This shawarma marinade is packed with bold, Middle Eastern spices that make your chicken, beef, or tofu taste absolutely amazing. It’s savory, warm, a little tangy, and just the right amount of garlicky. All you do is mix, marinate, and cook—no special tools or tricks.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this when I was craving shawarma but didn’t want to go out. I had some chicken and a spice rack full of flavor—so I gave it a shot. Now it’s one of my favorite go-to marinades for meal prep or casual dinner nights.
Here’s why I keep coming back to it:
- 🧄 Big flavor from simple pantry spices
- ⏱️ Just 5 minutes to mix up
- 🥙 Perfect for wraps, bowls, or salads
- 🍗 Works with any protein—chicken, beef, tofu, mushrooms
- 🌟 Tastes even better the next day
⏰ Time to Make: 5 minutes
🍽️ Enough For: 1.5 to 2 pounds of meat, tofu, or veggies
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper for heat
How to Make Shawarma Marinade
1. Start with Garlic and Lemon Juice
In a small bowl, combine minced garlic and fresh lemon juice.
2. Add the Olive Oil
Pour in the olive oil to mix with the lemon and garlic.
3. Add the Spices
Stir in cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, coriander, salt, pepper, and optional cayenne.
4. Whisk Until Blended
Whisk everything together until smooth and well mixed.
5. Use or Store It
Pour over meat, tofu, or mushrooms. Marinate for at least 1 hour, up to 8 hours. Store leftover marinade in the fridge for up to 5 days.
What to Serve With It
Once cooked, your shawarma-style meat or tofu is perfect with:
- 🥙 Warm pita or flatbread
- 🥗 Chopped cucumber-tomato salad
- 🍚 Fluffy rice or couscous
- 🧄 Garlic yogurt sauce or hummus
- 🌶️ Pickled onions or peppers
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! The marinade can be made 3–5 days ahead and stored in the fridge.
Is this spicy?
Only if you add the cayenne. Otherwise, it’s warm and earthy, not hot.
Can I use it for beef or lamb?
Totally! It’s great for flank steak, ground beef, or lamb chops.
Can I cook it in the oven or skillet?
Yes—bake at 400°F or sear in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Can I freeze marinated meat?
Yep! Add marinade to meat in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Enjoy!
This Shawarma Marinade brings big flavor without any fuss. It’s warm, zesty, and transforms your everyday ingredients into something totally crave-worthy. 🌯🔥🧄