Although shawarma originally comes from the Middle East, it has now become an integral part of the Dutch kitchen. Whether you choose a shawarma sandwich for lunch, a quick bite from the grillroom or a kapsalon after a night out – shawarma remains popular.
More and more often we make shawarma at home. And that is exactly what this blog is about: how do you make the tastiest shawarma yourself? What are good shawarma spices? Which meat do you use? And how many grams of shawarma do you need per person?
Here you discover the secret of the grillroom – and yes, it’s mainly in the spices.
What is shawarma and where does it come from?
Shawarma originally comes from the Middle East. The word literally means ‘turning’, referring to the vertical spit on which the meat is slowly cooked.
In a grillroom, thin strips of meat are cut from the rotating spit and served immediately in a pita or used in a kapsalon.
Today we mostly make it at home – in the pan, oven or airfryer – but the base remains the same: well-marinated meat with a powerful spice mix.
Which meat do you use for shawarma?
Traditionally shawarma is made from:
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Lamb
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Chicken
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Beef
Because shawarma comes from a region where many people are Muslim, pork is originally not used. In the Netherlands, however, pork shawarma is commonly found in supermarkets.
How much shawarma per person?
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On average plan for 150 grams of shawarma meat per person for a meal.
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For a shawarma sandwich use about 75–100 grams of meat per pita (2 sandwiches per person).
What is in shawarma spices?
The base of shawarma spices almost always consists of:
For extra flavor people often add:
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Cinnamon (a pinch)
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Salt
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Sometimes clove or allspice
The exact composition varies by region and by cook, but cumin is usually the main flavoring.
Make your own shawarma spices (recipe)
Want to make your own shawarma spices? Use this base:
Basic ratio:
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2 tsp cumin
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2 tsp coriander
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika powder
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Pinch of cinnamon
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Pinch of chili
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Salt to taste
Mix everything well and store in a sealed jar. Make some extra right away – that way you always have a homemade shawarma mix ready.
Ready-made shawarma spices: convenient and balanced
Want to save time? Then you can choose ready-made shawarma spices.
In our R&D center we have developed several variants:
Amsterdam shawarma spices
More emphasis on cumin. Spicy and slightly hot.
Rotterdam shawarma spices
Contains clove and allspice. Warmer and fuller in flavor.
We also offer salt-free shawarma spices, so you can control your salt intake yourself – without sacrificing flavor.
Recipe: Classic shawarma sandwich
Ingredients (2 people)
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300 grams shawarma meat (chicken, beef or lamb)
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2–4 pita breads
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tsp shawarma spices
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Lettuce
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Tomato
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Cucumber
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Onion
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Garlic sauce (try our Groovy Garlic Low Calorie Sauce) or tzatziki
Preparation
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Mix the shawarma spices with olive oil.
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Rub the meat with the marinade and let rest for 15 minutes.
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Meanwhile, cut the vegetables.
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Warm the pitas according to the package instructions.
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Cook the meat in a blazing hot pan until done in a few minutes.
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Fill the pita with vegetables, shawarma and sauce.
Tip: use Greek yogurt with cucumber and herbs for a fresh, lighter tzatziki.
Recipe: Make kapsalon yourself
Ingredients (2 people)
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300 grams shawarma meat
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500 grams fries
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150 grams grated young cheese
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Lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion
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Garlic sauce (try our Groovy Garlic Low Calorie Sauce) or tzatziki
Preparation
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Marinate the meat for 15 minutes.
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Cook the meat in a hot pan.
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Prepare the fries in the oven, airfryer or fryer.
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Place fries in an oven dish.
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Spread the shawarma over them.
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Cover with cheese.
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Bake 10–15 minutes at 200 °C until the cheese is melted.
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Finish with vegetables and sauce.
This way you combine crispy fries, spicy meat, melted cheese and fresh vegetables in one dish.
Complete your shawarma with the right sauce
Well-seasoned shawarma is the base, but the sauce really finishes the dish. Whether you choose a shawarma sandwich or a homemade kapsalon: a fresh garlic sauce, creamy mayo or slightly sweet barbecue sauce provides balance between spicy, fresh and savory.
Want to enjoy consciously without sacrificing flavor? Then you can combine your shawarma with our Natural Zero sauces. These sauces contain fewer calories and less sugar, but are just as full of flavor. Ideal for those who want a healthier choice, without compromising on experience.
View the full range here:
https://www.naturalspices.nl/marinades-en-sauzen/natural-zero-sauzen
Making shawarma: the most important tips
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Slice the meat thinly for a nice crust.
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Always cook in a hot pan.
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Do not marinate the meat for too long (15–30 min is sufficient).
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Use enough cumin for that typical flavor.
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Make extra spice mix and store airtight.
Frequently asked questions about shawarma (FAQ)
1. What is the most important spice in shawarma spices?
Cumin is the dominant flavoring and provides the typical Middle Eastern aroma.
2. How much shawarma do you need per person?
Allow approximately 150 grams of meat per person for a main course.
3. Can you make shawarma vegetarian?
Yes, you can use shawarma spices on vegetarian pieces, oyster mushrooms or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
4. How long should shawarma marinate?
About 15 to 30 minutes is sufficient to absorb flavor.
5. Can you make shawarma in the airfryer?
Yes, spread the meat out in the basket and cook 6–10 minutes at 180 °C, depending on the amount and thickness.
Conclusion
Making shawarma is not complicated at all. With the right shawarma spices – homemade or ready-made – you can serve a shawarma sandwich or kapsalon at home that can compete with the grillroom.
Whether you go for classic, spicy or low-salt: the base is always the same. Good spices, hot cooking and fresh toppings.
And watch out… before you know it friends and family will be at your table every weekend.
