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Homemade Shawarma Spice Mix aka Shawarma Seasoning Spice Blend

A Shawarma spice mix is a classic Middle Eastern seasoning used in many meat dishes. The rich aroma comes from the use of exotic spices such as cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and other warm spices. Making it homemade is simple easy and an effortless way of adding more zing to your favorite recipes.

If you have never made a homemade spice mix before? You must try it at least once!! When you freshly ground the whole spice, the results are totally different than those you get when you use ready-made spices that have been sitting in the supermarket for months (with a shelf life of 2 years). Don't get me wrong I often do have to rely on supermarket spice mixes just because I have no time to make it.

I grew up with my mom making spice mixes all the time. She made this one particular one that had a blend of 32 individual spices. Some I had never seen in my life and some that I could never pronounce the names. But she knew them all like the back of her hand. She made this particular one just once a year and stored it in bottles for sale. Yup, they were popular and people were willing to pay her a little more than get the same at the store. Back then I use to laugh and say, "mom, it's the same thing, just different bottle". Over the years I have realized it's not the same thing at all.

I now often make my own spice mixes even when I can easily buy them at a supermarket. Honestly, it's so fresh!

Homemade Shawarma Spice Mix aka Shawarma Seasoning Blend

The Shawarma Spice Blend / Shawarma Seasoning Recipe

The shawarma spice mix differs slightly from region to region (brand to brand) mostly in the number of spices used. I like to try store-bought spice mix so I can test different variations. Some usually have extra cinnamon so you get a very distinct flavor of cinnamon, others may have a distinct flavor of cumin or sometimes even cloves.

Over the years I have come to define my own flavor and combination preference. I love it when all my spices are in perfect sync with each other. Being Indian in origin, playing with spice and creating spices blends is in my blood. I prefer a smooth blend of spices; not one that will overpower the others. So, I make my own Shawarma Spice Mix recipe. This blend works best for me and is one that will tantalize your taste buds. There is everything and yet in such perfect harmony. Absolute heaven!

Useful tips and tools

A coffee grinder or spice grinder if you plan to make these from whole spices. The food processor does not really grind spices very fine so if you choose to make these from whole spices please use a good coffee grinder. And if you make a larger quantity (for example to give as gifts) let the coffee grinder rest in between every 10 minutes. They usually have delicate motors. (I have broken two spice grinders so far- sigh)
You will need mini bowls to measure the spices first. I prefer to have all the spices measured out first - cause once you start mixing there is no remembering which one is left out (don't ask me how I know that)
Spice mixes are best stored in spice jars to ensure they stay fresh. Never leave them open on the counter.
Measuring spoons are worth the investments. Trying to wing spices in a spice mix is never the best strategy.

Ingredients and substitutes (Save/Pin)

Garlic and Ginger - These do come in powder form and are easier to use in spice mixes. Having said that I do love my fresh ginger and garlic so often I will substitute the powders for fresh. If you do not get the powder you can omit them in the spice mix and then add the fresh ginger and garlic directly to the meat. You would need about 1 tbsp minced garlic and 1/2 tbsp of minced ginger for every pound of meat. Makes sense? Free free to ask any questions in the comments below.
Cayenne or Hot Paprika - It's always nice to add a bit of spice to dishes but if you don't like things spicy you can always add sweet paprika; that way you won't lose out on the gorgeous color. Often I like using the whole paprika and blend it to a nice powder myself. This gives a more rich color to the blend.
Turmeric - I highly recommend buying turmeric from a good source. Good turmeric has lots of health benefits to it.
Cumin - This adds a nice smoky flavor to the meat but if you do not like it (my husband cannot stand too much cumin) I suggest you reduce it but don't omit it. Cumin is always kind to meat.
Allspice - these look like large black peppers but are actually completely different. A little goes a long way with them.

You can use the spices whole or in powder form as stated in the spice mix ingredients below. A little tip, if you use whole spices - toast them ever so slightly in an open pan. This brings out their aroma and helps grind them better.

How to Make Homemade Shawarma Spice Mix aka Shawarma Seasoning Blend (Save/Pin)

Combine all spices - mix thoroughly.
Pour in an airtight spice bottle.
Store in a cool dark place in the pantry and it will last for months.
If you live in a hot and humid climate keep the spice mix in the fridge and it will stay good for months.

How to use this Shawarma Seasoning Mix?

The possibilities with this spice mix are endless.

Love kebabs? - Marinate beef, chicken, Turkey, lamb or even fish. A squeeze of lemon and grill it up.. Yum!!

Salads and dressings - Sprinkle a little over your salad or dressing when you need a little spice in life. It's wonderfully warm and comforting.

Hummus and Tahini Sauce - The next time you eat you enjoy hummus or tahini sauce? Instead of garnishing it with paprika - try Shawarma Spice Mix!

Try my Quick homemade Shawarma Recipe or Shawarma Pocket recipe for a quick meal in 20 minutes. This quick version of the homemade shawarma chicken is a classic middle eastern fast food. Whether you use my homemade spice blend or store-bought spice mix this is a simple, easy and effortless recipe that gets lunch in 20 minutes or less. Served with caramelized onion, simple salad and nutritious tahini sauce this meal is hearty and healthy.

Or make a full meal and try my Sheet pan Shawarma Chicken Recipe. This sheet pan makes an easy lunch or dinner. The chicken gets a beautiful color from the spices, the onions caramelize until soft and sweet. The potatoes are perfectly roasted tender on the inside and crisp on the outside. That's a perfect lunch for me. Can you see those roasted garlic and lemon slices? That is heaven on a plate.

How to make Middle Eastern Chicken with Shawarma Spice Mix in just 20 mins

Chicken Shawarma Recipe in 20 mins10

Sheet Pan Shawarma Chicken

SAVE THIS RECIPE ON PINTEREST FOR LATER. TRIED MY RECIPE? SHARE IT WITH ME, PLEASE.
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These Moroccan ground beef kebabs are as easy as 123. Combine the ingredients together, skewers them, and grill them to perfection. Mince beef kebabs cook fairly quickly so these takes barely 5 to 6 minutes on the grill. Serve them with flavored rice or pita bread and tahini. Don't forget to serve some homemade hummus and aromatic salads for that full Middle Eastern experience.

Here are 10 pots and pans for your kitchen which will help you cook better

10 Essential Kitchen Pots and Pans

Have you ever wondered why your pans are so different? Shot, tall, wide, deep. Or When should you cook in cast-iron, stainless steel or non-stick? Today, I share my pick for 10 essential pots and pans every kitchen needs that will help you become a better cook.

Comments

Ney
December 06, 2019 at 7:08 pm
How much of the spice mix do you recommend I use per lb of ground meat?
- Veena Azmanov
  December 06, 2019 at 7:39 pm
  Hey Neh. 1 tbsp per pound of chicken, beef or lamb is recommended but you can use 1/2 tbsp less or more accordingly. For example
  1 lb beef or chicken with
  1 cup yogurt or 1 tbsp vinegar,
  1 tbsp olive oil
  1 tsp garlic,
  1 tsp ginger,
  1 tbsp shawarma spice
  Marinate an hour or up to overnight.
  I hope this helps.
  - Ney
    December 12, 2019 at 12:35 am
    
    Thank you for the advice!!
alexandra storm
March 17, 2019 at 3:51 am

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!
Your blend was exactly what i was looking for: flavor and complex. I was a bit worried about the amount of cinnamon but it worked out so well. I did add some coriander, since i like it. Otherwise, thank you so much.
- Veena Azmanov
  March 17, 2019 at 11:58 am
  Thank you, Alexandra. So happy you find my spice blend meets your taste buds. That's the best thing about homemade you can make it your own. I love coriander too (and less cumin so I usually use less cumin for the family)
Charlene
October 28, 2018 at 1:35 am

Best recipe ever. I love shawarma but don't like the spice mix I get. This was perfect. I love all your recipes Veena.
- Veena Azmanov
  October 28, 2018 at 4:00 pm
  Thank you, Charlene. So happy you had success with this recipe and like my recipes. Thank you so much for coming back to write this feedback. Have a wonderful day.
Vincent
September 04, 2018 at 2:43 am

I could not find Shawarma spice when I live and I really wanted to try this dish which I ate when we traveled Europe last year. The spice is really perfect and the chicken I made was the best ever. We really enjoyed it very much. Thank you so much
- Veena Azmanov
  September 04, 2018 at 9:10 am
  Thank you, Vincent. So happy to hear you had success with this recipe and enjoyed it too. Thanks for coming back to write this feedback. Have a lovely day.
Meagan
August 06, 2018 at 12:44 pm

I do not get Shawarma Spice so I made my own a couple of weeks back with your recipe. Used it for a BBQ and it was such a winner. Everyone loved it. Now I'm making more for me and a few of my friends. Thank you for your recipes. Love this one and also your Indian chicken recipe.
- Veena Azmanov
  August 07, 2018 at 12:07 am
  Thank you so much, Meagan. You just made my day. I am so proud of my spice mixes so this makes me happy. So happy to hear you had success with this recipe and everyone loved it so much. Thanks so much for coming back to write this feedback. Have a wonderful week.
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
January 27, 2018 at 6:08 pm

I am always buying my spice mixes. I really need to make them myself one of these days!
- Veena Azmanov
  January 28, 2018 at 11:49 pm
  Thank you Cathleen. I love making my own spice mixes and love paying with the ingredients too!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
January 25, 2018 at 5:27 pm

What a lovely, fragrant spice blend! I love making my own blends at home. The color of this one is so gorgeous, too!
- Veena Azmanov
  January 25, 2018 at 6:35 pm
  Thank you Ashley. I love making my own spices very much. I hope you try this.
shalu
April 20, 2012 at 6:52 am

Thank you so much for this recipe Veena. I love shawarma chicken but never made it at home. It's really expensive here to eat Shawarma out. And the spice mix is expensive at the store because it's imported. I could not make it home because of the ginger garlic powder which again I don't get. But stupid me did not think of using fresh. I love your blog. I am learning so much from you. Both here on this food blog as well as the cake blog.
The knowledge you have truly shows in the way you write your post. So detailed in so valuable. Thank you so much for always sharing your best recipes with us. I love both your blogs.
- Veena Azmanov
  April 20, 2012 at 7:17 am
  
  Thank you so much Shalu for your kind words. I am so happy to hear that you find both my blogs useful. I do believe is giving not just the recipe teaching the right technique and know how too. Thank you for your kind words and support.
- Diana
  April 21, 2012 at 2:27 am
  
  Veena!! I love this!! I love shawarma but made the spice mix for the first time. I did not know it was so easy. Thank you for all the tips and how to use it.
  - Veena Azmanov
    April 22, 2012 at 6:57 pm
    
    Thank you so much Diana. So happy that you loved the spice mix. It sure is so easy to make and use. Have fun experimenting with it.
    Thanks so much for coming back to write this feedback. Truly appreciate it.

Homemade Shawarma Spice Mix