Description
This Homemade Doner Kebab recipe captures the authentic flavors of traditional Turkish street food using simple ingredients and an easy oven-baking method. Ground lamb mixed with aromatic spices, garlic, and yogurt is shaped into thin rolls and baked to juicy perfection. The result is tender, flavorful meat perfect for serving in pita or bowls with fresh toppings and garlic sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 450 grams ground lamb (or any ground meat like beef, chicken, or turkey)
- 1 grated onion, processed into a paste with 1 tsp water
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ¼ cup full-fat plain or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the kebab rolls.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the grated onion paste, minced garlic, salt, sweet paprika, oregano, yogurt, and olive oil. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Divide Meat: Split the meat mixture evenly into two portions for easier handling and shaping.
- Place on Parchment: Lay a sheet of parchment paper on a flat surface. Place one portion of the meat mixture in the center of the parchment.
- Shape the Meat: Keep a small bowl of water or oil nearby to dip your fingers to prevent sticking. Press and spread the meat into a thin, even rectangle on the parchment. Repeat with the second portion on another parchment sheet.
- Roll the Meat: Carefully fold the parchment paper over the meat starting from the long side, rolling repeatedly until the meat forms a flat rope shape completely wrapped in parchment. Place each wrapped roll on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the meat rolls in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, until cooked through.
- Cool and Unroll: Remove from the oven, allow the rolls to cool slightly, then carefully unroll the parchment and break the meat apart into bite-sized pieces.
- Finish Baking: Squeeze a touch of fresh lemon juice over the shredded meat and return it to the oven briefly to become lightly golden and slightly crisp.
- Serve: Enjoy the doner kebab meat in pita bread or a bowl topped with lettuce, pickles, tomato, red onion, and garlic sauce. You can use store-bought garlic sauce or make your own by mixing yogurt, salt, garlic, and mayonnaise.
Notes
- Lamb is traditional, but ground beef, chicken, or turkey can be used as alternatives.
- Use full-fat plain or Greek yogurt to tenderize and add richness.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be added to the meat mixture for extra brightness.
- Serve in gluten-free pita or a bowl for a hearty meal.
- Adjust spices to taste: use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or add chili flakes for heat.
