When you think of a classic street food experience, the donner kebab might come instantly to mind. The smoky, savory, juicy slices of meat packed into warm flatbread, topped with crisp salad greens, and drizzled with a tangy sauce. It’s iconic. But what if you could recreate that delicious experience entirely plant based, right at home?
Enter the Ultimate Vegan Donner Kebab — featuring tender, flavor packed jackfruit “meat,” heaps of fresh veggies, and a luscious vegan garlic yogurt sauce, all wrapped in a soft pita or flatbread.
This is comfort food without compromise: big flavors, satisfying textures, and cruelty free ingredients. Whether you’re vegan, plant curious, or simply looking for a new favorite recipe, this kebab will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds).
Why Jackfruit? The Secret to Meaty Vegan Donner Kebab.
Jackfruit is a tropical fruit that, when unripe, has a remarkably meat like texture. It shreds like pulled pork, absorbs marinades beautifully, and brings an authentic chew to plant based dishes. Its mild taste means it’s a blank canvas for spices, exactly what we need for a donner style recipe.
Unlike seitan or tofu, jackfruit is soy free and gluten free, making it a fantastic option for a wider range of dietary needs. Plus, it’s full of fiber and low in calories, so you can indulge in this donner without a second thought. Just be creative with your salad and Jackfruit “meat”.
Building the Perfect Vegan Donner Kebab.
The beauty of a great donner lies not just in the “meat,” but in the harmony of all the elements.
We want:
- Juicy, spicy, flavorful jackfruit
- Crisp, refreshing greens
- Crunchy, colorful vegetables
- A creamy, garlicky sauce
- Soft, pillowy bread to wrap it all together
Let’s break down how to make this magic happen!
Ingredients:
For the Jackfruit Meat:
- 2 cans young green jackfruit in brine (NOT syrup), drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten free)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Vegan Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- 1 cup unsweetened vegan yogurt (coconut or soy based works best)
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
For the Salad Greens and Veggies:
- Mixed salad greens (lettuce, rocket, spinach)
- Sliced cucumber
- Sliced red onion
- Sliced tomato
- Pickled red cabbage (optional but highly recommended)
To Serve:
- Flatbreads, pita bread, or vegan naan
- Lemon wedges
- Extra chili flakes or hot sauce (optional)
Method:
Preparing the Jackfruit “Meat”:
- Prep the Jackfruit:
Use your hands or forks to shred the jackfruit pieces into “meaty” strips. Discard any seeds if you wish (they’re edible, but some prefer a seed free texture). - Saute the Base:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant. - Season and Sizzle:
Add the shredded jackfruit along with the smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and chili flakes. Stir well to coat the jackfruit evenly in the spices. - Add Sauces and Simmer:
Stir in the soy sauce and tomato paste. Pour in the vegetable broth, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the jackfruit is deeply flavorful and slightly crispy at the edges.
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Making the Vegan Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan yogurt, tahini, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
- Season with salt to taste. Stir in fresh parsley if using. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Assembling Your Vegan Donner Kebab:
- Warm the Bread:
Gently heat your flatbread or pita either in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a warm oven. - Layer It Up:
Spread a generous spoonful of the garlic yogurt sauce over the bread. Add a handful of salad greens, slices of cucumber, tomato, and red onion. - Top with Jackfruit:
Pile the hot, seasoned jackfruit generously over the veggies. - More Sauce Please:
Drizzle more sauce over the top. Add pickled cabbage for extra crunch and tang if you like. - Wrap and Roll:
Fold up the sides and dive in!
Pro Tips for an Even Better Vegan Donner Kebab.
- Char Your Jackfruit:
After simmering, spread the jackfruit out on a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes to get crispy, caramelized edges. - Customize Your Veggies:
Add shredded carrots, sliced radishes, or whatever crisp veggies you love. - Spice It Up:
A sprinkle of sumac or za’atar over the veggies adds authentic Middle Eastern flavors. - Bread Matters:
Use a soft, pillowy flatbread for a classic donner feel or try it with a toasted baguette for a fun twist.
Nutritional Highlights.
- High Fiber: Thanks to jackfruit and fresh veggies
- Low Fat: Especially if using a light vegan yogurt
- Rich in Vitamins: From colorful, raw salad ingredients
- Protein Boost: Add some grilled tofu or tempeh if you want even more protein
- Totally Vegan & Dairy Free: Kind to your body, animals, and the planet
Make Ahead and Storage Tips.
- Jackfruit Filling: Can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet before serving.
- Garlic Yogurt Sauce: Keeps well for up to 5 days refrigerated.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble just before eating to keep the veggies fresh and the bread soft.
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Plant Based Street Food.
There’s something magical about biting into a warm, overflowing wrap, with spicy jackfruit “meat,” refreshing crisp greens, creamy garlic sauce, and soft bread hugging it all together. It’s messy. It’s delicious. It’s exactly what you need.
Homemade vegan donner kebab is not just a recipe, it’s a celebration of bold flavor, fresh ingredients, and the joy of creating comforting meals that nourish you without harming animals or the planet.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, meal prepping for the week, or simply treating yourself, this recipe will absolutely deliver on every level. Welcome to your new favorite plant based street food experience!
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FAQs.
1. Can I use something other than jackfruit for the “meat”?
Absolutely! Pulled oyster mushrooms or shredded soy curls are fantastic alternatives that mimic a meaty texture.
2. How spicy is this recipe?
The basic recipe is flavorful but not very spicy. If you love heat, add more chili flakes, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the jackfruit.
3. Is there a gluten free bread option?
Yes! You can use gluten free pita or flatbread from many health food stores. Or serve the filling over a salad bowl for a gluten free option.
4. What’s the best brand of vegan yogurt for the sauce?
Look for unsweetened, plain coconut yogurt or soy yogurt. The thicker the yogurt, the creamier your sauce will be.
5. Can I freeze the jackfruit filling?
Definitely. Cooked jackfruit freezes well for up to 2 months. Defrost and reheat it in a skillet when you’re ready to enjoy.