Homemade Doner Kebab – The Viral Recipe Everyone’s Talking About Recipe
Experience the authentic flavors of homemade doner kebab with this viral recipe that combines juicy ground beef or lamb with a blend of spices, yogurt, and garlic. Baked to perfection and sliced thin for the perfect kebab texture, this dish is ideal for stuffing in warm pita bread with fresh veggies and your favorite sauces.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
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
- Using parchment paper to roll the meat mixture is key for shaping a firm log and achieving the doner texture.
- Resting the baked meat before slicing helps retain juices and keeps the meat tender.
- Optional cayenne pepper adds a slight spicy kick; adjust according to your taste.
- Pair with traditional sauces like tahini or tzatziki for authentic flavors.
- For best results, use a mix of ground beef and lamb for a richer flavor.
Keywords: homemade doner kebab, doner recipe, ground meat kebab, baked kebab, Middle Eastern recipe, easy doner kebab, kebab pita sandwich
