Shawarma Sauce Recipe

Elevate Your Meals with a Zesty Homemade Shawarma Sauce Recipe

Crafting the perfect shawarma sauce requires a delicate balance of tangy and creamy ingredients that elevate your culinary experience.

Mediterranean street food lovers know this condiment can make or break the entire dish.

Bold flavors dance across your palate with each zesty dollop.

Creamy yogurt provides a smooth foundation for sharp garlic and bright lemon juice.

Aromatic spices like cumin and paprika add depth and complexity to the mix.

You can easily whip up this irresistible sauce in mere minutes.

Let’s unlock the secret to creating a restaurant-quality shawarma sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Shawarma Sauce Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the key flavor components in this Shawarma Sauce?

The sauce combines tangy yogurt, creamy mayonnaise, zesty garlic, and dried mint, creating a rich and complex flavor profile with a balance of creamy, herbal, and slightly acidic notes.

  • Can I make the Shawarma Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 3-4 days in advance. Refrigerating the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to blend and intensify, making it even more delicious.

  • Is this sauce suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

The sauce contains dairy (yogurt and mayonnaise), so it’s not vegan or suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals. However, you can use dairy-free alternatives like plant-based yogurt and vegan mayonnaise.

Reasons to Love Shawarma Sauce

  • Create Flavor Explosion: This shawarma sauce packs a punch with its creamy, tangy blend of mayonnaise, yogurt, and zesty garlic that transforms any dish into a taste adventure.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust the sauce's consistency and flavor by adding water or tweaking seasonings, making it perfect for personal taste preferences and different culinary styles.
  • Versatile Culinary Companion: Drizzle over grilled meats, use as a dip for vegetables, spread on sandwiches, or incorporate into wraps for an instant flavor boost that elevates simple meals.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify, making it a smart solution for quick and delicious meal preparations.

Shawarma Sauce Ingredients List

Creamy Base:
  • Mayonnaise: A rich and smooth condiment that provides a creamy texture to the sauce.
  • Plain Yogurt: Adds a tangy flavor and helps create a lighter, more balanced sauce.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic (Minced): Brings a sharp, aromatic punch to the shawarma sauce.
  • Olive Oil: Contributes a smooth, rich undertone and helps blend the ingredients.
  • Vinegar: Adds a subtle acidic note that brightens the overall flavor profile.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Sugar, Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Mint: A harmonious mix of sweet, salty, spicy, and herbal notes that rounds out the sauce's complex flavor.

How to Make Shawarma Sauce

Step 1: Blend Creamy Base

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk mayonnaise and yogurt together until they become perfectly smooth and silky.

Step 2: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

Add these ingredients to create a flavor explosion:
  • Minced garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Vinegar

Whisk everything together until fully incorporated and the mixture looks uniform.

Step 3: Season With Zesty Spices

Sprinkle in these taste-enhancing elements:
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Dried mint

Mix thoroughly to ensure all spices distribute evenly throughout the sauce.

Step 4: Perfect the Taste Profile

Give the sauce a quick taste test. Feel free to adjust seasonings according to your preference. If you want a lighter consistency, splash in some water or extra yogurt until you reach your desired texture.

Step 5: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the sauce and tuck it into the refrigerator. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes, allowing all those incredible flavors to dance and mingle together. This resting period transforms a good sauce into an extraordinary one.

Tips for Making Shawarma Sauce Perfect

  • Chill the sauce for maximum flavor infusion, letting the ingredients marry and develop a deeper taste profile.
  • Use fresh garlic for a more vibrant and robust flavor that elevates the entire sauce.
  • Adjust the consistency by adding water or yogurt if you prefer a lighter, more drizzle-friendly texture.
  • Experiment with mint quantity to suit your personal taste preference, balancing the herb's intensity.
  • Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.

Delicious Shawarma Sauce Variations

  • Spicy Kick Shawarma Sauce: Add sriracha or hot sauce for a fiery flavor profile that brings extra heat to your dish.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Replace dried mint with fresh chopped parsley, cilantro, or dill for a bright, aromatic sauce.
  • Lemon Zest Edition: Incorporate fresh lemon zest and juice to create a tangy, citrusy version that enhances the sauce's brightness.
  • Mediterranean Blend: Mix in za'atar spice blend or sumac for an authentic Middle Eastern taste that elevates the traditional sauce.

Best Foods to Pair with Shawarma Sauce

  • Elevate Shawarma Sauce Pairings
  • Complement Creamy Texture: Serve with crisp, warm pita bread or fluffy lavash to balance the sauce's smooth consistency and provide a delightful dipping experience.
  • Boost Mediterranean Flavors: Pair with grilled chicken, lamb, or falafel to enhance the sauce's tangy profile and complement traditional Middle Eastern proteins.
  • Refresh with Cool Beverages: Enjoy alongside refreshing mint tea or a chilled glass of ayran (yogurt drink) to echo the sauce's minty notes and cool down spicy elements.
  • Enhance Vegetable Sides: Drizzle over fresh cucumber salad or roasted vegetable medley to add zesty brightness and creamy depth to simple vegetable dishes.

How to Store Shawarma Sauce Properly

  • Store the shawarma sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Gently whisk or stir the sauce before serving, as separation may occur during storage.
  • Pour sauce into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
  • Discard if you notice any unusual smell, color change, or signs of spoilage. Always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent contamination.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Shawarma Sauce Recipe

Shawarma Sauce Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy garlic shawarma sauce blends Middle Eastern zest with tangy yogurt, creating a luscious condiment that elevates any dish. Rich Mediterranean flavors dance across your palate, promising a delightful culinary journey you won’t soon forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 teaspoon dried mint
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar

Instructions

  1. Combine mayonnaise and yogurt in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly until achieving a uniform, creamy texture.
  2. Incorporate minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and vinegar into the mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth blend.
  3. Sprinkle sugar, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried mint into the sauce, mixing meticulously to ensure even distribution of all seasonings.
  4. Evaluate the sauce’s flavor profile, adjusting seasonings as needed. If a lighter consistency is desired, gradually introduce small amounts of water or additional yogurt.
  5. Seal the sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their combined flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by using fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a more vibrant and robust taste profile.
  • Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or white wine vinegar to create unique flavor variations.
  • For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for regular yogurt to increase protein and reduce overall calories.
  • Customize the sauce’s spiciness by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for those who enjoy extra heat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 188 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.8 g
  • Sodium: 191 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1.2 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 1.1 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star