Simple Technique for Perfect İskender! Ready in Just 15 Minutes!
Recipe Overview
Overview
Iskender Kebab is a beloved Turkish dish that elevates the classic döner kebab to new heights. The combination of tender meat, crunchy bread, and rich tomato sauce creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. The recipe shared here is not only easy to follow but also allows you to replicate the authentic taste of Iskender Kebab at home.
The key to this dish lies in the marinade, which includes yogurt and onion juice to tenderize the meat. This technique not only enhances the flavor but also ensures that the meat remains juicy and succulent. The addition of spices like red pepper flakes and thyme adds a lovely aromatic quality that complements the dish beautifully.
Assembling the Iskender Kebab is a treat in itself. Layering the meat over the crispy bread and drizzling it with rich tomato sauce and yogurt creates a visually appealing and mouthwatering presentation. It’s a dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or special occasions.
Whether you’re a fan of Turkish cuisine or looking to try something new, this Iskender Kebab recipe is sure to impress. It’s a comforting meal that brings the flavors of Turkey right to your kitchen, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Combine half a kilo of minced meat with half a kilo of round meat.
Add four tablespoons of yogurt, a bit of milk, and juice from two onions to the meat mixture.
Tip: Adding yogurt helps soften the meat.
Tip: Using onion juice adds tenderness and incredible flavor.
Add red flake pepper, dried thyme, black pepper, and sea salt to the meat mixture.
Allow the meat mixture to sit for a while.
Divide the meat into six portions, around 200g each.
Use a rolling pin to flatten each portion of meat.
Let the flattened meat sit outside for about 2 hours.
Tip: Let the meat sit outside for about 2 hours to soak in flavors before refrigerating.
Put a hot pan with a bit of butter.
Add the donar pieces to the pan and cook until one side turns brown.
Tip: Cook the meat quickly on high heat to avoid losing moisture.
Turn the meat to the other side when one side is browned.
Cut some pide bread.
Put a bit of butter on the donar and take it out.
Tip: Lower the heat to make the bread crunchy without burning the butter.
Add bread to the pan with butter to make it crunchy.
Add a bit of yogurt on the side of the iscandar.
Heat butter in a pan, then add tomato puree, salt, and sugar.
Tip: Add sugar to the tomato sauce to balance the sourness.
Put the donar on top of the tomato sauce.
Pour the browned butter over the yogurt.
Tip: Brown the butter before adding tomato paste for extra flavor.
Serve the iscandar with bread and yogurt.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Bread
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!
Interesting Tidbits
- •Iskender Kebab is traditionally served with yogurt and tomato sauce, enhancing its flavor.
- •Using a mixture of minced meat and chunks of meat gives the dish a unique texture.
- •The dish is named after Iskandar, who is credited with creating this style of kebab.
- •Resting the meat mixture allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious result.
