Iskender Kebab Recipe

Traditional Iskender Kebab plated with thinly sliced beef on crispy bread, topped with rich tomato sauce and melted butter, served with creamy yogurt for an authentic Turkish experience.

5 from 1 vote

Discover the authentic flavors of Iskender Kebab, a classic Turkish dish featuring juicy spiced beef served over crispy pide bread and topped with rich tomato sauce, melted butter, and a dollop of yogurt.

Prep Time30

Cook Time30

Total Time1

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Turkish

Servings:

Author: Shadi HasanzadeNemati

Ingredients

Iskender Kebab Ingredients

1 onion
1½ tablespoons plain yogurt
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cumin
1½ pounds ground beef

Tomato Sauce Ingredients

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon oregano
1 tsp Aleppo pepper
1/2 cup tomato sauce

To Serve

1 large pide bread
3 tbsp unsalted butter

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prepare the Beef

In a large bowl, grate the onion, then add yogurt, Aleppo pepper, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
Add the ground beef to this mixture. Combine by hand until fully integrated.
Shape the mixture into a log, about 2 inches in diameter, and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 1 hour, then transfer to the freezer and freeze overnight (8 hours).
Remove the meat log from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Place a pan over medium high heat.
Thinly slice with a sharp chef’s knife and arrange the meat slices in a single layer and sear for 30 seconds on each side until crispy and browned. Repeat with remaining slices and transfer to a plate.

Prepare the Tomato Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil.
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to release its natural sweetness.
Add the tomato sauce, salt, oregano, and Aleppo pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Assemble the Iskender Kebab

Cut the pide bread into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a serving platter.
Pour the tomato sauce generously over the toasted bread cubes.
Top the sauce with seared meat slices and a dollop of yogurt on the side.
Melt the 3 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat.
Drizzle melted butter over the dish for a final touch.

Video

Notes

You can prepare the beef mixture, form it into a log and keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to cook, leave it on the counter for 5 minutes, slice and proceed with the recipe.
You can make the tomato sauce a day or two in advance and heat when ready to serve.
If Ramazan pidesi (pide bread) isn't available, use naan or another fluffy bread such as focaccia, ciabatta or Italian bread. Cut the bread into cubes before serving.

Nutrition