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    Cooking Gorgeous » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Sac Kavurma (Turkish Lamb Sauté)

    Published: Feb 23, 2022 · Modified: May 11, 2022 by Ayla Clulee · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Sac Kavurma (Turkish Lamb Sauté) is a simple yet delicious Turkish dish made by sautéing the lamb with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and spices over high heat.

    Sac Kavurma tava served with Turkish rice
    Delicious Sac Tava - Kavurma served with Turkish Rice (Sehriyeli Pilav)

    Kavurma is traditionally cooked in a shallow two-handled pan called "sac" which has its origins in the cooking utensils used by nomad Turks.

    But don't worry if you don't have a sac pan, you can still make saç kavurma using an Asian wok to create high heat and sear the meat in its own fat.  

    Jump to:
    • What is Kavurma?
    • Why This Recipe Works?
    • Ingredients You'll Need
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • Top Tips From the Chef
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Storage and Reheating
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Related Recipes
    • Sac Kavurma (Turkish Lamb Sauté)

    This delicious and traditional Turkish Lamb sauté recipe is very easy to prepare and is ready in just 40 minutes.

    Although it is a tradition to serve it during Eid, you can also serve it as a weekday meal or for a dinner party.

    Sac Kavurma (Turkish style lamb sauté)

    What is Kavurma?

    Kavurma is a type of sautéed meat dish popular in Turkish cuisine and there are a few different versions. 

    Apart from Sac Kavurma, there is a dish called çoban kavurma or Shepherd's Kavurma similarly comprises meat sautéed with onion, tomato, and capsicum.

    Another related dish is Winter Kavurma is made by slow cooking the meat in its own fat, very similar to confit.

    This type of kavurma was in the past an important part of the diet and was particularly used in times when fresh meat was scarce.

    It was often prepared from the meat of sheep slaughtered in the autumn, for storage during the winter, when small amounts would be used to flavor vegetable and rice dishes.

    Why This Recipe Works?

    • It's a delicious and satisfying dish - With its tender and juicy lamb meat, complex flavor profile, and customizable seasoning, Sac Kavurma is a crowd-pleaser.
    • Saç kavurma dish is easy to make - While Sac Kavurma may seem like a complicated dish, it's actually quite easy to make at home. With just a few high-quality ingredients and a traditional metal plate (or a skillet), you can create a delicious and authentic dish in no time.
    • It's a versatile dish - You can serve Sac Kavurma on its own as a main course or use it as a filling in other dishes, such as pita sandwiches or wraps. This versatility makes it a great option for meal planning or for entertaining guests.

    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 sac Kavurma
    • Lamb - I use marbled cut meat with some fat such as shoulder or neck fillet. Cut the meat into small cubes and trim the fat off to render it for your kavurma.
    • Lamb fat - Lamb tail fat is a common ingredient for this dish but it is not easy to find it here in the UK. Instead, I trim the fat from the meat and cut it into small pieces. You might also be able to find lamb fat from your butcher for rendering. Alternatively, you can use ghee.
    • Peppers - I prefer using Turkish green peppers for this dish. They are one of the most popular peppers in Turkish cuisine. They are usually mild but some of them can be quite hot. You can replace them with bell pepper or Spanish Padron peppers.
    • Tomatoes - Red & juicy summer tomatoes are always the best option but you can use any type of tomatoes you have in hand.
    • Garlic - You can turn it into a paste with a mortar and pestle or grate using a Microplane zester before adding it to kavurma.
    • Tomato paste - It is the staple of Turkish cooking. It adds an umami flavor to the dishes as well as a bright red color. You can find it in Turkish or Middle Eastern shops. You can also buy it online from Amazon.

    Step-by-Step Instructions

    This is a very simple, straightforward recipe and to achieve the best results, you need to follow a few simple steps:

    Heat a large pan (sac, wok, or cast iron pan) on medium heat, add the lamb fat, let it gently warm up, and begin to liquefy.

    Stir it occasionally and keep it simmering until the fat becomes tiny bits.

    rendering the lamb fat in a wok

    Turn the heat up to high and then add the diced lamb.

    Cook the lamb for 8-10 minutes over high heat, stirring continuously.

    Sautéing the lamb with rendered fat

    Let it release its water and absorb it back. 

    Add the cumin, freshly ground pepper, paprika, and thyme, and sauté for a minute.

    the spices are added to sautéed lamb

    Add the sliced onions and peppers to the meat and sauté for a few more minutes on high heat.

    add the tomatoes

    Toss in the tomatoes along with the tomato paste and then cook until they are slightly tender.

    the tomatoes are added to sautéed lamb

    Add the salt, give it a good stir, and then serve it hot with Turkish Rice (Sehriyeli Pilav) or Bazlama (Turkish Flatbread).

    Top Tips From the Chef

    • If you want your lamb sac kavurma tender and soft, cook it on high heat, and don't add salt until the very end of the cooking process.
    • Lamb tail fat is a common ingredient for this dish and adds extra flavor to the Kavurma dish. If you can't find lamb fat, trim the fat from the lamb meat and cut it into small pieces, and render it as stated in the recipe card.
    • You can make this recipe with other meat instead of lamb such as goat, veal, or chicken. The cooking time might vary depending on the type of meat.

    Serving Suggestions

    There are many ways to enjoy this traditional Turkish dish and the options are endless.

    You can serve Sac Kavurma with some bread to mop up the juices.

    Our favorites are Turkish Pide Bread - Ramazan Pidesi, Garlic Naan - Indian Flatbread, and Bazlama (Turkish Flatbread).

    This dish is also perfect to serve over rice or with some potato dishes such as Crispy Sauté Potatoes With Garlic, Bulgur Pilavi (Turkish Bulgur Rice Pilaf), Batata Harra (Lebanese Potatoes), and Turkish Rice (Sehriyeli Pilav).

    To turn it into a feast, why not add some Coban Salatasi (Turkish Shepherd's Salad) or a cooling Cacik (Turkish Yoghurt With Cucumbers)?

    Storage and Reheating

    You can keep the leftovers of this delicious lamb dish in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

    You can also store the leftovers in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    To freeze, allow the leftovers to cool down and place them in an airtight container before freezing.

    To reheat in the microwave, place the meat in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel.

    Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make Sac Kavurma with other types of meat?

    While lamb is the traditional meat used in Sac Kavurma, it can also be made with beef or chicken.
    However, the flavor and texture of the dish may vary depending on the type of meat used.

    Is Sac Kavurma a healthy dish?

    While Sac Kavurma is a delicious and satisfying dish, it may not be the healthiest option due to its high fat and calorie content.
    However, you can make healthier versions by using leaner cuts of meat and reducing the amount of oil used in the cooking process.

    How long does it take to make Sac Kavurma?

    The cooking time for Sac Kavurma can vary depending on the size of the meat pieces and the heat of the cooking surface.
    The dish typically takes between 20-30 minutes to prepare.


    Related Recipes

    For more delicious traditional Turkish Recipes why not try:

    • Muhammara (Red Pepper Dip)
    • cokertme kebabi served on a plate and garnished with parsley
      Cokertme Kebabi 
    • kazandibi dessert
      Kazandibi
    • Turkish poached egg - Cilbir
      Cilbir - Turkish Poached Eggs

    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 traditional Sac Kavurma (Turkish Lamb Sauté) as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂

    Bon appétit! / Afiyet Olsun! 

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    Sac Kavurma (Turkish style lamb sauté)

    Sac Kavurma (Turkish Lamb Sauté)

    Ayla Clulee
    Sac Kavurma (Turkish Lamb Sauté) is a simple yet delicious Turkish dish made by sautéing the lamb with onions, peppers, tomatoes and spices over high heat. 
    5 from 10 votes
    Prevent your screen from going dark
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Middle Eastern, Turkish
    Servings 4 portions
    Calories 539 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 kitchen scale
    • 1 Sharp knife
    • 1 measuring spoons
    • 1 Rubber spatula
    • 1 wok with lid

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 100 g lamb fat (or ghee)
    • 800 g diced lamb (1 cm diced)
    • 1 large onion (sliced)
    • 2 Turkish green peppers (or 1 green bell pepper) (sliced)
    • 1 clove garlic (finely chopped)
    • 2 large tomatoes (small diced)
    • ½ tablespoon tomato paste
    • 1 red chilli (or ½ teaspoon chilli flakes) (optional)
    • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or oregano
    • 1 teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    • Heat a large pan (sac, wok, or cast iron pan) on medium heat, add the lamb fat and let it gently warm up, and begin to liquefy.
    • Stir it occasionally and keep it simmering until the fat becomes tiny bits. Turn the heat up to high and then add the diced lamb. 
    • Cook the lamb for 8-10 minutes over high heat, stirring continuously. Let it release its water and absorb it back. 
    • Add the cumin, freshly ground pepper, paprika, and thyme, and cook for a minute.
    • Add the sliced onions and peppers to the meat and sauté for a few minutes on high heat.
    • Toss in the tomatoes along with the tomato paste and cook until they are slightly tender.
    • Add the salt, give it a good stir and then serve it hot with Turkish Rice (Sehriyeli Pilav) or Bazlama (Turkish Bread).

    Notes

    • If you want your lamb sac kavurma tender and soft, cook it on high heat, and don't add salt until the very end of the cooking process.
    • Lamb tail fat is a common ingredient for this dish and adds extra flavor to the Kavurma dish. If you can't find lamb fat, trim the fat from the lamb meat and cut it into small pieces, and render it as stated in the recipe card.
    • You can make this recipe with other meat instead of lamb such as goat, veal, or chicken. The cooking time might vary depending on the type of meat.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 539kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 43gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 194mgSodium: 737mgPotassium: 1011mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1140IUVitamin C: 81mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 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.

    « Sutlac - Turkish Rice Pudding
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ashley

      February 25, 2022 at 4:05 pm

      5 stars
      I love this recipe, and usually make it with chicken. I will try the lamb version, looks absolutely amazing.

      Reply
    2. Gerome

      March 26, 2022 at 3:57 pm

      5 stars
      It turned out so delicious! I served it with couscous and went down really well.

      Reply
    3. Neil

      March 30, 2022 at 12:34 pm

      5 stars
      Fantastic recipe with great instructions. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        April 02, 2022 at 5:20 am

        You’re welcome, Neil! Thank you for your review.
        Best wishes
        Ayla x

        Reply
    4. Jenn

      April 24, 2022 at 11:36 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely fantastic! Followed recipe exactly, except I did have to buy bone in shoulder so cut the meat off.

      Reply
    5. Sandy

      April 25, 2022 at 1:42 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is such comfort food and has amazing flavour. I’ve made it twice. Half the meat the first time and now per recipe. My family loved it! This recipe is a keeper. Thank you!!

      Reply
    6. Tirina

      May 11, 2022 at 5:10 am

      5 stars
      Made this yesterday since I had some lamb. I tried following everything as outlined, came out really incredible. Thank you so much!

      Reply
    5 from 10 votes (4 ratings 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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