Description
This Homemade Doner Kebab recipe offers a delicious and authentic take on the viral doner kebab meat, combining ground beef or lamb with aromatic spices and yogurt for tenderness. Baked to perfection and sliced thinly, it’s perfect for stuffing into warm pita bread along with fresh veggies and your choice of sauces for a mouthwatering meal that’s ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Units
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.
- 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. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Be sure to mix the meat mixture very well to achieve the sticky texture needed for the kebab.
- Rolling the meat thinly and uniformly is key for even cooking and texture.
- Resting the cooked meat before slicing helps retain juices and improves texture.
- Customize toppings and sauces based on your preference; tahini and tzatziki add authentic flavors.
- Leftover sliced meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
