Homemade Doner Kebab with Yogurt and Spices Recipe

Introduction

Doner kebab is a deliciously spiced ground beef dish that’s perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this Middle Eastern classic right at home.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, yogurt, cumin, coriander, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Divide the meat mixture into two equal portions.
4. Step 4: Place one portion in the center of a 12-inch square of parchment paper. Dip your fingers in water to prevent sticking, then press and shape the meat into a thin, even rectangle.
5. Step 5: Starting from the long side, carefully fold the parchment over the meat and roll it tightly to form a flat, compact log. Repeat with the second portion.
6. Step 6: Place both parchment-wrapped logs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the logs cool just enough to handle. Unroll the parchment, then break the meat into small chunks or thin slices. Spread them out evenly on the baking sheet.
8. Step 8: Broil the meat for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly golden with crisp edges.
9. Step 9: Serve warm inside pita bread with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and tahini sauce for a classic doner kebab experience.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the meat mixture in the refrigerator for an hour before shaping and baking.
• Substitute ground lamb or a mix of beef and lamb for a richer taste.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicier kebab.
• Use gluten-free pita or flatbread to keep this dish gluten-free.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or under a broiler for a few minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the meat soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the kebab mixture ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients and refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours before shaping and baking. This can enhance the flavors.

What can I use instead of yogurt?

If you don’t have plain yogurt, sour cream or buttermilk can be used as a substitute to help tenderize the meat and add moisture.

Homemade Doner Kebab with Yogurt and Spices Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 119 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This homemade Doner Kebab recipe features seasoned ground beef shaped into logs, baked, sliced, and broiled to perfection. It captures the authentic flavors of Middle Eastern street food and is perfect for serving in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat Mixture

• 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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the meat logs.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, plain yogurt, cumin, coriander, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
3. Divide Meat Mixture: Split the meat mixture into two equal portions for shaping.
4. Shape the Meat: Place one portion onto a 12-inch square of parchment paper. Wet your fingers with water to prevent sticking, then press and shape the meat into a thin, even rectangle.
5. Roll Meat Logs: Fold the parchment over the meat starting from the long side and roll it tightly to form a flat, compact log. Repeat this process with the second portion of meat.
6. Bake the Logs: Place both parchment-wrapped meat logs on the baking sheet and bake them in the oven for 15 minutes.
7. Cool and Slice: Allow the meat logs to cool just enough to handle. Unroll the parchment, break the meat apart into small chunks or thin slices, and spread them evenly on the baking sheet.
8. Broil until Crisp: Broil the meat chunks for 2-3 minutes, until lightly golden and edges are crisped.
9. Serve: Serve the crispy Doner Kebab meat in warm pita bread with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, and a drizzle of tahini sauce for an authentic experience.

Notes

• Using plain yogurt helps tenderize the meat and adds moisture.
• Grating the onion ensures it mixes well into the meat and releases its juices evenly.
• Broiling at the end crisps the meat edges, mimicking the texture of traditional doner kebab cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
• You can customize the seasoning with additional spices like cayenne pepper or sumac for a different flavor profile.
• This recipe can be made with ground lamb or a mix of beef and lamb for richer flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Keywords: Doner Kebab recipe, homemade doner kebab, baked doner kebab, ground beef kebab, Middle Eastern kebab, easy doner kebab