Iskender Kebab

Discover the irresistible flavors of Iskender Kebab, a Turkish classic that brings together tender, marinated slices of lamb or beef atop a bed of toasted pita bread, all smothered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce and finished with a drizzle of nutty browned butter. This authentic dish is a beloved staple of Turkish cuisine, delivering a perfect harmony of smoky, savory, and buttery notes. Paired with creamy Greek yogurt for a cooling touch, Iskender Kebab is a true feast that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re recreating a taste of Istanbul or exploring new Mediterranean flavors, this recipe promises a restaurant-quality dining experience right at home. Perfect for a bold family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, each bite is a flavorful journey.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Lamb or beef, thinly sliced
• 2 pieces Pita bread
• 200 grams Greek yogurt
• 100 grams Butter
• 3 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 250 milliliters Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, grated
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1

In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced lamb or beef with grated onion, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Step 2

While the meat marinates, prepare the tomato sauce. In a small saucepan, mix the tomato paste with water and stir over medium heat. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes until it thickens slightly, then season with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes.

Step 3

Preheat a large skillet or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated meat in batches to ensure even cooking until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per batch.

Step 4

Cut the pita bread into small, bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a serving platter.

Step 5

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat until it turns a golden brown, giving it a nutty aroma. Be careful not to let it burn.

Step 6

To assemble the Iskender Kebab, place the cooked meat over the pita bread pieces on the platter.

Step 7

Pour the tomato sauce generously over the top, followed by drizzling the melted butter over everything.

Step 8

Serve the kebab immediately with a side of Greek yogurt, adding a cooling contrast to the rich flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1373.8 grams (1373.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2998

Total Fat 232.50g	298%
Saturated Fat 102.90g	515%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.40g
Cholesterol 730mg	243%
Sodium 3842mg	167%
Total Carbohydrate 98.00g	36%
Dietary Fiber 12.70g	45%
Total Sugars 21.00g
Protein 156.80g	314%

Vitamin D 16IU	80%
Calcium 399mg	31%
Iron 17mg	97%
Potassium 2821mg	60%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.2%

Protein: 20.2%

Carbs: 12.6%