How to Make a Greek Gyro
There’s something about the combination of juicy meat, tangy tzatziki, fresh vegetables, and soft pita bread that makes Greek gyros utterly irresistible. This mouthwatering staple of Greek cuisine can be enjoyed at home with a few simple steps. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make your own delectable Greek gyro.
Ingredients:
For the Meat:
– 1 lb (.45 kg) boneless leg of lamb or beef sirloin, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 tablespoon dried thyme
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
– 1 cup (240 grams) plain Greek yogurt
– 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed of excess liquid
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
– Juice of half a lemon
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
– 4 pita breads
– 2 tomatoes, sliced
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– Fresh lettuce leaves
Instructions:
1. Marinate the meat: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced lamb or beef with olive oil, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices coat each piece evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to enhance the flavors.
2. Prepare the tzatziki sauce: While the meat is marinating in the refrigerator, work on creating your zesty tzatziki sauce. In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir and refrigerate until serving.
3. Cook the meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated meat to the pan, without overcrowding, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. Transfer cooked meat to a plate and cover with foil to keep it warm.
4. Prepare the pita bread: Before assembling, warm your pita bread either in a toaster oven or on a griddle for about a minute on each side.
5. Assemble your gyro: Place one pita bread on a clean surface, add a generous amount of lettuce, tomato slices, and onion slices in the center of the bread. Top with the cooked seasoned meat and drizzle with a hearty helping of tzatziki sauce.
6. Fold and enjoy: Fold the bottom half of each pita bread up towards the center, and then fold in the sides to create an open-ended “pocket.” You can also use parchment paper or aluminum foil to wrap the base for a mess-free meal!
And there you have it—your very own homemade Greek gyro! These delicious wraps are perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner and will transport your taste buds straight to Greece’s picturesque streets. Enjoy!