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Easy Skillet Doner Kebab Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews

This Easy Skillet Doner Kebab recipe brings the authentic flavors of traditional Turkish street food right to your kitchen. Ground beef mixed with aromatic spices and yogurt is shaped, frozen, and thinly sliced to mimic the classic doner experience. Pan-fried to a golden crisp and served with a tangy homemade white sauce, fresh tomatoes, onion sumac salad, and pita bread, this dish is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Doner Meat

  • 1 large onion (quartered)
  • 500g (1/2 kg) regular ground beef or a mix of lamb and beef
  • 2 tablespoons whole yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (leaves picked)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for frying)

White Sauce

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/2 lemon (juiced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1 garlic clove (grated on a microplane)

For Serving

  • Thinly sliced tomato
  • Pickles
  • Pita bread or flatbread
  • Onion sumac salad

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Doner Meat: In a food processor, pulse the quartered onion until finely minced. Add the ground meat, fresh thyme leaves, salt, black pepper, whole yogurt, and whole milk. Blend everything together until evenly mixed and smooth, for at least 1-2 minutes to develop texture and flavor.
  2. Shape and Freeze: Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap or wax paper. Spoon the meat mixture onto it and shape into a 20 cm long log. Twist the ends tightly to seal and compact the meat, forming a sausage-like shape. Place in the freezer for at least 4 hours until solid.
  3. Slice the Doner Meat: Once frozen, unwrap the log and place it on a kitchen towel to prevent slipping. Slice the meat log thinly, about 5 mm thick, along the circular side. Alternatively, you can slice along the longer side if easier.
  4. Pan-Fry the Meat Slices: Heat a large heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and lightly spray or brush with oil. Quickly cook the meat slices in batches, without crowding, for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crisp. Work fast so the meat does not defrost completely and avoid steaming.
  5. Make the White Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, pepper, fresh dill, and grated garlic clove. Whisk well until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
  6. Assemble the Doner Kebab: Place the crispy meat slices onto warm pita or flatbread. Add thinly sliced tomato, pickles, and onion sumac salad. Drizzle generously with the white sauce. Roll up the bread to enclose the filling and serve immediately with extra white sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Freezing the meat log is essential for easy thin slicing, which replicates the doner kebab texture.
  • Use a sharp knife to get thin, even slices of meat.
  • If you prefer, lamb can be used instead of or mixed with beef for more authentic flavor.
  • Serve with pickled vegetables and sumac onion salad for traditional accompaniments.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet such as cast iron for even heat distribution when frying.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to ensure the meat crisps instead of steaming.
  • The white sauce can be adjusted to taste by adding more garlic or dill.

Keywords: Doner Kebab, Skillet Doner, Turkish Doner, Ground Beef Kebab, Homemade Doner, Easy Doner Recipe

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/easy-skillet-doner-kebab-recipe/