My At-Home Gyro Recipe

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Who wouldn't love gyros?

Imagine a savoury goodness wrapped in warm pita bread, accompanied by fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and a drizzle of tangy tzatziki sauce.

Yum!

I had no idea of what gyros were when I moved to Bradford.

Gyro is a Greek-originated dish in which rotisserie or sliced chicken is topped with different dressings and vegetables. Then wrapped or stuffed in toasted pita bread.

After trying it for the first time I realised it is the English version of our Pakistani paratha roll. Although the gyros are not as oily *wink* but still the concept is the same.

My kids love gyros. It is their favourite snack, and they can devour them every day for dinner.

They make excellent go-to snacks for picnics or long drives. They are also non-mess, kid-friendly meals. You can simply wrap your gyro rolls in cling film or aluminium foil and take it on the go.

So let’s dive into the wonderful world of gyros and explore all the ways to enjoy this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients That Make Gyros Irresistible

When it comes to mouthwatering street food, gyros take the crown.

Tender Meat

First off, let’s talk about the star of the show: the meat.

Traditionally made with tender meat, each slice is marinated with aromatic spices that make your heart sing.

In Arab countries, they layer delicious marinated meat slices onto a rotisserie stand and cook it on slow heat making it tenderly mouthwatering.

Fluffy Pita

Next up is the warm, fluffy pita bread—oh, how it cradles all those delicious fillings.

It’s like a cosy hug for your gyro goodness. Gyros are incomplete without a piping hot pita bread. There are quite a few options for pita-like white flour pita bread, wholemeal pita or brown pita bread.

Fresh Veggies

And we can't forget about the fresh toppings - my favourite part.

Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and zesty red onions add a refreshing crunch that balances out the savoury meat perfectly. I love to have some olives too.

Tzatziki Sauce

Last but certainly not least is the creamy tzatziki sauce—a delightful concoction of yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs that brings everything together in harmony.

How to Make Authentic Gyros at Home: Step-by-Step Recipe

Making authentic gyros at home is a fun and rewarding process that brings the flavours of Greece to your kitchen!

Traditionally, gyros are made with lamb, pork, or chicken, but you can adapt the recipe based on your preferences. The key is the marinade, the tzatziki sauce, and the method of cooking.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make authentic gyros at home:

Ingredients

For the Gyros Meat (Chicken or Lamb)

2 lbs (900g) of boneless chicken thighs, or lamb (you can also use beef or a combination)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, finely grated
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce

1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cucumber
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

To Serve

Pita bread or flatbread
Sliced tomatoes
Sliced red onion
Chopped lettuce (optional)
Feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Meat

Slice your meat into thin strips or chunks. This helps the marinade absorb evenly.
In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated onion, olive oil, oregano, lemon juice, vinegar, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon (if using), salt, and pepper.
Toss the meat in the marinade, making sure it’s well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally for 4–6 hours or overnight for more intense flavour.

2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

Grate the cucumber on a fine grater, and squeeze out as much water as you can using a clean kitchen towel.
In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours meld.

3. Cook the Meat

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated meat onto skewers or simply place it directly on the grill.
Grill for 8–10 minutes, tossing and flipping, until the meat is cooked through and has a nice char.
If you don't have a grill, heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil, then cook the marinated meat in batches until browned and cooked through.

4. Assemble the Gyros

Heat the pita bread in a dry skillet or on a grill for 1–2 minutes on each side until warm and slightly crispy.
Place a generous portion of the cooked meat in the centre of each pita. Top with a few spoonfuls of the tzatziki sauce, and add fresh toppings like sliced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and feta cheese.
Roll the pita around the fillings to create your gyro. You can also fold it like a wrap, securing the bottom with a piece of parchment or foil to keep everything in place.