Description
A simplified Turkish Iskender kebab featuring tender marinated beef served over crispy toasted bread cubes, topped with rich tomato sauce, melted butter, grilled vegetables, and creamy yogurt.
Ingredients
- 500 grams beef tenderloin, sirloin, or skirt steak, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely grated
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon chilli flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauce)
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
- 2 cups water
- 4 thick pita breads or Turkish bread
- 4 green peppers
- 2 tomatoes, quartered
- 4 tablespoons ghee or butter, melted
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Instructions
- Place the sliced beef in a bowl and add grated onion, black pepper, salt, chilli flakes, and olive oil. Mix well, cover, and marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated beef for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- In a saucepan, heat olive oil and cook the tomato paste for about 2 minutes.
- Add salt, paprika, and black pepper, then pour in the water and simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Preheat the oven broiler and cut the pita bread into 1-inch cubes.
- Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and broil for about 2 minutes until lightly golden and crisp.
- Grill the green peppers and tomatoes in a hot skillet or under the broiler until lightly charred.
- Place toasted bread cubes on serving plates and spoon tomato sauce over them.
- Add cooked beef on top and drizzle with additional tomato sauce.
- Serve with grilled peppers, tomatoes, yogurt, and finish with melted butter or ghee drizzled over the top.
Notes
- Marinating the beef improves tenderness and flavor.
- Toast the bread well so it absorbs the sauce without becoming overly soggy.
- Prepared doner meat can be used for a more traditional version.
- Chicken can replace beef for a lighter alternative.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling & Broiling
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
