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Savory Turkish Doner Kebab Recipe with Easy Garlic Yogurt Sauce

turkish doner kebab - featured image
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A quick and easy homemade Turkish doner kebab featuring spiced ground lamb or beef, served with a creamy garlic yogurt sauce and fresh vegetables wrapped in warm flatbread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb or beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely grated
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced (for sauce)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for sauce)
  • Salt, to taste (for sauce)
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional, for sauce)
  • Flatbreads or pita breads, warm (for serving)
  • Fresh tomatoes, sliced (for serving)
  • Red onion, thinly sliced (for serving)
  • Cucumber, thinly sliced or diced (for serving)
  • Fresh lettuce or arugula (for serving)
  • Pickled peppers or jalapeños (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground lamb with finely grated onion and minced garlic. Add salt, ground cumin, ground coriander, paprika, black pepper, and optional chili flakes. Mix gently but thoroughly until well combined, about 5 minutes.
  2. Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each into a thin, oval patty about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) thick. Chill for 15 minutes if mixture feels too sticky.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties in batches if needed, about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through but still juicy inside, total 7-8 minutes per batch.
  4. While the meat cooks, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Add chopped dill or parsley if desired. Adjust seasoning to taste, about 5 minutes.
  5. Slice tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and lettuce or arugula. Warm flatbreads or pitas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a low oven for 5 minutes.
  6. Slice cooked meat thinly against the grain. Layer meat on warm flatbreads, add fresh veggies, and spoonfuls of garlic yogurt sauce. Add pickled peppers if using. Roll or fold and serve immediately.

Notes

Grate onion finely to keep meat juicy. Cook patties over medium-high heat for a crispy edge without burning spices. Use fresh garlic for the yogurt sauce for best flavor. Slice meat thin after cooking for authentic texture. Sauce can be made ahead and flavors deepen overnight. For gluten-free, use gluten-free wraps or lettuce leaves. For dairy-free sauce, substitute Greek yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt and add lemon zest.

Nutrition

Keywords: Turkish doner kebab, garlic yogurt sauce, ground lamb kebab, easy kebab recipe, homemade doner kebab, Turkish street food, quick dinner, spiced meat, yogurt sauce

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/savory-turkish-doner-kebab-recipe-with-easy-garlic-yogurt-sauce/