Craving a classic Turkish feast at home? Iskender Kebap features tender, perfectly seasoned beef over a bed of warm, toasted pita cubes, all smothered in a rich tomato-butter sauce and served with roasted peppers and tomatoes.
Here is an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe you can whip up right in your skillet!
Homemade Iskender Kebap: The Ultimate Turkish Comfort Food
Course: DinnerCuisine: TurkishDifficulty: Medium3
servings30
minutes20
minutes660
kcalMake authentic Homemade Iskender Kebap right in your kitchen! Tender sliced beef layered over warm pita bread, drizzled with rich tomato sauce, poured-over melted butter, and served with a side of creamy yogurt.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor and moisture)
1 medium onion (juice only — squeeze and discard the pulp)
4 tbsp yogurt
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp chili flakes
1 tsp paprika
- For the Sauce
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup butter (salted; if using unsalted, add a pinch of salt)
Warm water (as needed to loosen the sauce)
- For Plating & Garnish
Pita bread, cut into small cubes
Tomatoes, halved
Green peppers (whole)
Extra yogurt for serving (optional)
Directions
- Prep the Meat
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, thoroughly mix the ground beef, onion juice, yogurt, garlic, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and paprika until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
- Place a sheet of parchment (baking) paper on a baking sheet and transfer the meat mixture onto it. Cover with a second sheet of parchment paper.
- Using a rolling pin, roll the meat out evenly across the tray. You want a thin, even layer (thin enough to cook quickly, but not so thin that it falls apart). Peel off and discard the top paper.
- Bake & Slice
- Bake for 20 minutes until cooked through and nicely browned on top. Remove from the oven and cut the meat sheet into thin strips or bite-sized slices.
- Make the Tomato-Butter Sauce
- Pita: Toast the pita cubes in a dry skillet or low oven until warm and slightly crisp.
- Veggies: Sear the halved tomatoes and whole green peppers in a hot skillet until charred and tender.
- Assemble and Serve
- Base: Spread a bed of warm, toasted pita cubes across the plate.
- Layer: Place the warm baked beef strips generously over the bread.
- Sauce: Drizzle the rich tomato-butter sauce over the top so it softens the pita underneath.
- Sides: Add the charred tomatoes, roasted pepper, and a large scoop of cool yogurt on the side. Serve immediately!