Doner kebab is a popular dish around the world and perfect for any time of day. Whether you are looking for a quick snack on the go or a hearty meal, this delicious recipe will make sure you get your fill of doner kebab. This recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients that can be found in most kitchens.

Learn this Doner Kebab Recipe and make your own delicious kebab right at home!

Doner Kebab History

Doner kebab is a traditional Turkish dish that has become popular in many parts of the world. The history of doner kebab can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was known as “döner kebabı” or “turning kebab”. The dish was originally made with lamb or mutton that was slowly roasted on a vertical spit turned by hand.

In the mid-20th century, doner kebab began to spread to other countries, including Germany and other parts of Europe, where it became popular as a street food. In the 1970s, Turkish immigrants brought doner kebab to Australia, and it quickly became a popular fast food.

Today, doner kebab recipe is enjoyed all over the world, and there are many different variations of the dish, depending on the region and the ingredients used.

How does Doner Kebab Taste?

The taste of doner kebab can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used, but in general, it has a savory, slightly smoky flavor with hints of spice and herbs. The meat is often seasoned with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, paprika, and garlic, which gives it a distinct and delicious flavor.

The texture of doner kebab is also unique, with thin slices of tender, juicy meat that are layered on top of each other, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth quality. The meat is often served with a variety of toppings, such as onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles, which add freshness and crunch to the dish.

You can check out the Mucver Recipe if you love making Turkish food!

Additionally, doner kebab is often served with a sauce, such as tzatziki, which adds a tangy, creamy element to the dish and complements the savory flavors of the meat and spices.

Overall, the doner meat kebab is a delicious and satisfying dish that many people around the world enjoy, and its unique taste and texture make it a beloved part of Turkish cuisine.

Homemade Doner Kebab Recipe

Ingredients

900 grams thinly sliced boneless lamb or beef
1 large finely chopped onion
4 minced garlic cloves
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons red pepper paste (optional)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Pita bread or lavash wraps
Lettuce, tomato, onion, or other desired toppings
Tzatziki sauce or hummus for serving

Directions

Step One

In a large bowl, mix together the onion, garlic, tomato paste, red pepper paste (if using), salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and vegetable oil.

Step Two

Add the sliced meat to the bowl and mix well, making sure each slice is coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step Three

Take a long metal skewer (at least 12 inches/30 cm long) and thread the meat slices onto the skewer, pressing them together tightly.

Step Four

Place the skewer on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 1-1 1/2 hours or until the meat is cooked through and browned on the outside.

Step Five

Remove the skewer from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the meat off the skewer, shaving it thinly.

Step Six

Heat up the pita bread or lavash wraps in the oven or on a grill for a few minutes until warm and pliable.

Step Seven

Assemble your doner kebab by placing a few slices of the meat onto the bread, along with your desired toppings and sauce.

How to Serve Doner Kebab?

Roll up the bread tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides, and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious homemade doner kebab!

How to Make Tzatziki Sauce?

Here is a recipe for tzatziki sauce, which is a common sauce used with doner kebab:

Ingredients

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, peeled and grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)

Directions

Step One

Mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl.

Step Two

If using a dill, stir it in at this point. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld together.

How to Serve Tzatziki Sauce?

Before serving, give the tzatziki sauce a good stir and adjust the seasoning to taste. Serve the sauce alongside your doner kebab, as a dip or drizzled over the meat and toppings. Enjoy your delicious homemade tzatziki sauce!

Do not forget to make this recipe and share it with us. If you also have any related questions about the Doner kebab recipe, please do not hesitate to ask.

Key points about making tzatziki sauce?

Use Greek yogurt, which is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, and will give your sauce a better texture.
Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater, then squeeze out any excess moisture with your hands or a clean kitchen towel to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
Use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the best flavor. You can adjust the amount of garlic to your liking, depending on how strong you want the sauce to be.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, and add fresh dill if desired. Dill is a traditional herb used in tzatziki sauce, but you can also use other herbs, such as mint, parsley, or cilantro.
Allow the sauce to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Stir the sauce well before serving, and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or more lemon juice.
Tzatziki sauce is versatile and can be used as a dip for vegetables or pita chips, a topping for grilled meats or sandwiches, or a salad dressing. Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

What Kinds of Meat are Used in Doner Kebab Recipe?

Traditionally, doner kebab recipe is made with lamb or mutton, which is seasoned with a blend of spices and slow-roasted on a vertical spit. However, there are many variations of doner kebab, and different types of meat can be used depending on personal preference and availability. Here are some popular options:

1. Beef

Doner kebab Recipe can be made with beef, which is often used as a substitute for lamb in countries where lamb is less commonly eaten. Beef doner kebab has a slightly different flavor and texture than lamb doner kebab, but it can be just as delicious when seasoned with the right spices.

2. Chicken

Chicken doner kebab is a popular alternative to lamb, especially in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. Chicken is leaner than lamb or beef, but it can still be seasoned with the same spices and roasted on a vertical spit for a flavorful and juicy result.

3. Pork

Pork doner kebab Recipe is a popular variation in some parts of Europe, where pork is a more common meat than lamb. Pork can be seasoned with similar spices as lamb or beef and can be roasted on a spit or grilled for a delicious and crispy texture.

4. Vegetarian

A vegetarian doner kebab Recipe is a great option for those who don’t eat meat, and it can be made with various plant-based ingredients such as seitan, tofu, or vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant. These ingredients can be seasoned with similar spices as meat, and they can be roasted or grilled for a savory and satisfying dish.

Overall, doner kebab is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, and there are many different types of meat and non-meat options to choose from.

If you like this recipe, we recommend trying another Turkish kebab, Adana Kebab Recipe! We also recommend you check out the Chicken Doner Kebab recipe.

FAQs about Doner Kebab Recipe

How much time does it take to make Doner kebab?

Assuming you are making Doner kebab from scratch, it will take approximately 4 hours to make this dish.

What does “Doner” mean?

The word “Döner” comes from the Turkish verb dönmek, meaning “to turn” or “to rotate,” referring to the rotating spit used to cook the meat evenly.

What type of meat is used in Doner Kebab Recipe?

Traditionally, lamb is the primary meat for Döner Kebab Recipe, but variations include beef, chicken, or a mix of these. Pork is rarely used due to its incompatibility with traditional Islamic dietary laws.

Doner Kebab Recipe; Do Not Miss This Tasty Turkish Kebab

Recipe by Parisa Kazemi RadCourse: Main coursesCuisine: TurkishDifficulty: Medium

Servings

6-8

servings

Prep time

Minutes

Cooking time

hours

Experience the best of traditional Mediterranean cuisine with this easy doner kebab recipe! Perfect for a family dinner or an exotic night in.

Ingredients

Doner Kebab:
900 grams thinly sliced boneless lamb or beef
1 large finely chopped onion
4 minced garlic cloves
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons red pepper paste (optional)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Pita bread or lavash wraps
Lettuce, tomato, onion, or other desired toppings
Tzatziki sauce or hummus for serving
Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, peeled and grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)

Directions

Doner Kebab:
In a large bowl, mix together the onion, garlic, tomato paste, red pepper paste (if using), salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and vegetable oil.
Add the sliced meat to the bowl and mix well, making sure each slice is coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take a long metal skewer (at least 12 inches/30 cm long) and thread the meat slices onto the skewer, pressing them together tightly.
Place the skewer on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 1-1 1/2 hours or until the meat is cooked through and browned on the outside.
Remove the skewer from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the meat off the skewer, shaving it thinly.
Heat up the pita bread or lavash wraps in the oven or on a grill for a few minutes until warm and pliable.
Assemble your doner kebab by placing a few slices of the meat onto the bread, along with your desired toppings and sauce.
Tzatziki Sauce:
Mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
If using a dill, stir it in at this point. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld together.