Doner Kebab Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 04, 2025

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The Ultimate Doner Kebab Recipe: A Guide to Perfectly Spiced Meat and Delicious Toppings

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's dive into the art of crafting the perfect doner kebab, a dish celebrated for its succulent marinated meat, vibrant toppings, and irresistible flavors. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step, from preparing the marinade to assembling the final masterpiece.

Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor

This recipe focuses on creating a delicious chicken doner kebab, easily adaptable to lamb or beef. Adjust quantities based on your desired yield.

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp paprika (sweet or smoked, depending on your preference)
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicier kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Doner Kebab:

• Flatbreads (pita or lavash)
• Shredded lettuce
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced onions
• Tzatziki sauce (recipe below)
• Your choice of additional toppings (e.g., pickles, hot sauce)

Tzatziki Sauce: A Creamy Counterpoint

This creamy, cool sauce perfectly complements the rich flavors of the doner kebab.

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparing the Chicken: The Art of Marinating

The success of your doner kebab hinges on the marinade. A well-marinated chicken will be incredibly juicy and flavorful.

Step-by-Step Marinade Process:

1. Combine: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together all the marinade ingredients.
2. Marinate: Add the chicken cubes to the bowl, ensuring each piece is coated evenly with the marinade.
3. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken.

Cooking the Chicken: Achieving Perfection

There are several methods for cooking doner kebab meat – a vertical rotisserie is traditional, but a skillet or grill works well at home.

Skillet Method:

1. Heat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil if needed.
2. Cook: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook until browned on all sides and cooked through.
3. Shred: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks.

Assembling Your Masterpiece: The Final Touches

Now comes the fun part—building your perfect doner kebab!

Assembly Instructions:

1. Warm the Flatbreads: Lightly toast or warm the flatbreads according to package directions.
2. Layer the Ingredients: Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on the flatbread. Add the shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
3. Add Extras: Customize with your favorite additional toppings, such as pickles or hot sauce.
4. Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious homemade doner kebab!

Tips for Doner Kebab Success

• Don't rush the marinade: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
• Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
• Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings to find your perfect combination.
• Make it a feast: Serve with a side of rice, salad, or fries for a complete meal.

This recipe provides a fantastic base; feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and toppings to create your signature doner kebab. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!