Description
This authentic Turkish Döner Kebab brings the flavors of street food right to your kitchen. Made with spiced beef or lamb, this dish is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, served with warm pita, fresh veggies, and a creamy cucumber sauce. Perfect for easy dinner recipes and quick dinner ideas, this high-protein recipe is a must-try!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Döner Mixture:
- 1 large yellow onion, pureed
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20) or ground lamb
- 2 tbsp yogurt
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
Onion Sumac Salad:
- 1 onion, thinly sliced into semicircles
- 8 sprigs parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp ground sumac
- 2 tbsp olive oil
White Cucumber Sauce:
- 4 tbsp yogurt or labneh
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 small Persian cucumber, shredded and drained
- 3–4 sprigs dill, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
To Serve:
- 8 pita, pide, or lavash bread
- Sliced pickles, tomatoes, and warm French fries (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef or lamb with yogurt, milk, salt, red pepper flakes, thyme, cinnamon, and black pepper.
- Puree the onion, then strain it through a sieve, pressing the juice into the meat mixture. Knead until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into an 8-inch log, wrap in foil, and freeze for 3-4 hours (or up to 6 months).
- Prepare the Onion Sumac Salad and White Cucumber Sauce.
- When ready to cook, remove the döner from the freezer and let it sit for 5 minutes. Slice thinly.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tbsp butter, and cook half of the döner slices until browned. Repeat with the remaining butter and meat.
- Serve over warm pita, pide, or lavash, spread with White Cucumber Sauce, topped with döner meat and Onion Sumac Salad. Add pickles and tomatoes if desired.
Notes
- Döner can be frozen for up to 6 months.
- Slice döner in batches and cook while still slightly frozen for better texture.
- Serve with a side of fries for an Istanbul-style experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg