Spicy Adana Kebab with Sumac
Hand-rolled minced beef kebabs seasoned with fiery spices and sumac, grilled to perfection for a bold, aromatic dish. This turkish-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs ground beef, large, finely grated (150g) onion, red pepper flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 1 large, finely grated (150g) onion
- 2 tbsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp sumac
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 500g ground beef, 150g grated onion, 2 tbsp red pepper flakes, 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tbsp sumac, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with clean hands until just combined, avoiding overworking the meat.
- Step 2: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions (about 75g each) and shape each into a 10-inch long, 1-inch thick sausage form using your palms.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place kebabs on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) with slightly charred edges.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Adana Kebab with Sumac take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spicy Adana Kebab with Sumac?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Adana Kebab with Sumac?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spicy Adana Kebab with Sumac for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Spicy Adana Kebab with Sumac?
Turkish beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.