What Sauces Go With Shawarma? A Tasty Guide!

ByViolet ParkerEditorial Policy

Shawarma, a popular Middle Eastern dish, consists of thinly sliced marinated meat that is grilled on a vertical spit and then served in a pita bread or wrap.

The true magic of this delicious dish comes alive with the addition of various sauces, which enhance the flavours and bring out the essence of the succulent meat.

In this article, we’ll delve into the world of shawarma sauces, exploring both classic and spicy options to cater to every palette!

Sauces play a pivotal role in elevating the taste of shawarma, as they not only add layers of flavour, but also complement the distinct spices used in the marinade.

From traditional sauces such as tahini and garlic sauce to more unconventional choices, there’s a diverse range of options available for every shawarma lover.

Let’s get going…

What Sauces Go With Shawarma?

Some of the best sauces to serve with shawarma include:

  • Classic choices, like tahini, garlic, and yoghurt
  • Spicy options, including hot sauce, and harissa 
  • Creative pairings, such as tzatziki, and hummus

Next, we’ll take a look at why these sauces are such good accompaniments, and share some simple and easy to follow recipes to try at home… 

Classic Shawarma Sauces

Tahini Sauce

Tahini sauce is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, often used as a delicious topping for shawarma. Made primarily from sesame paste, this sauce offers a nutty flavour that complements the spiced meat beautifully.

To make your own tahini sauce, you’ll need:

  • Tahini paste
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic
  • Water
  • Salt

Simply mix the ingredients together until they reach a smooth consistency.

Adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences, and feel free to add fresh herbs or spices for an extra layer of flavour.

Garlic Sauce

Garlic sauce is a creamy, tangy option that adds a lovely zing to your shawarma.

The combination of garlic and mayonnaise provides a rich, savoury base, while a squeeze of lemon juice balances the taste with a hint of acidity.

To make garlic sauce, gather the following ingredients:

  • Mayonnaise
  • Garlic
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt

Blend all the ingredients together and refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving; doing so helps the flavours to meld beautifully.

Yogurt Sauce

Yogurt sauce is another classic option for topping your shawarma.

With a smooth, creamy texture, yogurt sauce imparts a slight tanginess that cuts through the richness of the spiced meat. It’s a versatile option that can be easily adapted to suit your tastes.

To whip up a batch of yogurt sauce, simply mix:

  • Greek yogurt
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Fresh herbs, such as mint or dill (optional)

This simple sauce has the added benefit of being a healthier alternative to the other options. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even a touch of cucumber for a refreshing twist.

Spicy Sauce Options

Hot Sauce

Adding a bit of your favourite hot sauce to your shawarma is a simple yet effective way to introduce some spice into your meal.

A few drops of hot sauce can provide a considerable kick and pair well with the bold flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Hot sauces come in various heat levels and flavour profiles, so it’s easy to find one that suits your taste buds.

Feel free to experiment with hot sauces like Tabasco, Sriracha, or even homemade ones to find the perfect blend of heat and flavour for your shawarma.

Harissa

If you’re searching for a spicy sauce with an authentic Middle Eastern flair, look no further than harissa.

This North African chilli paste combines roasted red peppers, garlic, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds, making it a delightful addition to your shawarma.

Harissa is not only spicy but also rich in flavour, adding a smoky depth to your meal. A little goes a long way; you can mix it with yogurt or tahini to tone down the heat if desired. As you develop a taste for harissa, you’ll find that it becomes a go-to condiment for your shawarma, as well as other dishes in your culinary repertoire.

So next time you’re craving a bit of heat on your shawarma, try adding some hot sauce or harissa – you won’t be disappointed.

Diverse Pairings

Tzatziki

Tzatziki is a refreshing, creamy sauce made from a base of yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill.

To make a homemade tzatziki, start by grating cucumber, combining it with yoghurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, a splash of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.

When you try tzatziki with your shawarma, you’ll notice it adds a cool, tangy touch that complements the bold flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine.

Falafel

Although falafel itself is not a sauce, it can be an exciting partner to shawarma.

These deep-fried balls made from ground chickpeas or fava beans absorb sauces beautifully.

To make your own falafel, combine mashed chickpeas, minced onion, garlic, parsley, and spices like cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper.

Next, shape the mixture into balls and deep-fry until crispy. Enjoy your shawarma wrapped in falafel, dipped in your choice of sauce, or both!

Hummus

Hummus is a classic Middle Eastern dip made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil.

It’s perfect for enjoying alongside your shawarma, as its creaminess helps balance the rich flavours of the meat.

To prepare hummus at home, simply blend cooked chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth.

Season with salt, and you’re ready to serve. Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional ingredients like roasted red peppers, olives, or pine nuts to make your hummus even more enticing.

Ketchup

While not a traditional Middle Eastern sauce, ketchup can still be a tasty addition to your shawarma experience.

As a familiar and versatile condiment, ketchup adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that cuts through the savoury and aromatic flavours of shawarma.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even customise your ketchup by adding spices like paprika or cinnamon to give it a hint of Middle Eastern flair.

Homemade Sauce Recipes

Preparation and Cooking

To prepare a perfect sauce for your shawarma, start by gathering your ingredients.

A popular choice is the tahini sauce, made from sesame seeds and with a nutty flavour. You’ll need:

  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 6 medium cloves garlic (pressed)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh dill (diced)
  • 10 fresh medium mint leaves (diced)
  • 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (depending on taste preference)

To make the sauce, simply whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, and tahini in a mixing bowl.

Next, add the pressed garlic, diced dill, and mint leaves. Season with salt according to your taste preference.

Mix well to combine all the ingredients. The total time for preparing and mixing the sauce should take you about 10 minutes.

Storing and Serving

Once you have prepared your sauce, it’s essential to store it properly.

Transfer the shawarma sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This will help the flavours to meld and intensify, providing an even better taste. If stored in the refrigerator, this sauce can last up to a week.

When it’s time to serve, remove the sauce from the refrigerator and give it a quick stir to recombine any ingredients that may have settled.

Enjoy your homemade shawarma sauce with freshly cooked chicken shawarma or even as a dip for some warm pita bread.

Essential Seasonings and Spices

Basic Spices

The foundation of a good shawarma lies in its blend of spices. Here are some essential spices that you should include in your shawarma seasoning:

  • Cumin: This aromatic spice adds a distinct earthy and warm flavour. It’s a key component in Middle Eastern cuisine and is commonly used in shawarma recipes.
  • Coriander: Coriander is another crucial spice in Middle Eastern cuisine. Its citrusy and sweet flavour complements cumin perfectly.
  • Sumac: A slightly tart and fruity spice, sumac adds a vibrant red colour and a tangy touch to your shawarma.
  • Salt and pepper: The most basic of seasonings, salt enhances the flavours of all the other spices, while pepper adds a little kick.

You can also experiment with other spices such as turmeric, paprika, and cinnamon to create a unique shawarma spice blend.

Herbs and Fresh Flavours

To add depth and freshness to your shawarma, include some of these herbs and fresh ingredients:

  • Mint: This refreshing herb brings a cooling element to balance out the warmth of the spices. Finely chopped or dried mint can be added to your seasoning mix.
  • Oregano: Another popular herb in Middle Eastern cuisine, oregano lends a slightly bitter and pungent flavour that enhances the overall taste.
  • Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, grassy note to your shawarma. You can use it as a garnish or mix it into your spice blend.

Incorporating these essential seasonings and spices into your shawarma will not only enhance its taste but also provide an authentic Middle Eastern flavour.

So don’t hesitate to get creative and let your taste buds guide you in crafting your ideal shawarma seasoning!