Homemade Lamb Doner Kebab (Better Than Takeout!)

Skip the store-bought doner kebab — this homemade version is juicy, flavorful, and tastes just like the ones from your favorite Middle Eastern restaurants! With the perfect blend of lamb, beef, spices, and a creamy garlic yogurt sauce, this recipe will become a family favorite.

🍽️ Ingredients

For the Kebab

• 500g minced lamb
• 500g minced beef
• 250g grated onion
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 1 tbsp grated garlic
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/2 tsp ginger powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste

To Serve

• Pita bread or flatbread
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced onions
• Lettuce
• Pickles
• Hot sauce (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the kebab mixture
Add the minced lamb, minced beef, grated onion, yogurt, garlic, and all spices into a large mixing bowl.

2️⃣ Mix thoroughly
Knead the mixture using your hands until everything is well combined and sticky.

3️⃣ Shape the doner log
Spread the mixture over parchment paper and roll it tightly into a firm log shape.

4️⃣ Bake the log
Place the wrapped log in an oven-safe dish and bake in a preheated oven at 250°C (450°F) for 15 minutes.

5️⃣ Remove moisture
Unwrap the log, drain any excess liquid, and transfer it to a baking tray.

6️⃣ Broil to crisp

Broil for 5 minutes or until the outside becomes nicely browned and slightly crispy.

7️⃣ Brush & slice
Brush the surface with melted butter, then slice the meat thinly — just like authentic doner kebab.

8️⃣ Make the sauce
In a bowl, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, garlic, parsley, pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth.

9️⃣ Assemble your wrap
Spread the sauce on pita bread, add sliced doner meat, vegetables, pickles, and a drizzle of hot sauce. Roll and enjoy!

💡 Tips & Notes

• You can freeze the shaped doner log and bake it whenever needed.
• Use only lamb for a richer, more traditional kebab flavor.
• Adjust the spices or heat level to your preference.
• Great served as sandwiches or doner bowls over rice and salad.

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