Authentic Turkish Döner Kebab Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kg boneless lamb shoulder
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 large pita breads
  • 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 head of iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • For the sauce:
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the lamb into thin slices and place in a bowl.
  2. Add minced garlic, coriander, cumin, paprika, turmeric, salt, pepper, and olive oil to the bowl. Mix well to coat the lamb slices in the spices.
  3. Let the lamb marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  4. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated lamb and cook until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes per side.
  5. While the lamb is cooking, prepare the sauce. Mix together the Greek yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
  6. Warm the pita breads in a dry pan or in the oven.
  7. To assemble the döner, spread a generous amount of sauce on each pita bread. Top with the cooked lamb, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded lettuce.
  8. Fold the pita breads in half and serve immediately.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Chicken Döner: Substitute boneless chicken thighs or breasts for the lamb.
  • Vegetarian Döner: Replace the meat with grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
  • Spicy Döner: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
  • Beef Döner: Use thinly sliced beef steak instead of lamb.
  • Herb-Marinated Döner: Add fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or dill to the marinade for additional flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Döner: Use gluten-free pita bread or lettuce wraps instead of traditional pita bread.
  • Seafood Döner: Experiment with marinating and grilling shrimp or fish fillets for a seafood twist.
  • Customized Sauces: Try different variations of the sauce like adding sriracha, tzatziki, or harissa for unique flavors.
  • Middle Eastern Inspired Döner: Add Middle Eastern spices like sumac, za'atar, or baharat to the marinade for an authentic taste.

Recipe overview

Döner kebab is a popular street food that originated in Turkey but has found its way to hearts and plates all over the world. It generally consists of succulent, seasoned meat, traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, and served in a warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a tangy yogurt sauce. This recipe will guide you to make your own delicious döner at home, using a simple pan for cooking the meat. It's full of rich, mouthwatering flavors from the blend of spices used to marinate the lamb, and the crisp freshness of the vegetables and creamy sauce perfectly balance it out. Whether you’re craving a taste of street food or want to try something new and exciting, this recipe will not disappoint. The ingredients are fairly common and the steps are straightforward, catering to cooks of all levels. So roll up your sleeves and prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the streets of Turkey!

Common questions

  1. How long should I marinate the lamb? - Marinate the lamb for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat? - Yes, you can substitute lamb with chicken, beef, or even a vegetarian alternative such as seitan or tofu.
  3. Can I grill the lamb instead of cooking it in a pan? - Yes, grilling the lamb is a great option. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the marinated lamb slices for about 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
  4. What can I use as a substitute for tahini? - If you don't have tahini, you can use peanut butter or almond butter as a substitute.
  5. Can I add other vegetables to the döner? - Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, olives, or pickles to customize your döner.
  6. Can I make the sauce ahead of time? - Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting Board - Used for preparing and slicing the lamb.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting the lamb into thin slices.
  • Mixing Bowl - Needed for marinating the lamb with spices.
  • Large Pan - Used to cook the marinated lamb slices.
  • Small Bowl - Used for mixing the sauce ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons - Required for accurate measurement of spices and lemon juice.
  • Spatula - Helps in flipping and turning the lamb while cooking.
  • Grater - If you prefer grated cucumber for the döner.
  • Oven - Alternatively used to warm the pita breads.

Origin stories

Döner kebab, a staple of Turkish cuisine, has a fascinating origin story. It was created in the 19th century by Iskender Efendi, a chef from the city of Bursa in northwestern Turkey. As the story goes, Efendi was trying to think of a new way to use up leftover cooked meat. He came up with the idea of skewering the meat and roasting it vertically, a cooking method previously unseen in Turkey. The result was döner kebab, a dish that quickly gained popularity and became a beloved street food not just in Turkey, but across the globe. Its international popularity, in fact, led to the creation of several variations, such as the Greek gyro and the Middle Eastern shawarma. It's a testament to Efendi's inventive spirit that his creation is now enjoyed by millions worldwide.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.