Description
This viral Doner Kebab recipe brings the authentic flavors of classic Turkish street food right to your kitchen. Made with a seasoned ground beef or lamb mixture, baked into a firm meat roll and thinly sliced, it’s perfect for stuffing into warm pita bread with fresh veggies and your favorite sauces. Easy to prepare and packed with rich, smoky spices, this recipe yields a deliciously juicy and tender kebab reminiscent of what you’d find at your favorite kebab joint.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 2.2 lb Ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
- 1 Onion (grated)
- 3 Garlic cloves (grated)
- 1/4 cup Plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons Cumin
- 1 tablespoon Sweet paprika
- 2 teaspoons Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste (or BBQ sauce)
To Serve
- Warm pita (or a large tortilla)
- Shredded lettuce (or cabbage)
- Red onion (sliced)
- Pickles
- Tahini sauce (optional)
- Tzatziki (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, garlic, yogurt, tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, and olive oil. Mix well with your hands until the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive — this step is important for the “doner” texture.
- Form the viral “meat sheet”: Divide the mixture into 5 equal parts. Place a large piece of parchment paper on the counter, set one portion of meat on top, then cover it with another sheet of parchment. Using a rolling pin, spread the meat into a very thin, even rectangle. Shape it tightly, keeping the thickness consistent and pressing out any air pockets.
- Roll it up: Remove the top parchment sheet. Starting from the long side, use the bottom parchment to roll the meat sheet into a firm, compact log, just like rolling a Swiss roll. Tighten the parchment around the meat as you roll, then twist the ends to secure the shape.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the meat roll on a baking tray and bake, wrapped, for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and browned.
- Slice: Let the meat rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly. Use two forks to shred slightly for that authentic kebab texture.
- Assemble: Stuff warm pita with the sliced meat and add tomatoes, lettuce, onion, pickles, and your favorite sauce like tahini or tzatziki. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Using yogurt in the meat mixture helps tenderize and add moisture, creating the authentic juicy texture.
- The rolling technique is essential to achieve the distinct doner kebab texture and shape.
- Make sure the meat is rolled as tightly as possible to prevent air pockets and ensure even cooking.
- Slice the kebab thinly after resting for best results and to mimic classic doner meat shavings.
- Feel free to swap in BBQ sauce instead of tomato paste for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Use beef, lamb, or a mix depending on your preference, but ensure ground meat is fresh and good quality.
- Serve with a variety of fresh veggies and sauces to personalize your kebab experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
Keywords: Doner Kebab, Turkish Kebab, Ground Meat Kebab, Easy Doner, Homemade Kebab, Meat Roll, Pita Sandwich
