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Doner Kebab

Experience the rich flavors of Turkish street food with this homemade Doner Kebab recipe, featuring perfectly seasoned meat, warm bread, and fresh vegetables.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Turkish
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Doner Meat
  • 2 pounds ground lamb or beef (or a mix)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust for spice preference
  • to taste salt and black pepper
For the Bread and Toppings
  • 4 pieces pita, lavash, or flatbread Warm before serving
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup sliced tomatoes
  • 1 cup thinly sliced red onions
  • 1 cup cucumber or pickled cabbage Optional for crunch and tang
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup yogurt-based sauce (like tzatziki) or a spicy chili sauce For drizzling

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the kebab spice mix and mix thoroughly.
  2. Press the mixed meat firmly into a loaf shape using a loaf pan or by hand on a baking sheet.
Cooking the Meat
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake the meat loaf for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  2. Place a heavier, oven-safe pan on top halfway through to help compress the meat.
  3. Once cooked, allow the meat to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing it thinly.
Assembly
  1. Warm the chosen bread until soft and pliable.
  2. Load the bread with thinly sliced, crispy doner meat and top with fresh vegetables.
  3. Drizzle generously with the chosen sauce and add a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
  4. Serve immediately, enjoying your homemade Doner Kebab!

Notes

Feel free to experiment with the spice mix and explore different meat options. You can also make your own bread for the ultimate experience.