Make your own shawarma spice blend and use it with a variety of meats, including chicken, beef, lamb, ground beef, or even green beans.

Make your own shawarma spice mix and use it with a variety of meat including chicken, beef, lamb, ground beef, or even green beans.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Spice Blend

Authentic Flavor. Delivers the warm, aromatic taste of Middle Eastern shawarma right from your own kitchen.
Customizable Heat Level. Easily adjust the spice and salt to suit your personal preferences.
Versatile Use. Perfect for seasoning chicken, beef, lamb, tofu, or even roasted vegetables and rice.
No Preservatives or Additives. Made entirely from clean, pantry-staple ingredients.

Homemade Shawarma Spice Blend is a simple, fresh, and flavorful way to elevate everyday meals with bold Middle Eastern taste and total control over your ingredients.

What Is Shawarma Spice?

I use this shawarma spice for many different dishes on my blog such as the Chicken Shawarma, the ever-popular Shawarma Ground beef and rice, green beans shawarma, as well as a low carb ground beef shawarma recipe I'm about to write up.

It's really easy, tasty, and keeps well, so feel free to double, triple, or quadruple the recipe if you want and use it liberally.

Ingredients You'll Need

Here’s what each ingredient is used for when making a Homemade Shawarma Spice Blend, including quantities and their roles in creating that signature flavor:

2 teaspoons Dried Oregano- Adds a subtle herbal note that balances the warmth of the other spices. It brings freshness and a slight bitterness that enhances savory meats and vegetables.
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon- Contributes a warm, slightly sweet aroma that gives shawarma its distinctive Middle Eastern depth. It rounds out the savory and spicy elements beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice- Offers a complex blend of flavors reminiscent of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It deepens the seasoning’s richness and adds warmth to the overall blend.
1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper- Introduces a gentle heat and a hint of smokiness. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
1 teaspoon Ground Cumin- Provides an earthy, nutty flavor that forms the backbone of many Middle Eastern spice blends. It adds warmth and complexity.
1 teaspoon Ground Coriander- Adds a bright, slightly citrusy flavor that lightens up the blend and complements the cumin perfectly.
1–2 teaspoons Salt- Enhances all the other spices, tying the flavors together and ensuring the seasoning fully penetrates the meat or vegetables.

How To Make Shawarma Spice

I feel silly listing this as a recipe, but the spices mixed alone are enough for a little help.

Here's what I do when I create my own Shawarma Spice:

In a clean coffee grinder, grind together all the spices, and store them in a cool, dark place.

That's right, one step. Put them all in a grinder and keep them in a cool, dark area like a spice cabinet or root cellar.

Tips And Tricks

Making your own Homemade Shawarma Spice Blend is a simple way to bring bold Middle Eastern flavors to your kitchen. With the right balance of warm, earthy, and aromatic spices, you can elevate everything from meats and veggies to rice and sauces. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to make the perfect blend every time:

Use Fresh Spices. The freshness of your spices makes all the difference. Older spices lose potency over time, so try to use ones that are less than six months old for the best aroma and flavor.
Mix Thoroughly. Ensure the spices are well blended so every scoop delivers consistent flavor. Shaking or whisking in a bowl works well.
Store Properly. Keep your spice blend in an airtight container away from light and heat.

Variations

Homemade Shawarma Spice Blend is incredibly versatile, and you can easily tailor it to your taste or the dish you’re preparing. Whether you prefer a spicier kick, a smokier flavor, or a milder, aromatic blend, there are endless ways to customize it. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Spicy- Add an extra ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for more heat. You can also mix in a pinch of chili powder for a layered, smoky spice.
Smoky- Substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika, and add a touch of ground chipotle or smoked salt to give the blend a rich, smoky depth that pairs beautifully with grilled meats.
Citrusy- Add 1 teaspoon of ground coriander and a little grated lemon zest or dried lemon peel for a bright, zesty flavor that complements chicken or fish.

What Do You Use It For?

The possibilities for this spice blend are abundant. It adds so much flavor and can transform a bland recipe into something amazing when you're short on ingredients.

Here are a few of my favorite things to make with this blend:

Shwarma Green Beans
Instant Pot Ground Beef and Rice Shawarma
Low Carb Beef Shawarma

How Long Does It Last?

While it may be flavorful for much longer, for the best Shawarma Spice Blend, use this within 6 months of grinding it at home.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze homemade shawarma spice blend, although it’s usually not necessary since dry spices have a long shelf life when stored properly. If you live in a humid climate or want to preserve freshness for an extended period, freezing can help maintain the flavor and aroma.

To freeze it, place the spice blend in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Store it away from moisture and light, and it will keep its potency for up to 6 months.

When you’re ready to use it, allow the blend to come to room temperature before opening the container to prevent condensation.

Want To Make More Homemade Spice Blends?

If you love this Shawarma Spice Blend recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.