Dinner

Homemade Doner Kebab: The Viral Recipe Everyone’s Talking About Recipe

ByRafael Mansero January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Introduction

This homemade doner kebab recipe brings the authentic flavors of a popular street food right into your kitchen. With a juicy, spiced meat roll and fresh toppings, it’s perfect for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress family and friends.

A close-up image shows a stuffed pita bread held by two hands, filled with three layers: the bottom layer has thinly sliced, brown toasted meat pieces; the middle layer contains bright green lettuce and slices of cucumber and pickles; the top layer has chopped red tomatoes and is drizzled with creamy, light brown sauce on the meat. In the foreground, there are more slices of the same brown meat spread on a wooden board. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2.2 lb (1 kg) ground beef or lamb (or a mix)
1 onion, grated
3 garlic cloves, grated
¼ cup (60 g) plain yogurt
2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
2 teaspoons cumin
1 tablespoon sweet paprika
2 teaspoons oregano
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
2 tablespoons tomato paste or BBQ sauce
Warm pita or large tortilla, for serving
Shredded lettuce or cabbage, for serving
Red onion, sliced, for serving
Pickles, for serving
Tahini sauce (optional)
Tzatziki (optional)
Fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, grated garlic, yogurt, tomato paste, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, and olive oil. Mix thoroughly with your hands until the mixture becomes sticky and cohesive — this is key for the right doner texture.
Step 2: Divide the meat mixture into 5 equal portions. Place a large piece of parchment paper on the counter and set one portion on top. Cover with another sheet of parchment and use a rolling pin to spread the meat into a very thin, even rectangle, pressing out any air pockets.
Step 3: Remove the top parchment sheet. Starting from the long side, use the bottom parchment to roll the meat sheet tightly into a compact log, like a Swiss roll. Twist the ends of the parchment to secure the shape.
Step 4: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Step 5: Place the wrapped meat roll on a baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Step 6: Let the meat rest for 5 minutes after baking. Then, slice it thinly using two forks to shred the meat slightly for an authentic kebab texture.
Step 7: Assemble your doner kebab by stuffing warm pita or tortilla with the sliced meat and adding shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, pickles, and your choice of sauces like tahini or tzatziki. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra juiciness, mix half beef and half lamb.
Add cayenne pepper to the meat mix for a spicy kick.
If you don’t have a rolling pin, flatten the meat using a heavy-bottomed pan or your hands.
Try serving with different sauces such as chili sauce or garlic mayo for variety.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave to avoid drying it out. It is best eaten fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a wrap cut in half and stacked one on top of the other, held by a woman's hand. The wrap has a soft, light beige outer layer with a slightly toasted texture. Inside, there are multiple thin layers of folded brown, cooked meat filling the middle, with visible texture and a cooked grainy look. Above and below the meat layers, there is a creamy white sauce mixed with small green herbs and bits of purple onion, giving a moist appearance. On the top inside layer, fresh, bright green shredded lettuce adds a crisp texture. The background is a white marbled surface that creates a clean, neutral setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use just beef or just lamb?

Yes, you can use only beef or only lamb depending on your preference. Mixing the two gives a nice balance of flavor and fat content but either works well alone.

How thin should I slice the meat?

The slices should be thin enough to resemble traditional doner kebab shavings, about 1/8 inch thick or less. Using two forks to shred the meat slightly helps achieve the right texture.