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Viral Homemade Doner Kebab served in warm pita bread on a white plate with seasoned meat, fresh lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and creamy yogurt sauce.

Viral Homemade Doner Kebab

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A viral homemade doner kebab recipe that replicates the authentic takeout experience using simple ingredients and oven-baking, featuring spiced ground meat (lamb or beef) with garlic yogurt sauce and fresh toppings.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Doner Meat: 2 lbs (approx. 900g) Ground Lamb or Beef (or a mix)

1 small onion, grated or finely minced

34 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tbsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt & Black Pepper to taste (approx. 1.5 tsp salt, 0.5 tsp pepper)

For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley (optional), chopped

For Serving: 6-8 pita breads or flatbreads

Shredded lettuce

Sliced or diced tomatoes, onions, cucumber

Instructions

1. 1. Prepare the Doner Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef with the grated onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

2. 2. Mix Thoroughly: Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together vigorously. Knead the mixture for about 5-7 minutes. This is crucial for developing the proper texture.

3. 3. Shape the Meat: On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, form the meat mixture into a compact, log-like shape. Press it firmly.

4. 4. Bake the Meat: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temp 160°F/71°C) and browned.

5. 5. Rest and Chill: Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight.

6. 6. Prepare the Garlic Yogurt Sauce: Whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and dill/parsley (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate.

7. 7. Slice the Meat: Unwrap the chilled meat log. Using a very sharp knife, slice as thinly as possible.

8. 8. Sear the Slices: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Sear slices in a single layer for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy. Work in batches.

9. 9. Warm the Pitas: Lightly toast or warm pita breads until soft.

10. 10. Assemble Your Kebabs: Open each pita, fill with meat, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions, cucumber, and garlic yogurt sauce. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip kneading and chilling steps for best texture. Use a sharp knife or electric carving knife for thin slices. Sear slices for crispness. Leftover meat stores in fridge for 3-4 days; freeze unsliced log for up to 3 months.

  • Author: Charlotte Johnson
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Pan-searing
  • Cuisine: Turkish/Mediterranean
  • Diet: Omnivore

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 kebab (based on 8 servings)
  • Calories: 485
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg