Greek Gyros are a popular and flavorful Greek street food made from seasoned meat, usually pork, chicken, or lamb, that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It's typically served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and a creamy tzatziki sauce. Here’s how to make a delicious version of gyros at home:
Ingredients:
For the Meat Marinade:
- 500 g (1 lb) pork, chicken, or lamb (cut into thin strips)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onion
- Shredded lettuce
- Optional: Sliced cucumber, olives, and feta cheese
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Meat:
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Add the meat strips to the marinade, mix well to coat, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, dill, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Cook the Meat:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. You can also use a grill if you prefer.
- Add the marinated meat strips to the hot skillet or grill and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meat is cooked through and has a nice char.
- If using a grill, you can skewer the meat and cook it on the grill for a similar amount of time.
4. Prepare the Pita Bread:
- Warm the pita bread or flatbreads in a dry skillet over medium heat or in the oven wrapped in foil.
5. Assemble the Gyros:
- Place the cooked meat in the center of the warm pita bread.
- Top with sliced tomatoes, red onion, shredded lettuce, and any additional toppings like cucumber, olives, or feta cheese.
- Spoon a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the top.
6. Serve:
- Fold the pita around the filling to create a wrap or roll.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Optional Additions:
- Pickled Red Onions: Add a tangy crunch with pickled red onions.
- Spicy Tzatziki: Mix a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce into the tzatziki sauce for a spicy kick.
These homemade gyros are packed with flavor and offer a delicious taste of Greek cuisine right at home!
