!
Now that you've got your jar filled, let's put this bold and smoky shawarma spice mix together step by step!
Print
Homemade Shawarma Spice Mix
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: .6 oz spice jar (about 6-7 tablespoons of spice mix)
Description
This homemade shawarma spice mix is smoky, garlicky, and warm with a hint of heat. Made with aromatic Mediterranean spices. The recipe makes just enough to fill a standard 1.6-oz spice jar, perfect for keeping your pantry stocked.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper (or mild chili flakes)
- 1 tablespoon ground sumac
- 2 teaspoons coarse black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all spices in a small bowl and whisk until evenly blended.
- Funnel the spice mix into a clean 1.6 oz spice jar and seal tightly.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Seasonings, Spice Blends
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
Leave a Reply