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Doner Kebab with Spiced Ground Beef, Vegetables, and Tahini Sauce Recipe

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4.3 from 8 reviews

This Doner Kebab recipe offers a flavorful homemade alternative to the classic Turkish street food, featuring spiced ground beef cooked to perfection in the oven. Tender and juicy, the beef is seasoned with cumin, coriander, paprika, and oregano, then baked and broiled for a crispy edge. Served in warm pita with fresh vegetables and tahini sauce, it’s perfect for a satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds 85% lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion, grated
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

  • 1 large red onion, sliced into wedges
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced into wedges
  • Warm pita bread
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Pickles
  • Additional sliced onions
  • Tahini sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F. This will ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the kebab logs evenly.
  2. Mix the meat and spices: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, Greek yogurt, cumin, coriander, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed for maximum flavor.
  3. Portion the mixture: Divide the seasoned beef mixture evenly into four equal parts to prepare individual kebab logs for cooking.
  4. Shape the kebabs: Take one portion of the mixture and place it in the center of a 12×16 inch sheet of parchment paper. Top with another parchment sheet of the same size and use your hands or a rolling pin to flatten the meat into a thin rectangular shape matching the paper.
  5. Roll into logs: Starting at one long edge, carefully fold the parchment over the meat and roll tightly until the mixture forms a compact, flat log. Repeat this for all four portions.
  6. Bake the logs: Place the parchment-wrapped logs on a baking sheet and arrange the red onion and tomato wedges on the side. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, allowing the meat to cook fully while the vegetables soften slightly.
  7. Prepare for broiling: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the logs to cool just enough to handle safely. Unroll the parchment and break the cooked meat into small chunks or thin slices, spreading them back onto the baking sheet.
  8. Broil for crispiness: Switch the oven to the broil setting and broil the meat chunks for 2-3 minutes until they develop lightly golden color and crispy edges, adding a delicious texture contrast.
  9. Serve: Assemble the kebabs by placing the crispy meat in warm pita bread along with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles, onions, and a drizzle of tahini sauce. Enjoy this satisfying and flavorful dish.

Notes

  • Using parchment paper for shaping helps create uniform logs and makes clean-up easier.
  • The Greek yogurt adds moisture and tanginess, enhancing the texture of the meat.
  • Broiling at the end gives a perfect charred texture similar to traditional doner kebabs.
  • For an authentic touch, serve with fresh herbs like parsley or mint if desired.
  • Leftover doner meat can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Turkish