Shawarma Sauce Recipe

Homemade Shawarma Sauce Recipe: Bold Flavors in Every Drizzle

Zesty and creamy shawarma sauce brings Mediterranean magic to your kitchen with a burst of tantalizing flavors.

This simple yet extraordinary sauce captures the essence of street food dreams.

Restaurants often guard their secret recipes, but you can now recreate an authentic blend at home.

Professional chefs know the power of a perfect sauce to elevate any dish.

The combination of yogurt, garlic, and spices creates a mouthwatering drizzle that turns ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Each dollop promises a journey through vibrant culinary traditions.

Prepare to transform your meals with this irresistible sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Shawarma Sauce What Makes It Special

  • This shawarma sauce comes together in mere minutes, making it a speedy solution for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • The recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to adjust herbs, garlic intensity, and tanginess to perfectly match your personal taste preferences.
  • Beyond shawarma, this creamy sauce works magic on grilled meats, salads, wraps, and as a delicious dipping sauce for vegetables or pita chips.
  • With its bright, fresh ingredients and creamy texture, this sauce appeals to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed hit at family meals and gatherings.

Shawarma Sauce Ingredient Rundown

Sauce Base:
  • Yogurt: A creamy and tangy foundation that provides a smooth texture for the shawarma sauce.
  • Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps create a thick, velvety consistency.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Delivers a pungent and aromatic kick that is essential to the sauce's bold flavor profile.
  • Lemon Juice: Introduces a bright, citrusy note that balances the creamy base and adds freshness.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that help to bring out and enhance the overall taste of the sauce.
Herbs:
  • Fresh Herbs: Green and vibrant herbs that provide an additional layer of flavor and visual appeal to the shawarma sauce.

Tools for Mixing Shawarma Sauce at Home

  • Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk or spoon: Perfect for blending yogurt, mayo, and herbs together.
  • Cutting board: Surface for chopping fresh herbs neatly.
  • Sharp knife: Essential for finely mincing garlic and herbs.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps add precise amounts of salt and pepper.
  • Measuring cups: Accurate for measuring yogurt and lemon juice.

How to Make Classic Shawarma Sauce

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, blend smooth yogurt with velvety mayonnaise until they create a uniform, silky texture.

The combination should look creamy and inviting.

Step 2: Flavor Explosion

Add these vibrant ingredients to your creamy base:
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything together with enthusiasm, letting the flavors mingle and dance.

Step 3: Herb Magic

Chop your favorite fresh herbs – think bright green parsley or zesty cilantro – and gently fold them into the sauce.

This step adds a fresh, aromatic touch that makes the sauce sing.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give your shawarma sauce a quick taste.

Feel free to add a pinch more salt, a splash of lemon, or extra herbs to make it perfectly balanced.

The goal is a sauce that’s tangy, creamy, and bursting with flavor.

Step 5: Chill and Let Flavors Develop

Cover the sauce and pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

This resting time allows the herbs and garlic to infuse their magic, creating a more robust and delicious sauce.

Step 6: Ready to Serve

Pull out your sauce and give it a final stir.

It’s now ready to drizzle over shawarma, use as a dip, or spread on wraps.

Enjoy the explosion of Mediterranean-inspired flavors!

Shawarma Sauce Tips from Authentic Cooks

  • Let the sauce sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow herbs and garlic to release their full aromatic profiles.
  • Use fresh parsley and mint for authentic Middle Eastern taste, finely chopping to distribute flavors evenly.
  • Strain yogurt beforehand to create a thicker, creamier sauce that clings better to shawarma meats.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne or sriracha for those who enjoy a spicy kick without overwhelming the delicate sauce.
  • Keep sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, giving flavors time to meld and develop depth.

Shawarma Sauce Twist Ideas to Try

  • Vegan Shawarma Sauce: Swap yogurt with coconut yogurt and mayo with vegan mayo for a plant-based alternative that's creamy and tangy.
  • Spicy Middle Eastern Version: Add harissa paste or sriracha to boost heat and create a zesty, bold flavor profile.
  • Low-Calorie Option: Replace full-fat yogurt and mayo with Greek yogurt and light mayo to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use almond milk yogurt and olive oil-based vegan mayo to create a lactose-free sauce that's still rich and flavorful.

The Best Ways to Serve Shawarma Sauce

  • Zesty Dip Delight: Serve the creamy shawarma sauce as a vibrant dipping companion for crispy pita chips, fresh vegetable sticks, or grilled flatbreads.
  • Mediterranean Drizzle Magic: Generously pour the sauce over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or falafel to instantly elevate the flavor profile with tangy, herbal notes.
  • Sandwich and Wrap Enhancer: Spread a generous layer of the sauce inside wraps, sandwiches, or gyros to add a luxurious, creamy texture and bright, fresh taste that complements savory fillings.
  • Salad Flavor Booster: Use the sauce as a unique salad dressing, mixing it into green salads or drizzling over grain bowls for an extra burst of Mediterranean-inspired zest.

Storing Shawarma Sauce for Maximum Freshness

  • Seal sauce in a glass jar or plastic container with a tight lid, keeping it fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
  • Pour sauce into ice cube trays, freeze solid, transfer frozen cubes to a freezer bag for convenient portioned storage up to 3 months.
  • Stir sauce gently before serving if any liquid has separated during storage, restoring its creamy texture.
  • Remove frozen sauce cubes from freezer, let thaw in refrigerator overnight or place in a bowl of cool water for faster defrosting.

FAQs

  • What makes shawarma sauce creamy?

The combination of yogurt and mayonnaise creates a rich, smooth base that gives the sauce its signature creamy texture and tangy flavor.

  • Can I make the sauce spicy?

Yes, you can add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or sriracha to increase the heat level according to your preference.

  • How long can I keep the shawarma sauce in the refrigerator?

The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, maintaining its fresh taste and creamy consistency.

  • Are the fresh herbs necessary for the sauce?

While herbs like parsley or cilantro add a bright, fresh flavor, they are optional. The sauce will still taste delicious without them if you don’t have herbs on hand.

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Shawarma Sauce Recipe

Shawarma Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy Lebanese shawarma sauce blends tangy yogurt with zesty garlic and herbs for an authentic Middle Eastern condiment. Home cooks can easily whip up this flavorful sauce to elevate grilled meats and sandwiches.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt, plain whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 34 garlic cloves, minced

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper

Optional Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) tahini
  • Fresh dill (as alternative to parsley)

Instructions

  1. Whisk yogurt and mayonnaise together in a medium mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended.
  2. Finely mince fresh garlic cloves and incorporate into the creamy base.
  3. Squeeze fresh lemon juice directly into the mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  4. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring thoroughly.
  5. Chop fresh herbs like parsley and mint, gently fold into the sauce until evenly integrated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving as a condiment or dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Garlic intensity matters: Adjust minced garlic quantity based on personal preference, ranging from mild to bold flavor profiles.
  • Herb freshness boosts taste: Use freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro for vibrant, zesty sauce that elevates the entire dish.
  • Texture tip: Strain yogurt beforehand for a thicker, creamier sauce consistency that clings perfectly to shawarma meats.
  • Dietary flexibility: Swap regular yogurt with Greek yogurt for higher protein content or use dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt for vegan versions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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