Description
Savory, tender slices of seasoned lamb or chicken wrapped in soft pita, paired with crisp veggies and a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce. A Mediterranean classic that’s perfect for lunch or dinner!
Ingredients
For the Gyros:
- 1 lb (450g) of lamb, chicken, or pork (your choice of meat)
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Cucumber Sauce (Tzatziki):
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)
- 1 small cucumber, grated or finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Start by preparing the marinade for the meat. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Cut the meat (whether lamb, chicken, or pork) into thin slices or strips for easy cooking and even seasoning. Add the sliced meat to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight if you have the time. Marinating the meat allows the flavors to fully develop, making it more tender and flavorful.
While the meat is marinating, prepare the cucumber sauce (tzatziki). In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated or finely chopped cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh dill (if using). Mix everything together until well combined.
Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your preference. If you like a stronger garlic flavor, feel free to add an extra clove of garlic. The sauce should be creamy, tangy, and refreshing to balance the rich flavor of the grilled meat. Cover the sauce and refrigerate it until ready to serve.
Once the meat has marinated, it’s time to cook it. Heat a large grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to the pan if needed to prevent the meat from sticking.
Cook the marinated meat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. The meat should be tender and juicy on the inside while slightly crispy on the edges. Depending on the type of meat you choose, the cooking time may vary. Chicken, for example, may cook faster than lamb or pork.
While the meat is cooking, warm the pita breads or flatbreads. You can do this by placing them on a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side until slightly crisp and warmed through. Alternatively, you can wrap them in foil and place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
To assemble the gyros, lay a warm pita bread on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of the cooked meat onto the center of the pita. Top with a few tablespoons of the cucumber sauce (tzatziki) and any additional toppings you like. Popular toppings for gyros include sliced tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, and feta cheese.
Fold the pita around the fillings and serve the gyros immediately while they’re still warm. You can serve them as is or with a side of fries, a Greek salad, or more tzatziki sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 25-28g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 25-28g