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 mins
Cook Time30 minutes mins
Total Time50 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: middle eastern, Turkish
Servings: 8
- 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
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.
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.
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