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Homemade Doner Kebab Recipe (Turkish-Style)

I’ve always loved doner kebab, but my trip to Turkey gave me a fresh take on how to make it at home. This recipe uses lamb, beef, yogurt, and spices to capture bold, satisfying flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chill/Freeze Time: 1 day
Total Time 1 day 15 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Turkish
Servings 10 serving
Calories 286 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

For the Doner Kebab

  • 1.1 pounds ground beef 80% lean, 20% fat
  • 1.1 pounds ground lamb
  • 1.5 ounces Greek yogurt about 2 tablespoons
  • 2 ounces red onion grated or pureed (about ½ red onion)
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon Urfa pepper or substitute with Aleppo pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

For the Sumac Onions (optional)

  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 small bunch fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 wedge lemon for juice
  • 1 teaspoon sumac

Instructions
 

Prepare the doner kebab mixture:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, Urfa pepper, and cumin to form a marinade base.
  • Add the ground beef and ground lamb. Mix thoroughly by hand until well combined and uniform.

Method 1 – Freeze and slice:

  • Place the meat mixture on a sheet of cling film. Shape into a compact cylinder, like a meatloaf. Wrap tightly and freeze overnight until solid.
  • When ready to cook, unwrap the frozen meat. Using a sharp knife and a towel for grip, carefully slice off thin pieces.
  • Pan-fry slices in a hot dry skillet for about 30 seconds total, flipping once. Thicker slices will be juicier; thinner ones will crisp more.
  • Return unused frozen doner back to the freezer for future use.

Method 2 – Bake in ramekins and slice:

  • Lightly grease 3–4 oven-safe ramekins and pack the meat mixture tightly into each one.
  • Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 15 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly browned.
  • Let the cooked meat cool, then refrigerate until fully chilled and firm, about 1–2 hours.
  • Once firm, remove from the ramekins and slice into thin rounds or slabs.
  • Pan-fry slices over high heat until crisp on one side. While frying, spoon over any juices from the ramekins to help the meat absorb flavor and moisture.

Prepare the sumac onions (optional):

  • In a bowl, combine the sliced onion, chopped parsley, sumac, salt, and lemon juice. Toss well to coat. Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 286kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 18gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 298mgPotassium: 289mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 111IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Donar Kebab, Donar Kebab Meat, Homemade Doner Kebab Recipe
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