I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a flavor-packed journey for my taste buds, thanks to that heavenly blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander dancing on perfectly marinated lamb or beef. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about assembling all those fresh veggies and toppings into a warm, cozy pita wrap—it’s like creating a masterpiece I get to devour!
Creating dishes that capture the essence of street food and bring it to your kitchen is my passion. This recipe for Doner Kebab is a terrific way to serve up some familiar flavors of the kind of food you might eat on the go while visiting one of the many cultures of the world.
The first step is making the meat mixture, which uses 1 pound of boneless lamb shoulder or beef—an easy-to-find cut that you should have no trouble locating. The second step is cooking the meat, which can happily serve up either 6 or 8 people, depending on your appetite.
Ingredients
Meat from sheep or goats: An excellent source of protein and necessary nutrients.
Onion: Sweetness and depth, packed with antioxidants; adds tons of flavor.
Garlic: Increases flavor potency and is associated with health-enhancing properties.
Cumin: Offers warm, earthy notes; abundant in iron.
Coriander: Delivers flavor that is reminiscent of citrus; has compounds that are anti-inflammatory.
Paprika, Smoked: Adds vibrant color and the spicy richness and warmth of true smoke.
Olive Oil is a healthy fat that promotes heart health.
Yogurt has a luscious texture and is a wonderful source of calcium and probiotics.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 pound of boneless lamb shoulder or beef
- 1 large onion, finely grated
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- Flatbreads or pitas, to serve
- Fresh vegetables (such as sliced tomato, lettuce, cucumber), to serve
- Yogurt or garlic sauce, to serve
Instructions
1. Start with the lamb shoulder or beef and chop it finely into small pieces. Put the meat into a large bowl.
2. Include the finely grated onion and minced garlic in the bowl with the meat.
3. Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and plain yogurt. Mix everything very well so that the meat is evenly coated with the marinade.
5. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour; preferably overnight for the best flavor.
6. Set your grill or medium-high frying pan to preheat.
7. Take the marinated meat from the refrigerator and place it onto skewers, if that’s what’s happening. If not, get the pieces of meat onto the grill/pan.
Threading meat onto skewers can be an ancient process. We recommend it.
8. For about 10-15 minutes, cook the meat. Turn it occasionally. It should brown and cook through.
9. As the meat cooks, heat the flatbreads or pitas.
10. To serve, put some of the cooked meat on a warm flatbread or pita. Add fresh vegetables like sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumber. Drizzle with yogurt or garlic sauce, wrap it up, and enjoy your homemade Doner Kebab!
Equipment Needed
1. Cutting board
2. Sharp knife
3. Large bowl
4. Grater for onion
5. Garlic press or mincer
6. Measuring spoons
7. Mixing spoon or spatula
8. Plastic wrap
9. Grill or frying pan
10. Skewers (optional)
11. Tongs or spatula for turning
12. Plate for serving
13. Serving platter or board for assembling wraps
FAQ
- Q: Can I substitute beef for lamb in this recipe?A: Yes, you can use beef in place of lamb. Doner Kebab works well with both meats.
- Q: How can I make the kebab spicier?A: Crank up the cayenne or add a dash of chili powder if you want to raise the temperature in this dish.
- Q: What’s the best way to cook the kebab meat?A: The meat can be grilled on skewers, cooked in a pan, or baked in the oven until cooked through and just a little charred.
- Q: How long should I marinate the meat?For optimal outcomes, allow the meat to soak in the marinade for a minimum of 2 hours. However, refrigerating the meat while it is submerged in the marinade for overnight periods is best.
- Q: Can I prepare the kebab in advance?Absolutely, marinating meat the day before is a great option. Feel free to cook it anytime you’re almost ready to serve. Refrigerate for only a few days afterward—the meat’s too delicious to let it languish in the cold.
- Q: Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?A: Yes, you can use firm tofu or seitan as a meat substitute and marinate them the same way.
- Q: What sauces complement this kebab best?A sauce made with garlic, tzatziki, or yogurt is a delicious accompaniment to Doner Kebabs.
Substitutions and Variations
Chicken thighs can be chosen as a lighter protein option in place of boneless lamb shoulder or beef.
If smoked paprika is not available, you can substitute it with regular paprika.
Red pepper flakes can substitute cayenne pepper and provide the same amount of heat.
Apple cider vinegar can be used in place of vinegar or lemon juice for a different, tangy flavor.
For a creamier texture, one can use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt.
Pro Tips
1. Marinade Time: For maximum flavor absorption, marinate the meat overnight. This allows the spices and yogurt to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
2. Uniform Meat Size: Chop the lamb or beef into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking. This helps in achieving a consistent texture and flavor throughout the kebab.
3. Proper Skewer Technique: If using skewers, press the meat firmly onto them. This helps the meat stay on the skewer during grilling and allows for even cooking on all sides.
4. Optimal Grilling: Ensure your grill or pan is properly preheated. Cooking the meat on a hot surface helps achieve a good sear, locking in juices and enhancing the flavor.
5. Serving Tip: Warm the flatbreads or pitas before serving to make them more pliable and enhance the overall eating experience. You can briefly heat them on the grill or in the oven for best results.
Doner Kebab Recipe
My favorite Doner Kebab Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Cutting board
2. Sharp knife
3. Large bowl
4. Grater for onion
5. Garlic press or mincer
6. Measuring spoons
7. Mixing spoon or spatula
8. Plastic wrap
9. Grill or frying pan
10. Skewers (optional)
11. Tongs or spatula for turning
12. Plate for serving
13. Serving platter or board for assembling wraps
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless lamb shoulder or beef
- 1 large onion, finely grated
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- Flatbreads or pitas, to serve
- Fresh vegetables (such as sliced tomato, lettuce, cucumber), to serve
- Yogurt or garlic sauce, to serve
Instructions:
1. Start with the lamb shoulder or beef and chop it finely into small pieces. Put the meat into a large bowl.
2. Include the finely grated onion and minced garlic in the bowl with the meat.
3. Stir in the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
4. Add the olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and plain yogurt. Mix everything very well so that the meat is evenly coated with the marinade.
5. Seal the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour; preferably overnight for the best flavor.
6. Set your grill or medium-high frying pan to preheat.
7. Take the marinated meat from the refrigerator and place it onto skewers, if that’s what’s happening. If not, get the pieces of meat onto the grill/pan.
Threading meat onto skewers can be an ancient process. We recommend it.
8. For about 10-15 minutes, cook the meat. Turn it occasionally. It should brown and cook through.
9. As the meat cooks, heat the flatbreads or pitas.
10. To serve, put some of the cooked meat on a warm flatbread or pita. Add fresh vegetables like sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumber. Drizzle with yogurt or garlic sauce, wrap it up, and enjoy your homemade Doner Kebab!
