Turkish Lamb Kebabs (Adana Kebab)
Adana Kebab — named after the spicy southern Turkish city — is a hand-minced lamb and beef kebab seasoned with red pepper flakes and spices, grilled on wide flat skewers over charcoal.
20
Prep Time (min)
15
Cook Time (min)
4
servings
480
Calories/serving
Medium
Difficulty
Ingredients
- 500 ground lamb (fine grind)
- 250 ground beef (fine grind)
- 100 lamb tail fat or beef fat (finely chopped)
- 2 tsp hot red pepper flakes (pul biber)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp sumac
- 1 ½ tsp salt
Serving
- 4 pieces flatbread (lavaş)
- 2 medium tomatoes (grilled)
- 2 medium green peppers (grilled)
- 1 bunch fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 medium red onion (sliced, sumac-seasoned)
Instructions
5 steps · ~21 minutes total
Mix the kebab
Combine ground meats and fat with all spices. Knead vigorously for 10 minutes until the mixture becomes sticky and homogeneous. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3 minutesThe dough is ready when it springs back slightly when poked.Form on skewers
With wet hands, take a handful of meat and press firmly onto a wide flat skewer, squeezing to form an elongated sausage shape about 20cm long. Refrigerate until ready to grill.
5 minutesOil the grill grates before placing food to prevent sticking.Grill
Grill over hot charcoal (or on a grill pan) for 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely charred.
5 minutesOil the grill grates before placing food to prevent sticking.Grill vegetables
Grill tomatoes and green peppers alongside the kebabs until charred.
3 minutesTaste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.Serve
Slide kebabs off skewers onto flatbread. Serve with grilled vegetables, sumac onions, and chopped parsley.
5 minutesKeep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
💡 Tips & Tricks
🔄 Variations
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Up to 3 days in an airtight container
Freezer
Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge
Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
What to Serve With
Complete your turkish meal with these perfect pairings:
About This Dish
Turkish Lamb Kebabs (Adana Kebab) is a beloved dish from Turkish cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 35 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Turkish cuisine is a fascinating blend of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan influences. It's considered one of the three great cuisines in the world alongside French and Chinese.
This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 13 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pul biber are Turkish red pepper flakes — moderately hot with a fruity flavor. Substitute with a mix of sweet paprika and cayenne.
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Nutrition Facts
4 serving(s) per recipe
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
