Shawarma Sauce (5 Minutes!) (2024)

Home Recipe Index Dips and Spreads

Looking to up your shawarma game? My 5-minute shawarma white sauce is it! Made with a few ingredients, this creamy shawarma sauce is great for drizzling on beef or chicken shawarma and other grilled meats.

This quick and easy shawarma white sauce is a perfect paring for the richness of shawarma meat and adds depth of flavor. I love using this sauce for gyros, wraps, and other sandwiches. A few other great Middle Eastern sauces and dips to try include Middle Eastern Tahini Sauce Recipe, Toum (Lebanese Garlic Dip), and Homemade Hummus.

Recipe Highlights

Cultural Influence: Middle Eastern Cuisine

Suitable for: Gluten-Free and Vegetarian Diets

Dominant Flavor Profile: Creamy, Tangy, and Nutty

Skill Level Required: Beginner-Friendly

Why You’ll Love It: It’s perfect for shawarma, but also great as a dip, spread, or salad dressing. This sauce can be ready in just a few minutes using simple ingredients and has a unique flavor and texture.

Key Ingredients

• Greek Yogurt: Adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor. Pro Tip: Use full-fat yogurt for a richer sauce.

• Tahini: Provides a nutty, earthy taste. You can use homemade tahini or store-bought. I sometimes get questions about the consistency of tahini. If your tahini is too thick, stir in a bit of olive oil to thin it out.

• Garlic: Brings a robust, aromatic flavor. Grate the garlic or crush it using a mortar and pestle for a smoother consistency in the sauce.

• Lemon Juice: Offers a bright, zesty kick. Roll the lemon on the counter or warm it a few seconds in the microwave before juicing to extract more juice.

• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without being overly salty.

• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.

• Water (Optional): Helps adjust the consistency if needed. It’s best to add a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired thickness.

• Chopped Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make Shawarma White Sauce

Step 1

Add the tahini, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and water (if you’re using it) to a bowl.

Step 2

Whisk the ingredients until they’re all well-combined and you have a creamy texture. Add chopped parsley and whisk some more (save some parsley for garnish).

Final Step

Pour into your desired serving bowl, garnish with more fresh parsley, and serve chilled for best results.

Serving Suggestions

This easy white sauce goes with many dishes including chicken shawarma, beef shawarma and halal cart chicken and rice. I also love serving it with our favorite grilled spatchco*ck chicken, garlic chicken or grilled lamb chops.

If you’re looking to have a Middle Eastern feast with shawarma and this delicious sauce, here are some other sides to serve as well:

• Middle Eastern Pickled Turnips
• Pickled Red Onions
• Pickled Cabbage
• Sumac Onions
• Shredded Lettuce
• Sliced Tomatoes

Recipe Notes

• Customizable Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, gradually add water or lemon juice until you reach the desired consistency. This is especially useful if you’re drizzling the sauce over a salad.

• Flavor Boost: Let the sauce sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for an extra kick. This can elevate the sauce, especially when paired with grilled meats.

• Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or mint in place of parsley. This can give the sauce a unique twist and pair well with different types of shawarma.

• Roasted Garlic: For a milder garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of fresh. This adds a sweet, caramelized note that can be a delightful variation.

• Tahini Texture: If your tahini has separated and become thick, stir in a bit of warm water or olive oil to make it smoother before adding it to the sauce.

• Multi-Purpose Use: This sauce isn’t just for shawarma! Use it as a dip for veggies, a spread for sandwiches, or a dressing for salads.

Variations and Substitutes

Dairy-Free Version: Substitute Greek yogurt with a non-dairy yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt to make the sauce vegan-friendly. Ensure the yogurt is unsweetened to maintain the savory flavor.

Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add the zest of the lemon along with the juice. This enhances the tanginess and adds a fresh aroma to the sauce.

Vinegar Substitute: If you don’t have lemon juice, use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute. Adjust the quantity to taste, as vinegar is typically stronger than lemon juice.

How to Store Shawarma Sauce

Refrigeration: Store the shawarma sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5-7 days. This allows the flavors to meld together even more, enhancing the taste over time.

Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this sauce because it changes the yogurt’s texture.

Separation: If the sauce separates during storage, simply give it a good stir before serving. This is normal, especially if stored for several days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Sauces and Dips to Try