Urfa Kebab (Urfa Şiş Kebabı)

 Urfa Kebab

Urfa Kebab is a mildly spicy Turkish kebab from Şanlıurfa, made with minced lamb and Urfa pepper. Smoky, juicy, and rich, it’s less fiery than Adana but deeply flavorful.

Cook Time15 minutes

Total Time minutes

40 minutes

CourseMain Dish

Servings4

Ingredients

Meat

• 800 g lamb (leg or shoulder), finely minced
• 100 g lamb fat (tail fat preferred), finely chopped

Seasoning

• 1 medium onion, very finely grated (juice squeezed out)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ tsp Urfa pepper (isot)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

To Serve

• Flatbread or lavash
• Grilled tomatoes & green peppers
• Parsley & onion salad

Instructions

Prepare kebab mixture

• Combine minced lamb, lamb fat, onion, garlic, spices, salt, and pepper.
• Knead well 5–7 minutes until sticky.

Shape

• Divide mixture into portions.
• Press firmly onto wide metal skewers.

Grill

• Preheat charcoal grill to medium heat.
• Grill kebabs 3–4 minutes per side, turning gently.

Rest & serve

• Rest kebabs 2 minutes.
• Serve hot with bread and sides.

Small Notes :

• Urfa pepper adds smoky sweetness, not heat.
• Proper kneading prevents kebabs from falling.
• Medium heat keeps kebabs juicy.
• Serve with sumac onions for balance.