What Is Shawarma?

Shawarma is a popular street food served in Middle Eastern Countries. Thin cuts of meat were seasoned with shawarma seasoning, then they were pressed together to form a cone shape. This is slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie.

The first time I saw shawarma was when I lived in Leicester, England at the kebab shops. Since being vegan, I always wanted to create my own homemade version, like my homemade Jamaican Jerk Sauce, Vegan BBQ Sauce. Vegan Tzatziki Sauce

Shawarma Seasoning

Making your own homemade shawarma seasoning reduces the possibility of ingesting a store-bought spice blend with added gluten.  In a 2013 Survey Of Gluten In Spices, from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). It was found that 24% of the spices tested (24 out of 268) had detectable levels of gluten.

Fortunately, the USA and Canada require gluten-containing ingredients to be declared on the labels however, in facilities that are not totally gluten-free, cross-contamination may occur.

Whether you are gluten-free or not, making your own spice blends are best:

  1. You get to chose what goes in your blend. You get to use fresh herbs and spices so the flavor will be more potent.
  2. You can control the spice level, you can eliminate the chili or cayenne pepper or add more or less.
  3. You can control the amount of sodium.
  4. It is so lovely to give your spice blends as gifts. 
  5. It tastes way better than store-bought.
Shawarma seasoning ingredients on a white plate, paprika, cumin, allspice, turmeric, ginger, cayenne pepper, garlic powder.

What Is Shawarma Spice Made Of?

Shawarma is a Middle Eastern Spice blend, Making your own Shawarma spice blend is so easy, the main flavors come from the cumin, allspice, and paprika. I used smoked paprika for more flavor to imitate the smoky grilled flavor of traditional shawarma. It is traditionally used as a rub for lamb, beef, or chicken but I find it works great with chickpeas or Shawarma Tofu. 

  • Cumin
  • Allspice
  • Cardamom
  • Garlic
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Turmeric
  • Cinnamon
  • Ginger
  • Oregano
  • Cayenne Pepper

How To Make Shawarma Seasoning?

This is a quick and easy spice blend, all you do is add the spices to a glass jar and shake to blend. Store in a cool dry place for 8 months. Delicious addition for rice, curries, scrambled tofu, steamed, baked or grilled vegetables. Use Shawarma seasoning recipe for making Shawarma Tofu

Add Shawarma Seasoning To Boost These Recipes

Other Homemade Seasoning Blends

  1. Easy Curry Powder
  2. Creole Seasoning Recipe
  3. Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
  4. Homemade Chili Powder
  5. Chicken-Style Seasoning
Shawarma seasoning blend in a glass jar with ingredients in the background on a white plate

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Categories

Nutrition

(Per serving)
  • Energy: 28 kcal / 117 kJ
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Carbs: 6 g

Cook Time

  • Preparation: 4 min
  • Ready in: 4 min
  • For: 4 Servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Combine the spices in an airtight container and shake to blend.
  2. Store in a cool dry place for 8 months.
Recipe author's Gravatar image

Michelle Blackwood, RN

Hi, I’m Michelle, I’m the voice, content creator and photographer behind Healthier Steps. I share vegan and gluten-free recipes because of past health issues. My goal is to help you make healthier choices and show you how healthy eating is easy and delicious.