Nova Scotia Donairs
Savor the irresistible flavors of Nova Scotia Donairs, the iconic Canadian street food that’s a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy. This homemade version features spiced, oven-baked ground beef formed into a tender loaf, then thinly sliced for the perfect texture. The dish shines with its signature creamy donair sauce, made from sweetened condensed milk, white vinegar, and garlic powder, offering a unique blend of sweetness and zing. Served on warm pita bread and loaded with fresh toppings like diced tomato, onion, and crisp lettuce, these donairs are a crave-worthy meal perfect for dinner or late-night indulgence. Easy to prepare at home with everyday ingredients, this recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Halifax.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Ground beef
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 0.5 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 0.5 can (about 6 oz) Sweetened condensed milk
- 0.25 cup White vinegar
- 1 tsp Garlic powder (for sauce)
- 4 Large pita bread
- 2 medium Tomato (diced)
- 1 medium White onion (diced)
- 2 cups Shredded lettuce
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
Mix the beef mixture thoroughly by kneading it with your hands until it is fully combined and has a smooth consistency.
Form the beef mixture into a loaf shape and place it on a baking sheet or into a loaf pan.
Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing very thinly.
While the meat is cooking, prepare the donair sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, white vinegar, and garlic powder. The mixture should thicken into a creamy sauce.
Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or in a low oven for a few minutes until soft and pliable.
To assemble the donairs, place a generous amount of thinly sliced meat onto the center of a pita bread. Top with diced tomato, diced onion, shredded lettuce, and drizzle with donair sauce.
Fold the pita around the filling like a wrap and serve immediately. Optionally, wrap in parchment or foil to hold the shape.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1060 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 50.8 g | 65% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.0 g | 100% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 161 mg | 54% | |
| Sodium | 1421 mg | 62% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 95.5 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.2 g | 33% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.5 g | ||
| Protein | 53.4 g | 107% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 273 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 9.8 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 1007 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
