Name: Slow Roasted Shawarma-Spiced Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons ground coriander; 2 tablespoons ground cumin; 2 tablespoons sweet or hot smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons ground sumac; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 (3-pound) center-cut salmon fillet, skin removed; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 to 4 tablespoons shawarma spice mix; 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced; Flatbread or pita, rice, sliced cucumbers and radishes, yogurt and/or tahini, for serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A healthy, flavorful alternative to traditional roasted salmon
Uses a homemade shawarma spice blend that’s easy to prepare
Slow roasting ensures moist, tender fish every time
Versatile pairs well with flatbread, rice, or salad
Elegant enough for guests but simple enough for weeknights
Naturally gluten-free and customizable with toppings

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shawarma Spice Mix (makes about ½ cup):
2 tablespoons ground coriander
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons sweet or hot smoked paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons ground sumac
1 teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves or allspice
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, or ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Salmon:
One 3-pound center-cut salmon fillet, skin removed
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 to 4 tablespoons shawarma spice mix
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
Flatbread or pita, rice, sliced cucumbers and radishes, yogurt and/or tahini, for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix all the shawarma spices together. Store extra in an airtight container.
Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet. Pat dry with paper towels.
Rub the salmon with lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Sprinkle 2 to 4 tablespoons of the shawarma spice mix evenly over the salmon, pressing lightly to adhere.
Drizzle with olive oil and scatter sliced red onions around the salmon.
Roast in the oven for 25 to 35 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork but is still moist in the center.
Serve warm with flatbread or pita, rice, sliced cucumbers and radishes, and a dollop of yogurt or tahini.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Swap salmon for trout or arctic char.
Use chicken thighs instead of salmon for a poultry version.
Add roasted vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, or zucchini to the pan.
Make it spicier by adding extra cayenne or red pepper flakes.
Drizzle with pomegranate molasses for a tangy finish.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 275°F oven until warmed through, or enjoy cold in salads or wraps. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the salmon.

FAQs

What is shawarma spice?

Shawarma spice is a Middle Eastern blend of warm spices like cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and cloves, traditionally used for marinated meats.

Can I use store-bought shawarma spice mix?

Yes, but making your own allows you to adjust the flavors and freshness.

How do I know when salmon is done?

It should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 125–130°F for medium doneness.

Can I roast salmon at a higher temperature?

Yes, but slow roasting at 300°F ensures a more tender and evenly cooked result.

Can I use skin-on salmon?

Yes, you can roast with the skin on and remove it after cooking if preferred.

What can I serve with shawarma-spiced salmon?

Flatbread, rice, fresh salads, roasted vegetables, yogurt, or tahini sauce all pair beautifully.

How spicy is this recipe?

It has mild heat, but you can adjust cayenne or red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I grill the salmon instead of roasting?

Yes, you can grill it over medium heat, but watch closely as it cooks faster.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can season the salmon up to 6 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to roast.

Can I freeze leftover salmon?

Yes, cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Conclusion

Slow roasted shawarma-spiced salmon brings bold, aromatic Middle Eastern flavors to a classic fish dish. Moist, tender, and richly seasoned, it’s perfect for both weeknight meals and special gatherings. Serve with fresh sides and sauces, and enjoy a flavorful twist on traditional roasted salmon.