Kebab sauce
It is time to try your hand at making kebab sauce from scratch with our recipe. It is silky smooth thanks to the Turkish yoghurt and mayonnaise, with sharp and punchy notes from the sriracha sauce, cayenne pepper, and garlic. It suits all kebab dishes, from dürüm wraps and pita pockets to skewered kebabs and flatbread rolls.
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Ingredients
|
Turkish yoghurt
|
200 g |
|---|---|
|
Mayonnaise
|
200 ml |
|
Sriracha sauce
|
1 tbsp |
|
Garlic clove, finely grated
|
½ |
|
Carbonated orange drink, for example, Fanta
|
50 ml |
|
Kebab seasoning
|
2 tsp |
|
Cayenne pepper
|
¼ tsp |
|
Salt
|
|
|
Black pepper
|
Perfecting sauce consistency
The consistency should be smooth and pourable, thick enough to cling to meat but loose enough to drizzle. Pour in the soda slowly and stir as you go, so the sauce stays smooth and avoids foaming too much. If it turns out too thick after resting, stir in a small splash of water until it loosens slightly. Give it another stir before serving, as the yoghurt can thicken further in the fridge.
Let the sauce rest
Let the sauce rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavours time to settle and mellow, especially the garlic and spices. The texture also improves as it chills, becoming smoother and more cohesive.
FAQ: Questions about kebab sauce
Below, you will find answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions that will help you get your kebab sauce spot on every single time you make it.
What is kebab sauce?
Kebab sauce is a creamy, spiced sauce often served with many types of kebabs, such as döner, dürüm, and skewered kebabs. It usually includes yoghurt or mayonnaise, garlic, chilli, and seasoning, though the exact ingredients vary by region and style. It is commonly used in Turkish, Middle Eastern, and European kebab shops.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make kebab sauce in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will keep for up to 4 days. Stir it before serving, as the texture may thicken as it rests.
Can I make my own kebab seasoning?
Of course! You can make your own kebab seasoning by mixing ground cumin, coriander, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a pinch of chilli powder. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste and store the blend in a sealed jar for future use.
Nutritional values
Nutritional value, per
131 Kcal
| Fibre | 1.3 gram fibers |
| Protein | 7.6 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 10.7 gram |
| Fat | 6.4 gram |
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Discover our simple kebab sauce
We have made sure to keep this kebab sauce recipe as simple as possible, using easy-to-find ingredients; many of which you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. The sauce comes together quickly, needing nothing more than a good stir and a bit of resting time.
It fits easily into your day, and since it keeps well in the fridge, making it a few days ahead works without any trouble. The flavours deepen as the sauce rests, and after making your own, you will wonder why you ever needed the bottled version.
Add to your homemade line-up of salads, meats, and snacks with our zesty vinaigrette, sweet BBQ chicken marinade, and creamy jalapeño dip.
Made creamy and tangy with Turkish yoghurt
Turkish yoghurt forms the backbone of this sauce, giving it a creamy consistency and a tangy sharpness that defines the overall taste. It is known for its thickness and smoothness, which gives the sauce body. While the yoghurt provides an important creamy texture and tangy flavour on its own, it does get a bit of help. We have added mayonnaise to assist with a mild, sweet flavour and a velvety texture that amplifies the creaminess and makes the sauce even silkier.
Warm and spicy with sweet and bright notes
This kebab sauce brings serious flavours, all thanks to the aromatic seasoning. It is led by kebab spice and cayenne pepper for a gentle spicy edge. Grated garlic sharpens the edge, cutting through with bold, savoury intensity. Sriracha pulls it all together: hot, tangy, and full of body.
Then comes the unexpected twist: orange soda. Just a splash is enough to lift the heat with a flash of citrus and a hint of sweetness. The result? A sauce that is bold, balanced, and built to stand out.
The perfect sauce for any kebab
This spicy kebab sauce is the perfect accompaniment to all kinds of kebabs, no matter how you like them. It works with lamb koftas wrapped in flatbread, chicken döner tucked into warm pitta, falafel rolled up in a soft lavash, or anything in between.
That said, you do not need to keep it only for kebabs. Spoon it into sandwiches or wraps, drizzle it over a salad, or serve it on the side when burgers are on the table. It has its place in all sorts of meals, no matter what is on the menu.
Bring a creative spin to the table
Our kebab sauce is a flexible base that welcomes a creative spin, and we have a few ideas to get you started. For instance, add some fresh herbs. Chopped mint gives a cool, sweet note. Dill steps in with a grassy, anise-like nuance, while parsley is peppery and a little bitter. All three are common in countries like Turkey and Lebanon. Use one, mix and match, or toss in a handful of each to shape the flavour the way you like it.
Craving more heat? Thinly sliced red chillies give you a sharper kick, while chilli powder creates a slower, comforting warmth.
If you want to skip the carbonated orange drink, you can easily recreate the same flavour with a splash of orange or lemon juice, along with a pinch of sugar.
