Description
This Viral Doner Kebab recipe offers a quick and easy shortcut to traditional Turkish doner kebab using ground beef rolled in parchment paper and baked alongside roasted tomatoes and peppers. Finished with a flavorful tomato-butter sauce and served with lavash or pita bread and sumac onions, this dish tastes authentic and is perfect for a satisfying meal in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
For The Doner Meat
- 1 medium onion, peeled and cut into large chunks
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean to fat ratio)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (full-fat or no fat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For The Vegetables
- 3 medium tomatoes, quartered
- 2 green peppers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
For The Sauce (optional)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- ¼ cup hot water
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
For Serving (optional)
- 4 pieces lavash bread or pita bread
- ½ cup sumac onions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Meat Mixture: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Place the onion and garlic in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped or pureed. Transfer this to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine Meat Ingredients: Add the ground beef, tomato paste, Greek yogurt, ground cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), kosher salt, and black pepper into the bowl with the onion and garlic. Using clean hands, mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Divide and Shape the Meat: Divide the meat mixture into 3 equal portions. Place one portion in the center of a large sheet of parchment paper. Top with another parchment sheet and roll out into a rectangle as even as possible using a rolling pin or your hands. Remove the top parchment sheet.
- Roll the Meat: Starting from the bottom edge with the short side facing you, roll the meat along with the parchment paper in about 2-inch increments until fully rolled. Transfer the rolled meat onto a large sheet pan. Repeat this process with the remaining two portions of meat.
- Prepare Vegetables and Bake: Push the rolled meat to one side of the sheet pan. Add the quartered tomatoes and green peppers to the other side. Drizzle with olive oil and season with kosher salt and black pepper. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Serve the Doner Meat: When cooked, carefully unfold and tear the rolled meat into large chunks. If making durum, spread lavash bread with a tablespoon of tomato-butter sauce, add a handful of meat, roasted vegetables, and sumac onions. Drizzle with additional tomato sauce, then roll up tightly from the bottom, tucking the filling as you go. Cut in half to serve.
- Make the Tomato-Butter Sauce: While the meat bakes, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in tomato paste, hot water, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then remove from heat. This sauce adds rich flavor when drizzled on the doner wraps or served alongside.
Notes
- Use 85/15 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
- The tomato-butter sauce is optional but recommended for authentic taste.
- Sumac onions add a tangy brightness that complements the rich meat.
- Rolling the meat in parchment paper helps create even slices and easy cleanup.
- You can substitute lavash with pita bread if desired.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat preference or omit if sensitive to spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
