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Middle Eastern Seasoning

Middle Eastern Spices seem exotic and out of reach for most home cooks, but what if I told you that you already had most of the ingredients to make this fun spice blend? It’s true! You probably do!

A short, wide-mouth glass jar with Middle Eastern Seasoning blend. A small measuring spoon is stuck inside the blend.

You will love making your own Middle Eastern Seasoning

This Middle Eastern Spice blend is my favorite seasoning for grilled chicken. Mixed with some oil and lemon juice, this blend creates a bright, flavorful addition to your juicy chicken breasts. It’s also good on fish, steak, pork, and a flavor boost for roasted vegetables.

A small wooden bowl with the ingredients for the Middle Eastern Seasoning Blend. They have not been mixed together yet and the spices create a pretty mosaic in the bowl.

What does this Middle Eastern Spices Blend taste like?

It has a cumin-parsley-garlic base and reminds me of a riff of off curry powder with its touch of turmeric and cloves. It contains more herbs and some sesame seeds, too. It’s really great!

Finished Middle Eastern Seasoning with a measuring spoon ready to scoop some out.

What you need to make Middle Eastern Seasonings

If you have a well-stocked spice cabinet, you should already have most of these seasonings:

  • Cumin
  • Dried Parsley
  • Granulated Garlic
  • Sesame Seeds
  • Salt
  • Ground Coriander
  • Dried Oregano
  • Dried Rosemary
  • Turmeric
  • Cinnamon
  • Ground Cloves
  • Cayenne (optional — leave this out if you don’t want the heat)
The same wooden bowl with the spices partially blended.

How to use this Middle Eastern Spice Mix

Our favorite way to use this is to blend it with some oil and citrus juice to use as a marinade for grilled chicken skewers!

It would also be great in a rice pilaf or adding it to some olive oil and dip pita bread into it. Yum!

Gyro-Inspired Shredded Beef is super easy to make! Just rub a big beef roast with this seasoning and throw it in your slow cooker (or Instant Pot!) with a sliced onion and some fresh garlic. You’ll have the most delicious shredded beef to make Greek-inspired bowls!

Storing this Middle Eastern Spice Blend

Store your seasoning in an airtight container for several months or until the spices start to lose their flavor.


If you make this recipe, be sure to post it to social media and tag me at @perrysplate or #perrysplate so I can send you some love!

Middle Eastern Spice Mix

Middle Eastern Spice Mix

Yield: About 2/3 cup

Use this exotic (but easy!) mixture to add some Middle Eastern flavor to marinades, spice rubs, dips, or even roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup cumin
  • 3 Tablespoons dried parsley
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne

Instructions

Combine well, and store in an airtight container. Makes about 2/3 c.

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Anasi_Poi

Tuesday 9th of April 2024

I made this months ago I just made a turkey bowl and I so love this seasoning thanks 😊 I had to post while eating..lol

Natalie Perry

Wednesday 10th of April 2024

So glad you liked it!!

Paige Little

Tuesday 8th of February 2022

Do you have nutrition facts for the Middle Eastern Chicken & Eggplant Kebabs with Tahini Yogurt Sauce?

Natalie Perry

Tuesday 15th of February 2022

I don't, sorry! There are a lot of online calculators that are available.

Liz @ The Lemon Bowl

Monday 11th of February 2013

I love this spice blend!!

Natalie

Sunday 10th of August 2008

Thanks for the link, Sar :) I thought you got those spice blend recipes from a book or something, and since I didn't know what it was, I just said it was from you.... because that's where I got it from.

Sarah

Sunday 10th of August 2008

Okay, I have a confession - I'm sorry to mislead. I'm not that good at putting together spices, so I stole this recipe from someone else: http://www.maryjanesfarm.org/farmgirl-connection/ xoxo, Sarah

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