Description
This easy 5-minute shawarma marinade is a flavorful blend of Middle Eastern spices and ingredients designed to tenderize and infuse your choice of meat or vegetables with a delicious, aromatic taste. Perfect for grilling, this marinade combines olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, and a vibrant mix of cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, ginger, oregano, turmeric, and optional cayenne for a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 2 pounds meat or veggies of choice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons honey (or pure maple syrup or agave, if vegan)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon ground turmeric
- Optional: up to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt to taste (approx. 1 ½ teaspoons)
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix the Shawarma Marinade: In a bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, smashed garlic, honey (or maple syrup/agave), ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, dried oregano, ground turmeric, and optional cayenne pepper. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Whisk or shake thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Marinate: Pour the prepared marinade over your choice of meat or vegetables. Ensure the pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate, allowing the ingredients to marinate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, or up to 2 days for maximum flavor absorption.
- Grill: Remove the marinated meat or veggies from the fridge and grill them over medium-high heat until cooked through and nicely charred, according to your preference for doneness. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant, savory shawarma flavors.
Notes
- Marinating time can be adjusted; longer marination yields more intense flavors.
- Vegetarian and vegan options work great with vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, or tofu.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for desired heat level.
- Honey can be replaced with pure maple syrup or agave to make it vegan-friendly.
- Kosher salt amount can be altered based on dietary salt restrictions.
