Tray Bake Kebab Recipe | A Perfect Dish for Your 6th Day Ramadan Iftar Menu

You know that irresistible smell of roasted meat slowly filling the kitchen at sunset during Ramadan… That comforting, savoury aroma that makes everyone gather around the table a little earlier than usual. In many homes, that smell means just one thing: tray bake kebab in the oven.

This dish is one of those rare recipes that manages to be effortless yet impressive at the same time. It feeds the whole family from a single tray, requires minimal preparation, and still tastes like something straight out of a traditional kebab house. For anyone searching for a satisfying Ramadan meal idea, this tray bake kebab recipe is an absolute lifesaver.

Today, we’re not only sharing the recipe itself but also exploring its story, its place in Turkish cuisine, and why it works so beautifully as the centrepiece of a 6th day iftar menu.

Tray Bake Kebab and Its Place in Turkish Cuisine

Some dishes are more than just food — they carry culture, memories and tradition. Tray bake kebab is exactly that kind of meal.

Originating from the southeastern regions of Turkey, particularly Gaziantep and Hatay, this kebab is essentially a “home-style kebab”. There’s no skewer, no grill, no smoke. Yet the flavour is just as bold and satisfying as any charcoal-grilled kebab.

Traditionally, freshly minced meat would be kneaded with spices, pressed into large copper trays, and sent to the neighbourhood bakery oven. When it returned, perfectly browned around the edges and juicy inside, everyone would reach for a slice at the same time. It’s truly a dish made for sharing.

Even today, it remains one of the most popular Ramadan recipes because:

• It serves a crowd

• It can be prepared in advance

• The oven does most of the work

• It keeps you full for hours

• It pairs perfectly with rice, salad and yoghurt drinks

Served straight from the tray, it creates a warm, homely atmosphere that makes any iftar table feel special.

Tray Bake Kebab Recipe

Now let’s get to the heart of it — the kitchen. Here’s a proper, step-by-step tray bake kebab recipe made with traditional techniques for the best flavour and texture.

Ingredients

For the kebab mixture

• 800 g minced beef and lamb (mixed)

• 1 large onion, grated and excess juice squeezed out

• 3 cloves garlic, crushed

• 2 green peppers, finely chopped

• 1 red pepper, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon chilli flakes

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Half a small tea glass (about 40 ml) olive oil

For the topping

• Sliced tomatoes

• Extra peppers

• Optional sliced potatoes

Preparation

1. Kneading the mixture

The secret to a perfect tray bake kebab lies in the kneading process.

Place the mince in a large mixing bowl. Add the grated onion, garlic, peppers, spices and olive oil.

Now comes the most important step: knead thoroughly for at least 8–10 minutes.

This helps release the proteins in the meat, giving the kebab structure and ensuring it holds together when sliced. The mixture should become smooth, slightly sticky and paste-like. That’s exactly what you want.

2. Shaping the tray

Lightly grease a baking tray.

Transfer the meat mixture onto the tray and press it down firmly with your hands until it spreads evenly. Aim for a thickness of around 1.5–2 cm.

Too thick and it won’t cook through; too thin and it may dry out.

Arrange tomato and pepper slices on top. They add moisture and extra flavour while baking.

3. Baking

Preheat your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C).

Bake for 25–30 minutes until the edges are nicely browned and slightly crisp.

Avoid overcooking, as this can dry out the meat.

Once removed from the oven, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle and keeps the kebab tender.

Serving Suggestions

To create a complete Ramadan iftar meal, serve your tray bake kebab with:

• Buttered rice pilaf

• Sumac onion salad

• Ayran or yoghurt dip

• Flatbread or pitta

Together, these make a wonderfully balanced and comforting 6th day iftar menu.

The Secret to Filling and Thirst-Free Meals During Ramadan

During Ramadan, meals that keep you full without making you overly thirsty are essential. Protein-rich dishes like tray bake kebab are perfect for this.

Why does tray bake kebab keep you full?

Because it:

• Contains high-quality protein

• Provides balanced fats

• Helps regulate blood sugar

• Keeps you satisfied for longer

Eating a portion at iftar can significantly reduce hunger the next day.

Tips to Avoid Thirst

When preparing Ramadan meals, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Use less salt

• Avoid excessive spices

• Add yoghurt for better digestion

• Include fresh salads with high water content

These small adjustments make fasting much more comfortable.

Using Leftovers for Suhoor

Leftover tray bake kebab is incredibly versatile. You can turn it into:

• Flatbread wraps

• Yoghurt kebab bowls

• Wholemeal sandwiches

• A protein-rich plate with boiled eggs

Quick, practical and very filling — ideal for suhoor.

Final Thoughts

Some meals are just quick fixes. Others create memories. Tray bake kebab definitely belongs to the second group.

It’s simple, economical, crowd-pleasing and deeply comforting — everything you want for a Ramadan table.

If you try just one Ramadan recipe this season, let it be this tray bake kebab. Because sometimes the best meals aren’t complicated — they’re the ones everyone gathers around and shares.