Name: Döner Kebab
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless lamb, beef, or chicken (thinly sliced); 3 tbsp plain yogurt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp ground cumin; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp ground black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional); Flatbread, pita, or lavash; Sliced tomatoes; Sliced cucumbers; Shredded lettuce or cabbage; Sliced onions; Garlic yogurt sauce or tahini sauce

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Tender, juicy slices of spiced meat wrapped in soft bread with crisp vegetables and a creamy garlic sauce—this homemade döner kebab brings all the flavor of authentic street food right into my kitchen. Whether I use lamb, beef, or chicken, the result is always deliciously satisfying.

Döner Kebab

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meat:

1 ½ lbs boneless lamb, beef, or chicken (thinly sliced)

3 tablespoon plain yogurt

2 tablespoon olive oil

2 tablespoon lemon juice

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoon ground cumin

2 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for depth)

For Serving:

Flatbread, pita, or lavash

Sliced tomatoes

Sliced cucumbers

Shredded lettuce or cabbage

Sliced onions

Garlic yogurt sauce or tahini sauce

Directions

I start by mixing yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and all the spices in a bowl until well combined.

I add the thinly sliced meat to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated. Then I cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours—overnight is best for flavor.

When ready to cook, I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.

I spread the marinated meat in a single layer on a baking tray or directly cook it in a skillet until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 8–10 minutes.

I warm the bread, then fill it with meat, fresh veggies, and a generous drizzle of sauce.

Finally, I roll or fold the wrap and enjoy it immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Marinating Time: 2 hours

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Calories: Approximately 380 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes use all chicken thighs for an extra juicy result.

For a vegetarian twist, I replace the meat with grilled mushrooms or seitan and keep the same marinade.

Adding a pinch of chili flakes or hot sauce gives it a spicy kick.

I switch up the sauces with hummus or tzatziki depending on what I’m in the mood for.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover cooked meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat until hot, or microwave it briefly. The bread and vegetables are best assembled fresh, so I keep those separate until serving.

FAQs

How can I make döner kebab without an oven or grill?

I use a skillet on the stovetop—just make sure it’s hot and cook the meat in batches so it sears instead of steaming.

What’s the best meat to use for authentic flavor?

Lamb is the most traditional, but I also get great results with beef or chicken thighs for tenderness and flavor.

Can I freeze the marinated meat?

Yes, I freeze it in a freezer-safe bag after marinating. When I’m ready to cook, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and proceed as usual.

What sauces work best with döner kebab?

I love garlic yogurt sauce for creaminess, but tahini, tzatziki, or even spicy harissa are all great options.

Is döner kebab healthy?

It can be! I use lean meat, fresh veggies, and yogurt-based sauces to keep it balanced and nutritious.

Conclusion

This homemade döner kebab delivers everything I love about my favorite street food—flavor-packed, juicy meat wrapped in warm bread with crisp vegetables and creamy sauce. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for gatherings, and endlessly adaptable. Once I try it, it’s hard not to make it again and again.

Recipe:

Döner Kebab

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

This homemade döner kebab recipe brings the rich, spiced flavors of Turkish street food into your kitchen with tender marinated meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy garlic sauce, all wrapped in warm flatbread.

Instructions

In a bowl, mix together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, black pepper, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
Add the thinly sliced meat to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), or heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
Spread the marinated meat in a single layer on a baking tray or cook directly in a skillet until browned and fully cooked, about 8–10 minutes.
Warm the flatbread, pita, or lavash.
Fill the bread with the cooked meat, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded lettuce or cabbage, sliced onions, and sauce of choice.
Roll or fold the wrap and serve immediately.