Turkish İskender Kebab Recipe: Discover The Art of Kebabs

Turkish Iskender Kebab Recipe is an iconic dish, steeped in tradition and rich flavors, promises an authentic taste of Turkish cuisine in the comfort of your own kitchen.

As you delve into this special recipe  for you, you’ll uncover the secrets behind the succulent meat, the aromatic marinade, and the luscious sauce that define the essence of Turkish Iskender Kebab.

Join me on this gastronomic adventure, and let’s recreate the magic of Turkish street food together.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a cooking enthusiast, my step-by-step instructions will empower you to elevate your culinary prowess.

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests with the irresistible allure of homemade Turkish İskender Kebab.

Are you ready for a new eating experience with this irresistible taste?

If yes, let’s dive into the details and unravel the culinary wonders that make this dish an absolute delight for the senses.👌👌👌🥰

What is Turkish Iskender Kebab?

Iskender Kebab, Iskender Döner, or Bursa Kebabı is one of the famous kebab dishes of Turkey from the Bursa city.

It originated in 1867 in the Kayhan Market.

Although its main ingredient is döner, what makes Iskender unique is the melted butter on top, tomato sauce, yoghurt on the side, and the oily pieces of pide (Turkish flatbread) underneath.

Additionally, the meat used in Iskender is distinct from any regular döner.

The meat for  Turkish Iskender Kebab Recipe comes from rams fed with Uludağ thyme, resulting in lower fat content.

The quality of the tomato sauce and yogurt used also greatly influences the overall taste.

The name is derived from its inventor, Iskender Efendi, who lived in Bursa in the late 19th century during the Ottoman Empire.

The family, which started its business with Mehmet Efendi Restaurant in the 1850s, was engaged in the widespread lamb roasting and tandoor business in Bursa during that period.

In an Ottoman Empire era where cooked meat (from the tandoor or lamb roasting) was sold not only in fixed locations but also on overhead trays; the son, Iskender, embarked on a quest to differentiate the business, driven by thoughts like “How can we make the business stand out?” and “How can we make it better?”.

With the support of his uncle Sabit Dede, he tried to implement these ideas.

When his father warned, “Don’t come up with something unnecessary,” he first explained the matter to his mother and then convinced his father.

As a result, he proposed the idea of lifting the centuries-old tradition of roasting lamb parallel to the ground onto a vertical skewer to his father.

Thus, they tried with the vertical kebab concept in Bursa, and with the support of his father, Mehmet Efendi, the business continued to thrive.

Turkish Iskender Kebab Recipe Ingredients

( For 5 servings)

For the Lamb:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) lamb leg or shoulder (thinly sliced)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 medium onion (grated)
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt
• Juice of 1 lemon

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 4 large ripe tomatoes (peeled and finely chopped)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup water

For the Butter Sauce:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Salt to taste

For the Pita Bread:

• 3-4 pita breads (cut into small pieces)

Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Sliced tomatoes and green peppers (grilled, optional)

Necessary Equipment To Make The Best İskender Kebab At Home

To make easy Turkish Iskender kebab at home, you’ll need the following equipment:

1. Grill or Grill Pan: For grilling the thinly sliced lamb or beef. A grill pan is a suitable alternative if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
2. Oven: To warm the Turkish bread before assembling the Iskender kebab.
3. Saucepan: For preparing the tomato sauce, which involves simmering tomatoes, garlic, and spices until thickened.
4. Small Saucepan: For melting the butter and preparing the butter sauce, which is drizzled over the finished dish.
5. Baking Sheet: To warm the Turkish bread in the oven before serving.
6. Kitchen Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing the meat and chopping ingredients such as tomatoes and parsley.
7. Measuring Spoons: For accurately measuring spices and other seasonings.
8. Tongs: For flipping and handling the meat while grilling.
9. Serving Plates: To assemble and present the Iskender kebab.

These basic kitchen tools will help you easily prepare delicious Turkish Iskender kebab in the comfort of your own home.

Easy Turkish Iskender Kebab Making Pro Tips and Tricks

• Grilled Meat: Iskender kebab features thinly sliced grilled lamb or beef that is seasoned and cooked to perfection on a grill or grill pan. The meat is tender, juicy, and infused with smoky flavors from the grilling process.

• Turkish Bread (Pide): Unlike other kebab dishes that are served with rice or flatbread, Iskender kebab is traditionally served over pieces of Turkish bread known as pide. Pide has a soft and slightly chewy texture, providing a delicious base for the dish. The Turkish Bread is a primordial element of the traditional iskender kebab recipe.

• Sauces: Iskender kebab is topped with three distinct sauces: tomato sauce, yogurt sauce, and butter sauce. The tomato sauce is rich and tangy, made with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and spices. The yogurt sauce for Turkish İskender Kebab adds a creamy and cooling element, while the warm butter sauce adds richness and depth of flavor. You can easily maximize the taste by preparing carefully the İskender Kebab Sauce Recipe.

• Presentation: Iskender kebab is presented in a visually appealing manner, with the warm grilled meat arranged neatly over the pieces of Turkish bread. The sauces are generously poured over the meat, creating a colorful and appetizing dish. Garnishes such as chopped parsley, sumac, and red pepper flakes may be added for extra flavor and visual appeal.

• Culinary Heritage: Iskender kebab carries a rich culinary heritage and is deeply rooted in Turkish cuisine. It originated in Bursa, a historic city in northwestern Turkey, and has been enjoyed by locals and visitors alike for centuries. The dish is named after its creator, İskender Efendi, and continues to be a beloved symbol of Turkish culinary tradition.

Overall, the particularity of Turkish Iskender Kebab Recipe lies in its harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and cultural significance, making it a truly special dish that captures the essence of Turkish cuisine.

How To Make The Best Iskender Kebab at Home: Step-by-Step Guide For Irresistible Taste

Altought some food lovers think that making easy İskender Kebab at home a bit difficult, that’s not the case.

My aim is to share with you all my tips and tricks for this iconic taste so that you will be able to easily make it at the comfort of your kitchen.

When you follow my step-by-step instructions, it’s quite easy to obtain this mouthwatering taste.

Here is my suggested guide for you to make the best Turkish İskender Kebab:

1. Prepare the Kebab:

• Season the thinly sliced lamb or beef with salt and black pepper.
• Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Brush the grill with olive oil and grill the meat slices until cooked through and slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

• In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Yogurt Sauce:

• In a bowl, combine plain yogurt with minced garlic and salt. Mix well and set aside.

4. Prepare the Butter Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
• Once melted, add paprika and dried oregano. Stir well and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. Assemble the Iskender:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
• Arrange the Turkish bread pieces on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
• Place the warm bread pieces on individual serving plates.
• Top the bread pieces with grilled meat slices.
• Pour the tomato sauce generously over the meat.
• Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the tomato sauce.
• Finally, pour the warm butter sauce over the entire dish.

6. Garnish and Serve:

• Garnish the Iskender with chopped parsley, sumac, and red pepper flakes if desired.
• Serve immediately while warm.

Enjoy your homemade Turkish Iskender Kebab with family and friends!

If you don’t skip any steps and follow my recipe instructions properly, you will obtain the wished result.

What You Should Avoid When Making Homemade Turkish Iskender Kebab Recipe?

PIN THIS DELICIOUS TURKISH ISKENDER KEBAB RECIPE TO SAVE IT FOR LATER 👇👇👇👇

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Easy Turkish Iskender Kebab Recipe

Delight in the rich flavors of Turkish cuisine with our Iskender kebab recipe, featuring succulent slices of lamb or beef served over a bed of crispy pita bread. This dish is elevated with a generous drizzle of tangy tomato sauce and a dollop of creamy yogurt, creating a perfect harmony of tastes and textures. Ideal for any occasion, Iskender kebab is sure to impress with its authentic taste and satisfying, hearty appeal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mediterranean, middleeastern, Turkish

Servings 5 people

Equipment

• 1 Grill pan
• 1 oven
• 1 saucepan
• 1 small saucepan
• 1 baking sheet
• 1 cutting board
• 1 kitchen knife
• tongs for flipping and handling the meat
• serving plates

Ingredients

  

• 700 gram lamb leg or shoulder thinle sliced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin

Lamb Ingredients

• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 2 cloves garlic minved
• 1 onion medium sized and grated
• 1 tbsp plain yogurt
• 1 juıice of lemon

Tomatoe Sauce Ingredients

• 4 tomatoes large ripe peeled and finely chopped
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• salt
• black pepper
• red pepper flakes optional
• 1/2 cup water

Butter Sauce Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Yogurt Sauce Ingredients

• 2 cups plain yogurt
• 1 clove garlic minced
• salt to taste

Pita Bread

• 4 pita breads cut into small pieces

Garnishing Ingredients

• Fresh parsley chopped for garnish
• romatoes and green peppers grilled (optional)

Instructions

 

• Season the thinly sliced lamb or beef with salt and black pepper.Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.Brush the grill with olive oil and grill the meat slices until cooked through and slightly charred, about 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside.
• In a saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat.Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.Add chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the tomatoes break down and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes. Set aside.
• In a bowl, combine plain yogurt with minced garlic and salt. Mix well and set aside.
• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.Once melted, add paprika and dried oregano. Stir well and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).Arrange the Turkish bread pieces on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven for 5-7 minutes.Place the warm bread pieces on individual serving plates.Top the bread pieces with grilled meat slices.Pour the tomato sauce generously over the meat.Drizzle the yogurt sauce over the tomato sauce.Finally, pour the warm butter sauce over the entire dish.
• Garnish the Iskender with chopped parsley, sumac, and red pepper flakes if desired.Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Note: The ideal İskenker Kebab should be served immediately after the cooking step. You may consider a 10 minutes for resting before serving the İskender kebab to children since it's too hot. 

You may share your expeience of this recipe with me at Instagram: @turkishfoodpro 

I will be more than happy if you find my recipe delicious and useful. 

Enjoy! 

Keyword beef kebab, iskender kebab, kebab recipes, lamb kebab, Turkish kebab