İskender Kebab Recipe

Introduction

İskender Kebab is a beloved Turkish dish featuring tender, spiced meat served over warm bread, topped with rich tomato sauce and creamy yogurt. This recipe brings together simple ingredients for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

• 1 lb lamb or beef (high-quality cuts)
• 4 soft pita breads (or lavash/naan)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika

Instructions

1. Step 1: Slice the lamb or beef into thin strips and marinate them with salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika.
2. Step 2: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and cook the marinated meat until browned, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Step 3: In another saucepan, heat oil and combine the tomato sauce with minced garlic and herbs of your choice; simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes.
4. Step 4: Warm the pita bread and layer it on plates as a base.
5. Step 5: Top the bread with the cooked meat strips.
6. Step 6: Pour the tomato sauce generously over the meat, add dollops of Greek yogurt on top, and finally drizzle melted butter over everything.

Tips & Variations

• Use lamb shoulder for a more tender and flavorful meat option.
• For a smoky twist, try grilling the meat instead of pan-frying.
• Add fresh parsley or sumac as a garnish for extra color and flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier kebab, include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the marinade.
• Serve with sliced tomatoes or cucumbers for a refreshing side.

Storage

Store leftover İskender Kebab in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave to preserve the texture of the meat and avoid drying out the bread. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated carefully for convenience.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of lamb or beef?

Yes, chicken strips can be used as a lighter alternative. Marinate and cook them similarly, but adjust cooking time as chicken cooks faster.

What type of bread works best for İskender Kebab?

Soft pita bread is traditional, but you can also use lavash or naan as substitutes. The bread should be easy to tear and soak up the sauce well.

İskender Kebab Recipe

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İskender Kebab is a classic Turkish dish featuring thinly sliced lamb or beef served over warm pita bread, topped with a rich tomato sauce, creamy Greek yogurt, and melted butter. This savory kebab combines tender, spiced meat with tangy yogurt and buttery richness, creating a perfectly balanced, flavorful meal that exemplifies traditional Turkish cuisine.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Turkish

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Marinade

• 1 lb high-quality lamb or beef, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika

Base and Sauces

• 4 soft pita breads (or lavash/naan)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
• 1 cup tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Marinate the Meat: Slice the lamb or beef into thin strips. In a bowl, season the meat with salt, black pepper, cumin, and paprika. Mix well to ensure all strips are evenly coated and allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the spices.
2. Cook the Meat: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated meat strips and cook them until they are browned and cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat some oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and herbs if using, then stir in the tomato sauce. Allow it to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
4. Assemble the Base: Warm the pita breads and place them on serving plates. The warmth makes them soft and more hospitable to soaking up the sauces.
5. Layer the Meat: Top the warm bread with the cooked meat strips evenly distributed.
6. Add Sauces and Butter: Generously pour the thickened tomato sauce over the meat. Add dollops of creamy Greek yogurt on top. Finally, melt the butter and drizzle it over the entire dish, enhancing the richness and aroma.

Notes

• For an authentic flavor, use full-fat Greek yogurt and high-quality cuts of lamb or beef.
• The pita bread can be lightly toasted for extra texture, but it should remain soft enough to soak up the sauces.
• Customize the tomato sauce by adding herbs like oregano or thyme, and a pinch of sugar to balance acidity if desired.
• Allowing the meat to marinate longer will deepen the flavor. Ideally, marinate for a few hours or overnight.
• Butter can be substituted with ghee for a more traditional touch.

Keywords: İskender Kebab, Turkish kebab, lamb kebab, lamb and yogurt, tomato sauce kebab, traditional Turkish recipes