Spicy Adana Kebab with Sumac

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Turkish cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

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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.

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