Introduction
Doner Kebab, a popular Turkish street food, is known for its succulent layers of marinated meat, slowly cooked on a vertical rotisserie. While traditionally prepared on a vertical spit, we can achieve similar deliciousness on the grill. Join us as we explore the art of grilling Doner Kebab, creating mouthwatering, tender meat infused with aromatic spices. Get ready to experience the authentic flavors of this beloved dish, right from your backyard grill!
Preparation Time
20 minutes Marinating Time: 4 hours (or overnight) Grilling Time: 1.5 - 2 hours Total Time: 5 - 6 hours Serves: 4-6
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 2 pounds (900g) boneless lamb or chicken, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
For Serving
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced red onions
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: plain yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
- Add the thinly sliced lamb or chicken to the marinade. Make sure the meat is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated meat slices onto metal skewers, packing them tightly together. Leave a small gap between each slice to ensure even cooking.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill, positioning them horizontally over indirect heat. Close the grill lid.
- Grill the meat for 1.5 to 2 hours, rotating the skewers occasionally to cook all sides evenly. The meat should be cooked through and have a nicely charred exterior.
- While the meat is grilling, prepare the sauce by combining plain yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, chopped mint, minced garlic, and salt in a bowl. Mix well until smooth. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Once the meat is done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, carefully slice the meat into thin strips.
- Heat the pita bread or flatbread on the grill for a minute or until lightly toasted.
- To assemble the Doner Kebabs, place a toasted pita bread on a plate. Spread a generous amount of the yogurt-tahini sauce over the bread.
- Layer the sliced meat, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and fresh parsley on top of the sauce.
- Drizzle with hot sauce, if desired, for an extra kick of flavor.
- Roll the pita bread tightly into a kebab shape, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Serve the Grilled Doner Kebabs immediately and enjoy the sensational flavors of this classic Turkish delight.
Note: Don't forget to provide napkins, as these juicy kebabs can be delightfully messy!
Tips
- For additional flavor, you can add thinly sliced onions to the meat marinade.
- If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Experiment with different toppings and fillings, such as pickles, shredded lettuce, or a squeeze of lemon juice, to customize your kebabs.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of this Grilled Doner Kebab, and transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Turkey!