Doner Kebab Recipe
Introduction
Doner kebab is a flavorful Turkish-inspired dish featuring spiced ground beef cooked to perfection and served in warm pita bread. This homemade version is easy to prepare and delivers tender, juicy meat with a crispy finish.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds 85% lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, yogurt, cumin, coriander, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Step 3: Divide the meat mixture into two equal portions.
- Step 4: Place one portion in the center of a 12-inch square sheet of parchment paper. Dip your fingers in water to prevent sticking and press the meat into a thin, even rectangle.
- Step 5: Fold the parchment over the meat starting from the long side and roll tightly to form a flat, compact log. Repeat with the second portion.
- Step 6: Transfer both wrapped logs onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
- Step 7: Let the logs cool slightly, then carefully unroll and break the meat into small chunks or thin slices. Spread the meat back onto the baking sheet.
- Step 8: Broil the meat for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden with crisp edges.
- Step 9: Serve the doner kebab meat warm inside pita bread with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and tahini sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the meat mixture in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before shaping and baking.
- Use ground lamb or a beef-lamb blend for a richer taste.
- Add chopped fresh parsley or mint to the meat mixture for a fresh herbal note.
- Serve with garlic yogurt sauce or spicy harissa for added heat and creaminess.
Storage
Store leftover cooked doner kebab meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. For best texture, crisp the meat again under a broiler or in a hot pan before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make doner kebab ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture and shape the logs a day in advance. Keep them wrapped and refrigerated, then bake and broil when ready to serve.
What can I substitute for plain yogurt?
If you don’t have plain yogurt, you can use sour cream or buttermilk as alternatives to help tenderize the meat and add moisture.
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Doner Kebab Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This homemade Doner Kebab recipe features flavorful ground beef seasoned with a blend of spices and yogurt, baked and broiled to perfection. It’s an easy-to-make dish that replicates the classic street food favorite, served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce for a delicious, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds 85% lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup plain yogurt
Spices
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Warm pita bread
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Pickles
- Sliced onions
- Tahini sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, plain yogurt, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Divide the meat: Split the meat mixture into two equal portions for easier shaping and cooking.
- Shape the meat: Place one portion onto a 12-inch square piece of parchment paper. With your fingers dipped in water to prevent sticking, press and shape the meat into a thin, even rectangle.
- Roll the meat logs: Fold the parchment over the meat from the long side and roll tightly to form a flat, compact log. Repeat this rolling process with the second portion of meat.
- Bake the logs: Place both parchment-wrapped meat logs onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes to cook through.
- Prepare for broiling: After baking, let the logs cool just enough to handle safely. Then unwrap and break the meat apart into small chunks or thin slices. Return these pieces to the baking sheet.
- Broil for crispiness: Broil the meat pieces for 2-3 minutes until they develop lightly golden, crispy edges.
- Serve: Serve the crispy Doner Kebab meat warm inside pita bread alongside shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, sliced onions, and drizzle with tahini sauce for authentic flavor.
Notes
- Using 85% lean ground beef provides a good balance of flavor and juiciness without excessive fat.
- Dipping fingers in water while shaping prevents the meat from sticking and helps form even patties.
- Broiling at the end crisps the meat nicely and mimics the grilled texture of traditional doner kebabs.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor or keep warm wrapped in foil.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Keywords: Doner Kebab, Ground Beef Kebab, Middle Eastern Recipe, Homemade Kebab, Oven Baked Kebab
