Gyros Recipe
Description
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on creating the perfect Gyros Recipe. This Greek classic features flavorful marinated meat, traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, and served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and tangy tzatziki sauce. Our Gyros Recipe is designed to provide you with detailed instructions, expert tips, and variations to help you master this beloved dish. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to Greek cuisine, our Gyros Recipe will bring the authentic flavors of Greece to your table.
Ingredients for Gyros Recipe
For the Meat:
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
For the Serving:
Instructions for Gyros Recipe
Marinate the Meat:
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In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, ground black pepper, salt, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice.
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Add the meat and coat it thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
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In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper.
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Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook the Meat:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Place the marinated meat on a baking sheet and bake for about 1 hour, or until the meat is cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges. Alternatively, you can grill the meat for added flavor.
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Let the meat rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly.
Assemble the Gyros:
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Warm the pita breads in the oven or on a skillet.
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Place a few slices of the cooked meat on each pita.
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Top with tzatziki sauce, thinly sliced red onion, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
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Roll up the pita and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 500mg21%
- Potassium 450mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 22g44%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 8 mg
- Calcium 100 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Gyros Recipe Variation Options
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Vegetarian Gyros:
- Replace the meat with marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted chickpeas.
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Spicy Gyros:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
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Herb-Infused Gyros:
- Add fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or cilantro to the marinade for a fresh twist.
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Gyros with Feta:
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the gyros for an extra layer of flavor.
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Low-Carb Gyros:
- Serve the gyros meat and toppings in lettuce wraps instead of pita bread.
Gyros Recipe Cooking Tips
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Marinate Overnight:
- For the best flavor, marinate the meat overnight to allow the spices to penetrate deeply.
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Use a Meat Thermometer:
- Ensure the meat is cooked to the right temperature by using a meat thermometer. Lamb and beef should reach 145°F, while chicken should reach 165°F.
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Grill for Authentic Flavor:
- If possible, grill the meat to achieve the authentic smoky flavor of traditional gyros.
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Warm the Pita:
- Always warm the pita bread before assembling the gyros for the best texture and taste.
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Drain the Cucumber:
- Ensure the grated cucumber is well-drained for the tzatziki sauce to prevent it from becoming too watery.
Gyros Recipe Serving Suggestions
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With Greek Salad:
- Serve your gyros with a side of Greek salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
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With Rice Pilaf:
- Pair the gyros with a flavorful rice pilaf for a more substantial meal.
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With Hummus:
- Add a side of hummus and pita chips to your gyros meal for extra Mediterranean flavors.
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With Lemon Potatoes:
- Serve the gyros with oven-roasted lemon potatoes for a classic Greek side dish.
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With Tzatziki Sauce:
- Keep extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
Reader Engagement
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can marinate the meat a day in advance and prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time. Cook the meat just before serving for the best flavor.
If you don't have pita bread, you can use naan, tortillas, or lettuce wraps as substitutes.
To make the gyros gluten-free, use gluten-free pita bread or serve the meat and toppings in lettuce wraps.
Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the tzatziki sauce to make the recipe dairy-free.
Serve gyros meat in a bowl with rice and vegetables, or use it as a topping for a Greek-style pizza.
You can freeze the cooked meat for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Store leftover gyros meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Traditional gyros are made with lamb, but beef and chicken are also popular choices.
Yes, feel free to add more garlic to both the meat marinade and the tzatziki sauce if you love garlic.
Use high-quality olive oil, fresh herbs, and spices for the best flavor. Marinating the meat overnight also enhances the taste.
