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Viral Homemade Doner Kebab Recipe

4.6 from 139 reviews

This viral homemade doner kebab recipe recreates the authentic street food flavor with ground lamb mixed with onion paste, garlic, yogurt, and spices, formed into thin sheets, baked until tender with crispy edges. Perfectly tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, it can be served in warm pita with fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and garlic sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

  • 450 grams ground lamb (or any ground meat)
  • 1 grated onion, food processed into a paste with 1 tsp water
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 teaspoons sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ¼ cup full-fat yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the doner kebab.
  2. Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine the ground lamb, onion paste, minced garlic, salt, sweet paprika, oregano, yogurt, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  3. Divide the mixture: Split the meat mixture evenly into two portions for easier handling and shaping.
  4. Prepare the meat sheets: Place one portion of the meat mixture in the center of a sheet of parchment paper. Keeping a small bowl of water or oil nearby, dip your fingers to prevent sticking as you press and spread the meat evenly into a thin rectangle. Repeat with the second portion.
  5. Roll the meat: Starting from the long edge, fold the parchment paper over the meat repeatedly until it forms a compact, flat rope shape. Place the parchment-wrapped rolls onto a baking sheet.
  6. Bake the rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes until fully cooked through and juicy.
  7. Unroll and shred: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then carefully unwrap and break the meat into shavings or small pieces.
  8. Crisp up the meat: Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the shredded meat and place it back in the oven until the edges turn lightly golden and crisp.
  9. Serve: Enjoy your homemade doner kebab stuffed in warm pita bread or a bowl, topped with fresh lettuce, pickles, tomato, red onion, and garlic sauce or toum.
  10. Optional garlic sauce: Use store-bought garlic sauce or toum, or make your own by blending yogurt with salt, garlic, and mayonnaise.

Notes

  • Lamb is the traditional choice but ground beef, chicken, or turkey can also be used.
  • Use full-fat plain or Greek yogurt for the best tenderizing effect.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can be added for brightness.
  • For gluten-free diets, serve in a bowl or use gluten-free pita bread.
  • Adjust spices: smoked paprika can replace sweet paprika for a deeper flavor, and chili flakes can be added for heat.
  • Keep fingers moistened with water or oil when shaping the meat to prevent sticking.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently to preserve texture.

Keywords: homemade doner kebab, viral doner kebab recipe, ground lamb kebab, baked kebab, Turkish doner, Middle Eastern street food, easy doner kebab, lamb recipes