İskender Kebap Skillet (Bursa Seared Beef/Lamb over Toasted Pita with Tomato-Butter Sauce & Yogurt) – Authentic Turkey Recipe
Born in Bursa in 1867: seared meat over pita drenched in warm tomato sauce, cool yogurt, and sizzling brown butter.
- Country of Origin
- 🇹🇷 Turkey (Middle East, Asia)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Thinly shaved seared beef or lamb, Toasted pita bread cubes, Rich spiced tomato sauce, Sizzling browned butter pour-over, Thyme (kekik)
Ingredients for İskender Kebap Skillet (Bursa Seared Beef/Lamb over Toasted Pita with Tomato-Butter Sauce & Yogurt) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) thinly shaved seared beef or lamb, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups toasted pita bread cubes, washed and trimmed
- 1 cup rich spiced tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with sizzling browned butter pour-over
- 1.5 tbsp traditional Turkey seasoning (thyme (kekik), Aleppo pepper (pul biber))
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil in a wide heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and sizzling browned butter pour-over for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add thinly shaved seared beef or lamb and toasted pita bread cubes along with thyme (kekik), Aleppo pepper (pul biber), searing for 8–10 minutes while tossing occasionally.
- Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or citrus so the caramelized fond coats every bite.
- Garnish with rich spiced tomato sauce and serve straight from the skillet.