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    Cooking Gorgeous » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Kuzu Tandır Kebab - Turkish Roasted Lamb

    Published: Jan 21, 2023 by Ayla Clulee · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Kuzu Tandır Kebab is a delicious slow-cooked Turkish Roasted Lamb dish traditionally cooked in a clay "tandır oven" for long hours, until fork tender.

    With this simple recipe, you can easily make this special lamb dish at home with only a few ingredients and 10 minutes of preparation.

    lamb shoulder cooked until fork tender
    Jump to:
    • What Part of Lamb to Use for Kuzu Tandir?
    • Why This Recipe Works?
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • How to Make Homemade Kuzu Tandir?
    • Top Tips From the Chef
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Related Recipes
    • Kuzu Tandır Kebab - Turkish Roasted Lamb

    The traditional way to cook lamb in a tandır oven is to hang it from a suspended hook over the coals, cover it, and leave it to cook for hours, or until it is falling apart easily.

    This ancient way of roasting a lamb was used by the Seljuk Turks back in the 13th century in palaces kitchens. In Turkey, many restaurants still use these clay ovens to roast the lamb with the same techniques.

    kuzu takdir is traditionally served with onions, peppers and tomato wedges

    The traditional way to serve Kuzu Tandir is over a piece of flatbread such as Garlic Naan or Middle Eastern Lavash Bread along with tomato and onion wedges or Sumac Onions - Turkish Red Onion Salad. A definite winner dish for family gatherings or special occasions.

    If you love lamb, check out my other delicious traditional Turkish Lamb dishes such as Sac Kavurma (Turkish Lamb Sauté), Lamb Beyti Kebab, Boneless Leg of Lamb, and Ali Nazik.

    What Part of Lamb to Use for Kuzu Tandir?

    Lamb's shoulder is the perfect cut for slow-roasting due to its rich connective tissue and a generous amount of marbled fat content. The fat melts down as the meat slowly cooks at a low temperature, creating tender, juicy meat that can be pulled off the bone.

    Also, lamb shoulder is usually cheaper than lamb leg as it is not as popular. Therefore, it is perfect for big gatherings when you need to feed a crowd.

    The lamb shoulder is my favorite cut of meat and I use it for my other lamb recipes such as Tavë Kosi (Elbasan Tava), Guvec (Turkish Lamb Casserole), and Sac Kavurma (Turkish Lamb Sauté).

    Why This Recipe Works?

    • It is very easy and quick to prepare this delicious Kuzu Tandır Kebab - Turkish Roasted Lamb. All you need is 10 minutes of hands-on preparation and the rest is done by the oven.
    • This recipe will give you 8 generous portions of lamb, a perfect way to feed a crowd for gatherings.
    • You can store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months in a freezer or up to five days in a fridge.
    • With this simple cooking technique, the lamb comes out meltingly tender, falling apart, and dripping with beautiful roasting juices. 

    Ingredients You'll Need

    Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.

    Labelled picture of ingredients for kuzu tandoor kebab
    • Lamb Shoulder - I use a bone-in shoulder that weighs between 2.2 - 2.5 kg (4.8 - 5.5 lbs). Buy a half-shoulder if you are feeding a small family.
    • Garlic - It is a great flavoring for lamb dishes and is absolutely essential. You can turn it into a paste with a mortar and pestle or grate it with a Microplane.
    • Olive oil - A good quality olive oil to rub into the lamb.
    • Thyme - Dried or fresh thyme pairs perfectly with lamb meat. You can substitute it with rosemary or oregano.
    • Salt-pepper - A generous amount of seasoning is essential for that size of lamb shoulder.

    How to Make Homemade Kuzu Tandir?

    This Kuzu Tandır Kebab - Turkish Roasted Lamb recipe is very simple to follow.

    However, to achieve the best results, you need to follow a few simple steps:

    Preheat your oven to 220° C (430° F).

    In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and dried thyme (or oregano).

    the spice mixture for rubbing the lamb shoulder

    Slit the top of the fatty side of the lamb shoulder joint with a small sharp knife to help the marinade go through the meat.

    the spice mixture is placed on lamb shoulder

    And then rub the mixture all over the lamb, gently massaging it into the meat for a couple of minutes.

    lamb shoulder is rubbed with spiced mixture

    Place the lamb shoulder on a large parchment paper, skin side down, then wrap it tightly covering the lamb entirely.

    lamb shoulder is placed on a large parchment paper

    Use another large piece of parchment paper to create the second layer, trying to keep as much moisture to cook the lamb.

    lamb shoulder is wrapped in 2 layers of parchment papers

    Repeat the same with 2 layers of large tin foil, and then place the wrapped lamb shoulder on a cooking rack sitting on a baking tray.

    lamb shoulder wrapped in tin foil is placed on a rack

    Place the lamb in the preheated oven.

    Cook it for 2 ½ hours, and then reduce the heat to 140° C (285° F).

    Let the lamb cook for another 2-3 hours, until it is fork-tender.

    Remove the lamb from the oven, place it in a large bowl or plate, and then carefully open the wrappings. 

    slow cooked kuzu tandir

    Separate the meat from the bone using a thong or a fork, shred it, and then transfer it to a baking dish along with the cooking juices.

    Set the oven temperature to 180° C (360° F), and then place the lamb meat back in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the meat lightly browns.

    Place the naan bread or pita bread in the oven for 10 minutes to warm them up before serving them with your Kuzu Tandir Kebab.

    shredded lamb is served with pita bread

    Top Tips From the Chef

    • To achieve the best flavor, purchase a good quality cut of meat from your local farmers and butchers. When you buy your lamb, ask your butcher to clean off as much excess fat as possible. 
    • Take the meat out of the fridge 1 hour before you’re ready to start cooking to bring it to room temperature. This step is necessary to reduce cooking time and ensure more juicy meat.
    • Wrap the lamb shoulder tightly with 2 layers of large pieces of parchment paper followed by 2 layers of tin foil to create steam and to keep the meat moist.
    • Make sure you place the wrapped lamb shoulder on a cooking rack sitting on a baking tray before placing it in the oven.

    Recipe FAQs

    How long to cook lamb shoulder?

    It is almost impossible to overcook a lamb shoulder, and it is ready when the meat falls apart when touched with a fork. The cooking time depends on the size of the lamb shoulder.
    For a shoulder joint with bone in:
    1 kg -1.5 kg (2.2 lb - 3.4 lb), you need to cook it for 3 hours - 3 hours 30 minutes.
    1.6 kg - 1.9 kg (3.5 lb - 4.1 lb), cook it for 3 hours 30 minutes - 4 hours.
    2 kg - 2.5 kg (4.4 lb - 5.5 lb), cook it for 4 hours 30 minutes - 5 hours.

    How to store the leftover Kuzu Tandir?

    You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days when refrigerated. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

    How many does a shoulder of lamb serve?

    A half shoulder of lamb generally serves up to 4 people, and a whole shoulder serves for of lamb up to 8 people.

    Related Recipes

    For more delicious lamb recipes why not try:

    • Slow Cooked Lamb Shoulder
    • Hungarian lamb stew
      Easy Lamb Goulash | Hungarian Stew
    • Braised Lamb Ragu Recipe
    • Lamb Shish Kebab

    Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

    I hope you enjoy the process of making this delicious Kuzu Tandır Kebab - Turkish Roasted Lamb dish as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂 

    Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!

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    Kuzu Tandır Kebab - Turkish Roasted Lamb

    Ayla Clulee
    Kuzu Tandır Kebab is a delicious slow-cooked Turkish Roasted Lamb dish traditionally cooked in a clay tandır oven for long hours, until fork tender. 
    5 from 2 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 4 hours hrs 40 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Turkish
    Servings 8 people
    Calories 652 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 measuring spoons
    • 1 kitchen scale
    • 1 large baking sheet
    • 1 mortar and pestle

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2.5 kg shoulder of lamb
    • 1 tablespoon good quality olive oil
    • 2 cloves garlic (pasted)
    • 2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
    • 8 pieces naan bread (for serving)
    • 1 tomato, pepper, and onion (to garnish)

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 220° C (430° F).
    • In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and dried thyme (or oregano).
    • Slit the top of the fatty side of the lamb shoulder joint with a small sharp knife to help the marinade go through the meat.
    • Rub the mixture all over the lamb, gently massaging it into the meat for a couple of minutes.
    • Wrap the lamb shoulder tightly with 2 layers of large pieces of parchment paper followed by 2 layers of tin foil.
    • Place the wrapped lamb shoulder on a cooking rack sitting on a baking tray, then place it in the preheated oven.
    • Cook the lamb for 2 ½ hours, and then reduce the heat to 140° C (285° F).
    • Let the lamb cook for another 2-3 hours, until it is fork-tender.
    • Remove the lamb from the oven, place it in a large bowl or plate, and carefully open the wrappings.
    • Separate the meat from the bone using a thong or a fork, shred it, and transfer it to a baking dish along with the cooking juices.
    • Set the oven temperature to 180° C (360° F), and place the lamb meat back in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until the meat lightly browns.
    • Place the naan bread or pita bread in the oven for 10 minutes to warm them up before serving them with your Kuzu Tandir Kebab.

    Video

    Notes

    • To achieve the best flavor, purchase a good quality cut of meat from your local farmers and butchers. When you buy your lamb, ask your butcher to clean off as much excess fat as possible. 
    • Take the meat out of the fridge 1 hour before you’re ready to start cooking to bring it to room temperature. This step is necessary to reduce cooking time and ensure more juicy meat.
    • Wrap the lamb shoulder tightly with 2 layers of large pieces of parchment paper followed by 2 layers of tin foil to create steam and to keep the meat moist.
    • Make sure you place the wrapped lamb shoulder on a cooking rack sitting on a baking tray before placing it in the oven.
    • You can keep the leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days when refrigerated. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months

    Nutrition

    Calories: 652kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 49gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 136mgSodium: 1564mgPotassium: 573mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 6IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 108mgIron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cookingorgeous or tag #cookingorgeous!

    This post uses affiliate links. This means that if you click on them and then buy something, we get a small amount of commission to keep the site running, but it doesn’t cost you anything more.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jeri

      January 25, 2023 at 5:24 am

      5 stars
      So easy and super delicious !

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        January 25, 2023 at 5:29 am

        Thank you, Jeri!

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    Welcome to Cooking Gorgeous, where delicious easy-to-follow recipes and culinary inspiration await you! My name is Ayla Clulee, a passionate and professional Cordon Bleu-trained chef, recipe developer, and food content creator with decades of experience. I am based in the UK, and I'm thrilled to have you here.

    The kitchen is my happy place and cooking is my therapy.

    More about me →

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