Learn how to make a mouthwatering and authentic Turkish Doner Kebab at home with this easy recipe. Tender spiced meat, fresh veggies, and a tangy yogurt sauce are layered into warm pita bread, creating a delicious street food experience. Perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless lamb or chicken, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup sliced tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced onions
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, yogurt, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, coriander, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the sliced meat to the marinade and mix until well coated. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
- Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
- Skewer the marinated meat slices tightly onto metal skewers or wooden skewers that have been soaked in water for 30 minutes.
- Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked and slightly charred.
- While the meat is grilling, prepare the yogurt sauce by combining plain yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Remove the grilled meat from the skewers and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Warm the pita breads on the grill or in a toaster oven.
- To assemble the kebabs, spread a spoonful of yogurt sauce on each pita bread. Top with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, grilled meat, chopped parsley, and mint.
- Drizzle more yogurt sauce on top and squeeze some lemon juice over the fillings.
- Fold the pita breads tightly and secure with foil or parchment paper.
- Serve the authentic Turkish Doner Kebabs warm with extra yogurt sauce on the side.
- Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Doner kebab is one of the most popular street foods in Turkey and has gained worldwide popularity.
Traditionally, doner kebabs are cooked on a vertical rotisserie, but grilling or broiling is a great alternative for home cooking.
Lamb and chicken are the most commonly used meats for doner kebabs, but you can also use beef or a combination of meats.
The yogurt sauce adds a creamy and tangy flavor to the kebab, balancing the spices and adding freshness.
Doner kebabs are often served with a side of fries or rice for a complete meal.