Turkish Kebab Recipe

Two Classic Turkish Kebab Styles

Adana Kebab (Spicy Ground Meat Kebab)

 

Ingredients:

• 500g ground lamb (or beef-lamb mix, 70-30)
• 1 large onion, very finely minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp red pepper flakes (pul biber)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat with minced onion and garlic
2. Add all spices, salt, and olive oil
3. Knead the mixture by hand for 5-7 minutes until well combined and sticky
4. Add parsley and mix gently
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours
6. Wet your hands and shape mixture around flat metal skewers
7. Grill over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes, turning frequently

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Shish Kebab (Marinated Meat Cubes)

Ingredients:

• 1 kg lamb or beef, cut into 2-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, quartered and separated
• 2 bell peppers, cut into chunks
• Cherry tomatoes

For Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp yogurt
• 1 large onion, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp thyme
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Mix all marinade ingredients in a large bowl
2. Add meat cubes and coat thoroughly
3. Cover and marinate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight)
4. Thread meat alternating with onions, peppers, and tomatoes on skewers
5. Grill over medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes

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Turkish Spice Blend (Baharat)

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp black peppercorns
• 2 tbsp allspice berries
• 1 tbsp green cardamom pods
• 1 tbsp cloves
• 1 tbsp cinnamon stick, broken
• 1 tbsp cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 1 whole nutmeg

Instructions:

1. Dry roast all spices in a pan for 2-3 minutes until fragrant
2. Cool completely and grind to fine powder
3. Store in airtight container
4. Use 1-2 tsp in your kebab marinades

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Turkish Kebab Accompaniments

Cacik (Turkish Yogurt Sauce)

• 1 cup thick yogurt
• 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• Salt to taste

Mix all ingredients and chill before serving.

Turkish Bread (Pide)

• Serve with warm Turkish pide bread or lavash
• Brush bread with olive oil and warm on grill

Turkish Salad (Coban Salatasi)

• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper

Mix all ingredients and let stand for 15 minutes before serving.

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Grilling Instructions

Preparation:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat
2. Clean and oil the grill grates
3. Have all accompaniments ready

Cooking Process:

1. Adana Kebab: 8-10 minutes total, turning every 2-3 minutes
2. Shish Kebab: 12-15 minutes total, turning every 3-4 minutes
3. Meat should be nicely browned outside, juicy inside
4. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving

Temperature Guide:

• Medium-rare: 130-135°F internal temperature
• Medium: 135-145°F internal temperature
• Well-done: 145°F+ internal temperature

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Traditional Turkish Serving Style

For Adana Kebab:

1. Serve on warm pide bread
2. Add sliced red onions and tomatoes
3. Drizzle with cacik sauce
4. Sprinkle with sumac and parsley

For Shish Kebab:

1. Remove from skewers onto platter
2. Serve with rice pilaf or bulgur
3. Add grilled vegetables on the side
4. Provide cacik and Turkish salad

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Pro Tips for Perfect Turkish Kebabs

• Meat Quality: Use good quality meat with some fat content (80-20 ratio)
• Temperature: Let meat come to room temperature before grilling
• Skewers: Soak wooden skewers for 30 minutes, or use metal ones
• Don't Overcook: Turkish kebabs should be juicy, not dry
• Rest the Meat: Let cooked kebabs rest before serving
• Authentic Spices: Use Turkish red pepper flakes (pul biber) if available

Shopping List for Turkish Market:

• Pul biber (Turkish red pepper flakes)
• Turkish oregano
• Sumac
• Turkish yogurt
• Pide bread

Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus marination)
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people

Afiyet olsun! (Bon appétit in Turkish) - Enjoy your authentic Turkish kebabs!

Cultural Note

Turkish kebabs are more than just food - they're a social experience. Traditionally enjoyed with family and friends, accompanied by tea, and served with generous hospitality. The art of making perfect kebabs has been passed down through generations in Turkish cuisine.