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Iskender Kebab Recipe

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 Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr
Servings: 8
Calories: 445 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Turkish

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

Instructions

Prepare the Beef
    Cup of Yum
  1. In a large bowl, grate the onion, then add yogurt, Aleppo pepper, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
  2. Add the ground beef to this mixture. Combine by hand until fully integrated.
  3. 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).
  4. Remove the meat log from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes. Place a pan over medium high heat.
  5. 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
  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil.
  2. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes to release its natural sweetness.
  3. Add the tomato sauce, salt, oregano, and Aleppo pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Assemble the Iskender Kebab
  1. Cut the pide bread into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a serving platter.
  2. Pour the tomato sauce generously over the toasted bread cubes.
  3. Top the sauce with seared meat slices and a dollop of yogurt on the side.
  4. Melt the 3 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat.
  5. Drizzle melted butter over the dish for a final touch.

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 Information

Calories 445kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 24g (8%) Protein 19g (38%) Fat 30g (46%) Saturated Fat 12g (60%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 11g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 83mg (28%) Sodium 981mg (41%) Potassium 279mg (8%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 317IU (6%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 60mg (6%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 445

% Daily Value*

Calories 445kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 24g 8%
Protein 19g 38%
Fat 30g 46%
Saturated Fat 12g 60%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 11g 55%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 83mg 28%
Sodium 981mg 41%
Potassium 279mg 6%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 317IU 6%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 60mg 6%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.