Donair
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
2 hrs 30 mins
-
Total Time
2 hrs 50 mins
-
Servings
12 Donairs
-
Calories
531 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Canadian
Donair
Description
This Donair recipe combines lean ground beef with a complex mixture of spices including cayenne, oregano, thyme, paprika (including smoked paprika), onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian-style breadcrumbs for texture. The mixture is thoroughly mixed using a stand mixer or by hand until smooth and well combined, then shaped into a firm log.
The shaping process involves repeatedly throwing the meat log onto the counter to remove air pockets and create a cohesive texture. A metal skewer is placed through the center for cooking stability. Separately, the traditional donair sauce is made by whisking sweetened condensed milk with garlic powder and vinegar, then chilled to allow flavors to meld.
Donairs are typically served by slicing the cooked meat and assembling in pita bread with toppings such as sliced onions, tomatoes, and optional shredded mozzarella cheese. The contrast between the spiced meat and the sweet, tangy sauce is characteristic of this dish.
If a stand mixer is unavailable, mixing by hand for 15-20 minutes achieves a similar result. Cheese inclusion varies by preference and does not detract from authenticity.
Ingredients
Donair Meat
- 2 ½ - 3 lbs ground beef lean
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon thyme dried
- 4 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ cup bread crumbs Italian style
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper ground
Donair Sauce
- 300 ml sweetened condensed milk ((one can 10 oz ))
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ½ tablespoon garlic (powder)
Toppings
- onion (sliced)
- tomato sliced
- mozzarella cheese (shredded, optional)
- 10 pita bread
Instructions
- Prepare the donair sauce by whisking the sweetened condensed milk, garlic powder and vinegar together until evenly combined. You can use this right away but it tastes best if it sits 1 hour - overnight in the fridge.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, add the ground beef, spice and breadcrumbs. Mix on medium-low for about 10 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed. Mix until the texture of the meat has changed from a ground beef consistency to a smooth texture, or mix by hand in a large bowl for 15 - 20 minutes.
- Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place meat mixture onto a clean working surface (counter or cutting board or on a piece of parchment paper on your kitchen counter). Shape the meat into a log.
- Pick up the log several times and throw it down on to the counter to help get out any air pockets that may still be in the meat. Shape the meat into a smooth log.
- Carefully slide a metal skewer through the center of the meat. Wrap fully in foil and tighten the edges to cover the meat at the ends of the skewer.
- Bake for approximately 2 hours on the middle rack of oven.
- Remove the foil from the donair log and place the skewers in the donair log on the baking pan. Bake for another 20 minutes or until browned all over and cooked through. Or place the donair in an air fryer or rotisserie oven to brown the outside.
- Allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing. Holding the skewer slightly at an angle, carefully shave thin slices off the donair.
- Prepare your toppings. Dice onion and tomato into bite sized pieces. Cut as many square pieces of foil you need for the number of wraps you are making, slightly larger than your pita for wrapping.
- Pan fry the donair in a small amount of oil until golden brown. Place a pita on top to warm up the pita and soften it. This will make the pita more pliable.
- Place the pita on top of a square of aluminum foil, top with donair sauce, meat, onion, tomato and more donair sauce on top.
- Wrap the aluminum foil around the donair and place into the oven for about 5 minutes to warm at 350°F.
- Repeat these steps for as many donairs as you are making.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- If you lack a stand mixer, mixing the meat by hand for 15–20 minutes achieves the needed smooth texture.
- Including shredded cheese on the donair is optional and many enjoy it both ways.
- The original donair makers also allow cheese to be added despite traditionalists often preferring none.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12Donairs
Amount Per Serving
Calories 531 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 531kcal | 27% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 52g | 104% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 137mg | 46% |
| Sodium | 908mg | 38% |
| Potassium | 920mg | 20% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 14g | 28% |
| Vitamin A | 292IU | 6% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 154mg | 15% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
