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Adana kebab on a platter with vegetables.
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Adana Kebab (Turkish Ground Meat Kebab)

A classic Turkish recipe with so much flavor. Make a heaty kebab wrap with lavash, sumac onion, tomatoes and pickles!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: middle eastern, Turkish
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs. Ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 Onion grated
  • 1 Red bell pepper finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp Red pepper paste
  • 1 tbsp Pul Biber (Aleppo pepper)
  • 2 tsp Salt
  • ½ tsp Black pepper
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter melted

To Serve

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, finely chopped red pepper, red pepper paste, pul biber, salt, black pepper, and melted butter.
  • Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for one hour up to overnight.

Oven Method

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly oil the bottom of a baking sheet and spread the meat mixture into a rectangle on the sheet, about ½ inch thick.
  • Using a bench scraper or knife, divide it into 8 equal portions.
  • Bake for 25 minutes then switch oven to broil for an additional 3-5 minutes to brown the tops.

Grilling Method

  • Divide the mixture into 8 portions and mold each portion onto wide flat metal skewers, shaping them evenly along the skewer.
  • Preheat a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat and remove the grates.
  • Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely charred.

To Serve

  • Place the kebabs on lavash bread and garnish with sumac onions, fresh parsley, grilled tomatoes, and long peppers.

Video

Notes

Meat Selection: While 85% lean ground beef works well, a mix of beef and lamb can offer a more authentic flavor. Ensure the meat has sufficient fat content for juiciness.​
Mixing: Knead the meat mixture to achieve a cohesive texture that holds together during cooking.​ Overmixing can lead to a dense mixture, so be careful to mix just until combined.
Chilling: Refrigerating the meat mixture helps firm it up, making it easier to shape and preventing it from falling apart during cooking.​
Uneven Shaping: Inconsistent thickness can lead to uneven cooking. Aim for uniform shapes for best results.​

Nutrition

Calories: 524kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 958mg | Potassium: 368mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 558IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 27mg | Iron: 5mg