The viral homemade döner kebab recreates the iconic Turkish street food without specialised equipment. This recipe uses a clever technique of spreading spiced minced meat thinly on parchment paper, rolling it tightly, and baking it in stages to achieve the authentic texture of traditional döner.
Ingredients
UNITSIngredients
For the döner meat:
2Large onions (blended into a smooth paste)
1 kgMinced meat (lamb)
50 mlOlive oil
4 heaped tbspPlain yoghurt
2 tbspPaprika
2 tbspBlack pepper
2 tbspChilli flakes
2 tbspCumin
2 tbspOregano
1-2 tbspSalt (to taste)
1 squeezeFresh lemon juice
For servingPita bread
For servingFresh salad
For servingSauces (garlic sauce, hot sauce, tahini)
Follow
Directions
Description - Step 1
Prepare the base mixture
Chop down the onions, then transfer them to a blender. Blend until the chopped onions turn into a completely smooth paste with no visible chunks. Add this onion paste to a large mixing bowl along with the 1 kg of minced meat.
Description - Step 2
Season and mix generously
Pour in the olive oil, then add the yoghurt and all the spices – paprika, black pepper, chilli flakes, cumin, oregano, and salt. This combination gives the döner its signature aroma and flavour. Using your hands or a spatula, work the mixture thoroughly until it becomes smooth, sticky, and fully integrated. The more evenly everything is combined, the tighter and juicier your döner slices will be later.
Description - Step 3
Spread the mixture thinly
Lay out square sheets of parchment paper and spread the meat mixture on them in a very thin, even layer – only a few millimetres thick. Take your time with this step.
Description - Step 4
Roll it up tightly
Starting from one edge, roll the parchment up snugly so the meat forms a compact log inside. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture, creating multiple rolls if needed.
Description - Step 5
First bake
Place the rolls on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 20 minutes. This initial cook helps the meat set while keeping the rolls intact.
Description - Step 6
Drain and bake again
Remove the tray and carefully drain any excess liquid that has accumulated. Return the rolls to the oven for another 15 minutes, or until the parchment takes on a deeper brown colour. This means that the meat is tightening and caramelising inside.
Description - Step 7
Unravel and crisp up
Take the rolls out, carefully unravel them, and drizzle the hot meat with a bit of fresh lemon juice. If you prefer the meat crispier (like proper döner shop style), place the unrolled meat back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Description - Step 8
Serve the kebab
Once done, slice or tear up the meat and serve immediately with warm pita bread, fresh salad, and your favourite sauces.