Can I make döner kebab without a vertical rotisserie at home?

Absolutely! This recipe is specifically designed for home cooking using a skillet or grill pan. The key is to slice the meat thinly and cook it in batches over medium-high heat to achieve that characteristic döner texture and flavor.

What's the best meat to use for homemade döner kebab?

Lamb shoulder is traditional and provides the most authentic flavor, but chicken thighs work excellently too. Both should be cut into thin slices against the grain. Avoid lean cuts as they can become dry - you want some fat content for juiciness.

How long should I marinate the meat for döner kebab?

For best results, marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, but overnight (8-12 hours) is ideal. The yogurt in the marinade helps tenderize the meat while the spices penetrate deeply, creating that signature döner flavor.

What sauces are traditionally served with döner kebab?

Traditional döner is served with garlic yogurt sauce (cacık), spicy red pepper sauce (acılı sos), or tahini sauce. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice and some pickled vegetables for extra tang and crunch.

Can I prepare döner kebab ingredients ahead of time?

Yes! The meat can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance. You can also prep all vegetables and sauces ahead of time. Just cook the meat fresh when ready to serve for the best texture and temperature.

Street Food

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Turkish Döner Kebab Recipe - Authentic Homemade Doner

Name: Turkish Döner Kebab Recipe - Authentic Homemade Doner
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Turkish

The most iconic Turkish street food - tender spiced meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, served with fresh vegetables and sauce in pita bread.

Turkish Döner Kebab Recipe - Authentic Homemade Doner - Authentic Turkish Recipe

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Recipe Details

Prep Time

20m

Cook Time

15m

Total Time35 minutes

Serves

Level

Medium

Dietary Information

🍽️ Traditional Recipe

Street Food

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Ingredients

Shopping List

2 lbs Lamb shoulder or chicken thighs
Cut into thin slices
1 cup Greek yogurt
For marinade
1/4 cup Olive oil
4 cloves Garlic
Minced
2 tsp Ground cumin
2 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Ground coriander
1 tsp Dried oregano
2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Black pepper
Freshly ground
6 pieces Pita bread
Warmed
2 large Tomatoes
Sliced
1 medium Red onion
Thinly sliced
1 large Cucumber
Sliced
1/2 cup Fresh parsley
Chopped

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, oregano, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.

Step 2

Add the sliced meat to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 3

Remove meat from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.

Step 4

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated meat in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned and cooked through.

Step 5

Warm the pita bread in a dry pan or oven until soft and pliable.

Step 6

To serve, place cooked meat in warm pita bread, add tomato slices, cucumber, red onion, and fresh parsley. Drizzle with garlic sauce or tahini.

Step 7

Wrap tightly in foil or parchment paper for authentic street food presentation. Serve immediately while hot.

🎉

Congratulations!

You've successfully prepared an authentic Turkish dish. Enjoy your delicious creation!

About This Recipe

Döner kebab is Turkey's most famous street food export, beloved worldwide for its tender, flavorful meat and fresh accompaniments. Traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie (döner means 'turning' in Turkish), this recipe adapts the classic for home cooking while maintaining all the authentic flavors.

The key to great döner lies in the marinade - a blend of yogurt, spices, and herbs that tenderizes the meat and infuses it with incredible flavor. While street vendors use lamb or chicken, this recipe works beautifully with either.

Served in warm pita bread with crisp vegetables, tangy pickles, and creamy garlic sauce, döner kebab represents the perfect balance of flavors and textures that make Turkish street food so irresistible.

~3 min read

By Turkish Cuisine Admin

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Turkish Döner Kebab Recipe - Authentic Homemade Doner

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Recipe Details

Ingredients

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Step-by-Step Instructions

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