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Fakeaway slow cooker doner kebab
A healthier version of a takeaway doner kebab, which can be high in fat – try this lower fat, but very tasty alternative...
- Difficulty: Easy
- Serves 4
- Freezable
Preparation
- Total time
- 4 Hrs 10 Mins
- Preparation time
- 10 Mins
- Cooking time
- 4 Hrs
500g lamb mince
1.5 tsp cayenne pepper
1.5 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp mixed herbs
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp oregano
salad (to serve - lettuce, cucumber, tomato, onion - whatever you fancy)
pitta (to serve)
Mix all the seasonings together in a bowl
Now add the mince and mix well
Once the ingredients are combined, roll the mixture into a loaf shape
Put the loaf in the slow cooker for 6 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH
Once it's finished cooking, remove from the slow cooker and wrap in tin foil – leave it to rest for 10 minutes
While it's resting prepare your salad and pitta – warm the pittas in the toaster and slice the salad
Now unwrap the kebab meat and thinly slice off pieces to fill your pitta
You will need
Slow cooker - We love this study model by Morphy Richards - see more details here at Amazon.
Did you know that Wilko has an extensive kitchen range? This mixing bowl costs just £2.00 - see more details here at Wilko.
Tips
If you're sharing this recipe with the kids, you might want to cut down on the cayenne pepper, as it makes it pretty spicy! On the other hand, if you like it REALLY hot, you could always add in some fresh chillies, too!
Squash the meat together tightly before cooking, to ensure it keeps its shape.
Don't skip the resting part! It'll make the kebab much easier to slice.
Tailored Spice Levels for All Ages
Got little ones joining the kebab party? Consider adjusting the cayenne pepper quantity to suit their taste buds. This fiery ingredient can be quite intense for young palates, so a slight reduction can ensure a milder experience.
The Secret to Kebab Perfection: Compactness
Before the slow cooker begins its magic, take a moment to squash the meat together tightly. This little step goes a long way in ensuring your kebab maintains its shape throughout the cooking process. With each slice, you'll unveil beautifully intact layers of succulent goodness that you'll be proud to present to your dining companions.
The Resting Phase
By allowing the kebab to rest wrapped in tin foil, you're giving the flavours a chance to harmonize and the juices to redistribute. This simple step makes slicing a breeze and ensures that each bite bursts with the delectable juices that make your kebab truly exceptional. So, resist the temptation to skip this vital moment – your taste buds will thank you.
Is kebab meat already cooked?
Traditional kebabs, like the slow cooker kebab, involve seasoning and shaping raw meat before it embarks on its slow-cooked transformation. This method ensures that the flavours permeate every fibre, offering a taste experience that simply can't be replicated by precooked alternatives.
Are doner kebabs healthy?
Traditional doner kebabs from takeaways can often be high in fat and calories due to their cooking methods. However, by making a homemade version like our slow cooker kebab, you have more control over the ingredients and can choose leaner meat and healthier preparation techniques, making it a healthier option.
What makes a good kebab?
A good kebab is all about balance – the perfect interplay of flavours and textures. In our slow cooker kebab recipe, the key lies in the harmonious blend of seasonings. From the warmth of cayenne pepper to the aromatic notes of oregano and garlic powder, each ingredient plays a role in creating a taste sensation that will transport you straight to your favourite kebab shop. And don't forget the importance of a well-rested kebab – allowing it to sit wrapped in foil after cooking ensures that the juices redistribute, resulting in a succulent and easy-to-slice kebab.
Which country invented kebab?
Kebabs have a rich history and are enjoyed in various forms across many cultures. The origin of kebabs is often attributed to the Middle East and Central Asia, with different countries putting their unique spin on this versatile dish. These regions have a rich culinary history, and the method of skewering and grilling meat over an open flame has been a part of their food culture for centuries. Over time, variations of kebabs have spread across the globe, each region adding its own unique twist to this beloved dish.
Variations
The Quick Route
In a hurry? Pop it in the regular oven instead, at about 180C. Check it after half an hour, and give it an extra 10 minutes if needs be.
Beef Over Lamb
If lamb isn't your meat of choice, fear not. This versatile recipe can be tailored to your preferences. Experiment with beef mince for a robust flavour, or embrace the health-conscious option of lean turkey mince. Each variation brings its own personality to the dish, ensuring there's a kebab to suit every palate.
The Perfect Homemade Pairing
Feeling fancy? You could whip up your own homemade pita bread—ready in just 20 minutes (and no yeast required)!
Breakfast Delights
Expand your culinary horizons by experimenting with breakfast-themed slow-cooked kebabs. Imagine skewers of marinated sausage, scrambled eggs, and sautéed veggies. This breakfast twist is perfect for those seeking a novel morning meal.
Cheese Infusion
Elevate the richness of your slow-cooked kebabs by adding layers of melty cheese between the meat. Mozzarella, feta, or halloumi can be threaded onto the skewers, creating a gooey surprise with every bite.
Veggie Delight
Embrace the art of vegetarian cooking with slow-cooked vegetable kebabs. Thread a colourful array of bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms onto skewers before immersing them in the slow cooker. A marinade of olive oil, lemon zest, and fresh herbs will transform these veggies into a delectable dish that stands on its own.
Fusion Tacos
Transform your slow-cooked kebabs into a fusion taco feast. Fill warm tortillas with thinly sliced kebab meat, crunchy lettuce, tangy yoghurt sauce, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. The marriage of flavours and textures will redefine taco night in a truly delicious way.
Embrace the Fakeaway Revolution
And if you're trying to help the family eat more healthily - or save some pennies—why not check out our other great fakeaway recipes, too? From sweet and sour chicken to onion bhajis, we've got you covered with homemade versions of all your family favourites.
Reviews
AnneH(214)
★★★★★Delicious!
Reviewed on 25/06/21
Nick B(108)
★★★★★The whole family loved it, if you find it too hot, replace the cayenne pepper with paprika, or use less! excellent recipe, used the slow cooker function on my Instant Pot; one of the best kitchen gadgets I own, apart from my excellent cooking skills :-)
Reviewed on 24/04/21
Matthew B(138)
★★★★★Absolutely delicious! Far tastier and much more healthy than a take away. Though I did wrap it in foil.
Reviewed on 20/03/21
Guest
★★★★★I made this for my family it was absolutely delicious
Reviewed on 30/10/20
Katherine F(102)
★★★★☆very tasty kebab. Personally a little too herby, so isn't quite the same flavour as a takeaway, a little less herb and a bit of cayenne pepper, lovely! I cooked it in the fan oven on 180, took nearly 40 mins. I cut it up with an electric knife to get thin strips.
Reviewed on 09/05/20
Guest
★★★★★I made this and it went down very well with all my kids. Has anyone tried this with quorn mince?
Reviewed on 01/02/17
Guest
★★★★★Fantastic. I doubled the recipe, and used half lamb, half chicken mince. I also substituted the cayenne pepper for mild chili powder and paprika after reading the comments. We all loved it, and it's so easy to make! I'm definitely making this again.
Reviewed on 16/01/17
Guest
★★★★☆Can you do this without a download cooker please .
Reviewed on 17/09/16
Angharad T(14)
★★★★★Have been using this recipe for few months now abso fab..... one thing i do add is lamb stock as it gives it an even meatier taste. Abso fab thanks!
Reviewed on 13/09/16
Peter H(60)
★★★★☆I agree, i.5 of cayenne pepper was a little hot for us. The next day we heated what was left and it was very very dry, did anyone else get this problem? Will defo do it again though.
Reviewed on 03/09/16
Guest
★★★★★Absolutely loved this ! We all did! Meat actually tastes identical to the kebab shop, but at least you know what's in it ! Defo doing this one again!
Reviewed on 30/07/16
Guest
★★★★★So easy to do,very yummy! Will be having this once a week from now on!! Left out the Cayenne pepper as one reveiew mentioned it was hot.
Reviewed on 10/05/16
Guest
★★★★★Amazing ...
Reviewed on 19/03/16
Guest
★★★★★Wow love this, made it as the recipe suggested and it was lush. Added it to my favourites, thanks for posting :-)
Reviewed on 27/02/16
Guest
★★★★★I'm so glad I found this for the slow cooker, I tinkered about with the recipe as it was just missing something also a warning 1.5 tsp of cayenne pepper is a touch hot. Here is what I done and used. 1 tsp salt 1 tsp fresh ground pepper 1.5 tsp garlic powder 1.5 tsp onion powder Half a tsp cayenne pepper 1 tsp smoked paprika 1.5 tsp mixed herbs 1.5 tsp oregano 1.5 tsp coriander 1 tsp cumin powder I then mixed very well and shaped into a fat sausage,then wrapped tight in cling film twisting the ends until it won't twist any more,wrapped again in cling film to hold and popped in the fridge over night to soak all the flavours of the herbs up.
Reviewed on 23/09/15
Guest
★★★★☆A Friday night must from now on!!!
Reviewed on 06/09/15
Guest
★★★★★Really easy to prep and really tasty. Tastes better than an actual doner kebab and feels much healthier too!
Reviewed on 03/09/15
Guest
★★★★★Amazing!!! Made this twice now. It went down a storm! So easy x
Reviewed on 09/08/15
Lyndsey L(11)
★★★★★great easy recipe, really tasty so will definitely be making it again.
Reviewed on 19/04/15
kerry v
★★★★★This is delicious. 4 hours on high was perfect. I've never cooked anything 'dry' in the slow cooker, but this was so tasty.
Reviewed on 07/04/15
Guest
★★★★★Really like the idea of this, how and how long could I do this for in an oven? Thanks
Reviewed on 25/03/15
Guest
★★★★★It's just delicious, you have to try this!
Reviewed on 17/03/15
Guest
★★★★★Thanks for your questions below. No egg or liquid need as the mince has plenty of fat in it.
Reviewed on 06/03/15
Guest
★★★★★Does this need an egg to bind. I'm worried it might fall apart in the slow cooker...
Reviewed on 06/03/15
Guest
★★★★★i also make this for the family, its just delicious, slight difference is that i usually double the recipe, adding some onion powder too and making 2 loafs before lying them on a bed of onions in the slow cooker, then cook on high for 3 and a half hours.
Reviewed on 02/03/15
Guest
★★★★☆Hi, Just to check, do you put this in the slow cooker without any liquid? :-)
Reviewed on 20/02/15
Guest
★★★★★Delicious! Made this last week. It was simple to prepare and serve up having cooked away all day in slow cooker. Also most of the ingredients were standard cupboard items so I didn't to buy much! Perfect switch from a greasy take away!
Reviewed on 09/02/15
Guest
★★★★★So easy, I love easy! Turned out fabulous. A bit 'hot' for my tastebuds but I'll pull back on the cayenne for that but a definite winner in regards to ease, preparation, cooking etc,. I'll definitely be making this again...and again..
Reviewed on 31/01/15
Guest
★★★★★Genius! This works in a loaf tin in the oven too.
Reviewed on 30/01/15