Even the same set of ingredients in the filling can be transformed beyond recognition by an interesting sauce. Ketchup and mayonnaise are quick and easy, of course, but sometimes you crave variety. We've gathered some better options for you! Here are 12 of the most delicious homemade shawarma sauce recipes!
1. Classic Shawarma Sauce
The very same sauce they use at your favorite stand!
You will need:
- 100 ml kefir
- 150 ml mayonnaise
- 4 tbsp sour cream
- 2 cloves garlic
- Herbs and spices
Preparation:
Mix kefir with sour cream and mayonnaise, add spices and chopped herbs. Mince the garlic with a grater or press and add it to the sauce as well. Paprika, black pepper, and khmeli-suneli are excellent choices for spices.
2. Tomato Shawarma Sauce
Combine this sauce with the previous one for a brighter and more diverse flavor.
You will need:
- 150 g tomatoes
- 50 g tomato paste
- 40 ml olive oil
- 100 g bell pepper
- 75 g onion
- 20 g cilantro
- Pinch of red pepper, salt, and sugar
Preparation:
Peel the tomatoes, chop them, and sauté with the onion. Add the bell pepper, other ingredients, and simmer until the sauce thickens. Blend the vegetables and finally add finely chopped herbs.
3. Yogurt Shawarma Sauce
A very light and diet-friendly low-calorie sauce recipe.
You will need:
- 100 ml yogurt
- 10 ml lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- Pinch of pepper and oregano
- 10 coriander seeds
- 5 olives
Preparation:
Blend lemon juice, mustard, oregano, coriander, and pepper in a blender. Mix this blend with yogurt and finally add finely chopped olives.
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4. Spicy Shawarma Sauce
This sauce is sure to please those who love a bit of heat!
You will need:
- 100 g tomato paste
- 100 g tomatoes
- 20 ml olive oil
- 20 g spicy adjika
- Half a hot chili pepper
- 20 g chopped cilantro
- 10 ml lemon juice
Preparation:
Peel the tomatoes and lightly simmer them in olive oil with spices. Add tomato paste, chopped hot pepper, and spices to taste. Put all ingredients into a blender, blend, and finally add herbs to the sauce.
5. Garlic Shawarma Sauce
You can combine fresh garlic with dried granulated garlic.
You will need:
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp kefir
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Pepper
Preparation:
Press the garlic into a blender, add eggs, salt, and pepper, then blend. Gradually pour in the oil with lemon juice while continuing to blend. Finally, add the kefir – and your shawarma sauce is ready!
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6. Asian Shawarma Sauce
This is probably the simplest and most versatile homemade Asian shawarma sauce!
You will need:
- 200 ml freshly squeezed apple juice
- 3 tsp chili pepper
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp teriyaki
- Coriander
Preparation:
Strain the apple juice to remove pulp and gently warm it in a saucepan. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat until the sauce thickens.
7. Honey Mustard Shawarma Sauce
Another classic sauce option that works well with almost any filling.
You will need:
- 2 tbsp each of Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, sour cream
- 1 tbsp each of olive oil and honey
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Ground white pepper
Preparation:
Finely chop the garlic with a knife or garlic press. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add other spices, herbs, sesame oil, or chili to taste.
8. Cream Cheese Shawarma Sauce
This creates a very delicate cream cheese mixture, perfect for spreading on lavash.
You will need:
- 120 g cream cheese
- 1 cucumber
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic
- Herbs and salt
Preparation:
Mix sour cream with mayonnaise, grate the cucumber finely, and chop the herbs and garlic. Lightly squeeze excess liquid from the cucumber mixture, mix all ingredients, season with salt and spices.
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9. Pesto Shawarma Sauce
If you're looking for something fresher, lighter, and with a pronounced herbal flavor – try this shawarma sauce!
You will need:
- Large bunch of basil, cilantro, or other aromatic herbs
- 50 g Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic
- 150 ml olive oil
Preparation:
Rinse and dry the herbs, grate the Parmesan cheese, and place everything in a blender. Optionally, add a handful of pine nuts or any other nuts. Blend the sauce until smooth.
10. Cheese Shawarma Sauce
This sauce will be quite thick and gooey, but much better than store-bought versions!
You will need:
- 200 g cream cheese
- 150 g brined cheese (like feta or halloumi)
- 50 g hard cheese
- Spices to taste
Preparation:
Grate the hard cheese finely, and dice the others. Blend everything in a blender and add spices to taste. Alternatively, melt the cheese in a saucepan with a small amount of cream, but this takes longer and requires careful attention to prevent burning.
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11. Curry Shawarma Sauce
We've found the simplest curry sauce recipe for you!
You will need:
- 20 g butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 5 tsp curry powder
- 200 ml milk
- Pinch of salt
Preparation:
Melt the butter and lightly sauté the flour with curry powder over minimal heat. Slowly pour in the milk or cream and simmer, stirring, until thickened. If there are lumps, blend the sauce with an immersion blender.
12. Mango Shawarma Sauce
In Arabic and Israeli cuisine, this sweet and spicy shawarma sauce is called "Amba".
You will need:
- 1 large mango
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 tsp each of coriander, cumin, curry, turmeric, and chili flakes
- 2 cloves garlic
- 60 g sugar
- 4 tsp lemon juice
- 100-200 ml water and salt
Preparation:
Sauté the garlic in oil and add the spices to release their aroma. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour water, lemon juice, and sugar, add the chopped mango, and cook until soft. Then add the oil with spices, simmer, and purée with a blender. The sauce needs to steep for 6-8 hours in the refrigerator.