The Creamy Garlic Shawarma Sauce That Will Transform Your Weeknight Meals

By Jason Griffith

Do you remember that incredible, creamy, tangy, and profoundly garlicky sauce that drips out of a perfect street-style shawarma wrap? For years, I chased that flavor, trying every jarred version and every quick-fix recipe, only to be left disappointed. That is, until I cracked the code on this homemade Shawarma Sauce.

This isn’t just a sauce; it’s a culinary gateway. It’s what separates a good chicken or lamb wrap from an unforgettable one. It’s the secret weapon that elevates a simple bowl of roasted vegetables or fries to a must-have comfort food experience. And the best part? You can whip up a batch of this authentic-tasting Shawarma Sauce in about five minutes flat.

Forget the guesswork. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between richness (from the mayonnaise and yogurt), brightness (from the vinegar and garlic), and herbaceous freshness (from the hint of dried mint). Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll be finding excuses to drizzle it on everything.

Why I Love This Shawarma Sauce Recipe

For me, the mark of a truly great recipe is its ability to deliver huge flavor with minimal effort. This Shawarma Sauce does exactly that.

• ⚡️ It’s Lightning Fast: Five minutes of whisking is all it takes. No cooking, no complex steps. Just whisk and chill.
• 🎯 Authentic Flavor: The combination of fresh garlic, a touch of acid, and the signature creaminess is spot-on for what you find at the best shawarma carts.
• 🛠️ Incredible Versatility: While it’s essential for a great shawarma, I use it as a dipping sauce for everything from potato wedges and onion rings to a dressing for Mediterranean-style salads.
• 📅 Keeps Well: It’s a fantastic make-ahead condiment. I often double the batch to keep on hand for a week of easy, flavor-packed meals.

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🍽️ Ingredients for Authentic Shawarma Sauce

This simple blend uses common ingredients you likely already have in your fridge and pantry.

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Mayonnaise	1 cup	Full-fat mayo provides the best richness and body.
Plain Yogurt	1/4 cup	Use plain, unsweetened yogurt (Greek or regular) for tang.
Garlic Cloves, minced	2	Fresh is best! You can use more for extra garlicky punch.
Olive Oil	1 tablespoon	Adds a subtle, fruity depth to the richness.
Vinegar	1 teaspoon	White vinegar or apple cider vinegar work well for brightness.
Sugar	1/2 teaspoon	Balances the acidity and tang; don’t skip it.
Salt	1/2 teaspoon	Adjust to your taste preference.
Black Pepper	1/4 teaspoon	Freshly ground is always superior.
Dried Mint	1 teaspoon	The secret ingredient for that unique, cool, herbaceous note.

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Swaps and Notes

• For a Thinner Consistency: If you prefer a dressing-like consistency, whisk in 1-2 teaspoons of cold water or a splash more plain yogurt.
• Garlic Intensity: If you find the raw garlic too strong, you can mash the minced garlic with the salt into a paste before adding it to the bowl; this helps mellow it slightly.
• Yogurt Substitute: You can use sour cream or buttermilk in place of the plain yogurt, though it will slightly alter the final flavor profile.
• Fresh Mint: If you have fresh mint, use 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh mint instead of the dried, but only add it just before serving to keep it bright green.

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🔪 Instructions: How to Make Shawarma Sauce

Making this sauce is truly as easy as a few steps of whisking.

Step 1: Combine the Base

In a medium-sized bowl, use a whisk to combine the mayonnaise and plain yogurt until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. This forms the creamy base of your sauce.

Step 2: Add Aromatics and Acid

Stir in the minced garlic, olive oil, and vinegar (or lemon juice, if swapping). Mix well to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.

Step 3: Season and Finish

Add the sugar, salt, black pepper, and dried mint to the bowl. Whisk everything together until the seasonings are fully dissolved and the sauce is uniform in color.

Step 4: Taste and Chill

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed—you might want a little more salt, a dash more vinegar, or an extra pinch of mint. Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the flavors (especially the garlic) to deepen and meld together, achieving that truly craveable, balanced flavor.

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⭐ Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh Garlic: Garlic powder won’t cut it here. The pungent, fresh flavor of real garlic is absolutely essential for an authentic Shawarma Sauce.
2. The Chill is Non-Negotiable: If you use the sauce immediately, the flavors will be harsh. The 30-minute rest is key for the raw garlic to mellow and the dried mint to hydrate and release its aroma. Plan ahead!
3. Adjust the Acid: If you like a tangier sauce, start with 1 teaspoon of vinegar, taste, and slowly add another 1/2 teaspoon if needed. Alternatively, swap the vinegar for freshly squeezed lemon juice.
4. Prep Ahead: This sauce is excellent when made a day in advance. The flavor only improves overnight in the fridge.

🥂 Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Obviously, this sauce is the star of any homemade chicken or beef shawarma wrap. But don’t stop there!

• Dipping Sauce: Serve it alongside crispy French fries or sweet potato wedges.
• Dinner Base: Use it to drizzle over a rice bowl with chicken, or serve it with my easy one-pan Mexican dinner, these Chicken Enchiladas.
• Appetizer Dip: It makes a great dip for raw vegetables like carrots and cucumbers on a platter.
• Beverage Pairing: For a refreshing counterpoint, pair the rich sauce with a light and bright drink, like this homemade Blueberry Lemonade.

Pairing Suggestion	Why it Works	Internal Link / Note
Pita Bread or Falafel	The classic pairing; the cool, creamy sauce balances the crispy textures.	**
Crispy Potatoes	A great substitute for ketchup or ranch dressing.	Serve with steak fries.
Middle Eastern Pilaf	Drizzled over rice for extra flavor and moisture.	Try a simple lemon-herb rice.

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📊 Nutritional Information Per Serving

Disclaimer: This is an estimate based on standard ingredients.

Metric	Estimate
Calories	110-130 kcal
Total Fat	11-13 g
Saturated Fat	1.5-2 g
Cholesterol	5-10 mg
Sodium	100-150 mg
Total Carbs	1-2 g
Protein	<1 g

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Serving size is based on approximately 2 tablespoons (30g) of sauce.

🧊 Storage and Leftover Tips

This sauce is very forgiving and keeps well in the refrigerator.

• Storage Container: Store the sauce in an airtight container (a glass jar works perfectly) to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
• Refrigeration: It will last for 5-7 days in the refrigerator. After a few days, the garlic flavor might become slightly stronger, which I personally love!
• Freezing: Do not freeze this sauce. The mayonnaise and yogurt base will separate when thawed, resulting in a grainy, unpleasant texture.

😋 More Chefmaniac Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this simple, flavor-packed condiment, you might be ready to tackle some more substantial, hearty meals!

• For a true comfort food dinner, try my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
• If you’re in the mood for something warm and savory, you can’t beat this Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.
• Need a quick, sweet finish? These Caramel Apple Nachos are the ultimate dessert hack.

Final Thoughts

The best recipes are often the simplest ones, and this authentic Shawarma Sauce is proof of that principle. It’s a quick, high-impact recipe that instantly elevates your home cooking, bringing the vibrant flavors of street food right to your table.

If you make this, I’d love to know what you put it on! Drop a comment below, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for more easy weeknight flavor bombs.