The Best Turkish Adana Kebab Recipe

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Turkey, a country rich in culinary traditions, offers a plethora of delightful dishes that captivate the senses. One such culinary gem is the famous Adana Kebab, named after the vibrant city of Adana in southern Turkey. Renowned for its robust flavors and succulent meat, this Adana Kebab recipe is a must-try for any food enthusiast.

Let’s dive into the history, culture, and preparation of this tantalizing dish, along with a step-by-step recipe to create an authentic Adana Kebab.

The kebab holds a special place in Turkish cuisine, with each region boasting its own unique twist on the dish.

Adana Kebab, however, stands out for its bold flavors and simple yet distinctive ingredients. The origins of the Adana Kebab can be traced back to the heart of Turkish cuisine. Adana, located in the southeastern region of Turkey, is known for its strong culinary traditions deeply rooted in the culture of the region.

Ground Lamb is the key component of the kebab, providing its rich and meaty flavor.

If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the ground lamb with ground beef or even a combination of beef and lamb.

The other ingredients in the Adana kebab are:

1. Cumin: This aromatic spice adds warmth and depth to the kebab. For a unique twist, you can substitute cumin with ground coriander seeds, which imparts a slightly citrusy flavor.
2. Sumac: Known for its tangy and lemony notes, sumac is an essential ingredient in Adana Kebab. If you can’t find sumac, a suitable substitute would be lemon zest mixed with a little salt.
3. Red pepper flakes: These fiery flakes provide a hint of heat to the kebab. Adjust the amount according to your preference for spiciness.
4. Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the kebab. Feel free to use sea salt or kosher salt based on your preference.

Preparing this Adana kebab recipe is super simple!

Step 1: Combine the ground lamb, cumin, sumac, red pepper flakes, and salt in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your kebabs.

Step 2: Rest and Marinate Cover the meat mixture and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious and tender kebab.

Step 3: Shape the Kebabs. Wet your hand to prevent the mixture sticking to your skin. Take a small portion at a time and shape it onto a long, flat skewer. Press the meat firmly onto the skewer, creating a long, cylindrical shape. Repeat this process for the remaining portions.

Step 4: Grilling the Kebabs Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side. The kebabs should be cooked to medium, juicy and slightly charred on the outside.

Turkish yogurt:

• Grate 2 mini cucumbers and squeeze out the excess water with your hands or using a kitchen towel or cheese cloth.
• Mix the cucumber and 1 cup of yogurt together and add 2 cloves of minced garlic,1 tbsp olive oil, salt (to taste) and 1 tbsp dried mint. Taste and add more salt if needed. Set aside

You will also want to try these delicious Chicken Souvlaki Wraps!

Now that your Adana Kebabs are grilled to perfection, it’s time to serve them in the traditional Turkish style.

1. Pita Bread: Warm the pita bread on the grill or in the oven. This soft and slightly chewy bread will serve as the perfect vessel for your kebabs.
2. Turkish Yogurt: Spread a generous amount of tangy Turkish yogurt onto the pita bread. Turkish yogurt is similar to Tzatziki but is made with mint instead of dill. Feel free to sub Turkish yogurt for tzatziki.
3. The Adana Kebab: Slide the grilled kebab off the skewer and place it on top of the Turkish yogurt. The aromatic flavors and tender texture of the kebab will take center stage.
4. Fresh Vegetables: Top with a layer of crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions. For added flavor, sprinkle more sumac on the red onions! These fresh ingredients provide a refreshing contrast to the savory kebab.
5. Top with more Turkish yogurt and serve!

Try serving these Adana Kebabs along side this fresh and delicious Turkish Potato Salad.

You gonna make this authentic recipe so you can recreate the magic of Adana Kebabs in your own kitchen.

Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and embark on a culinary adventure that brings the flavors of Turkey to your plate. Indulge in the succulent Adana Kebab, savoring each bite as you immerse yourself in the rich history and culture that inspired this exquisite dish.