Authentic Greek Gyros Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs of boneless pork shoulder
  • 1 medium red onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 pita breads
  • 1 large tomato
  • 1 cucumber
  • 1 small red onion
  • 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the pork shoulder into small strips and place them in a large bowl.
  2. Add chopped red onion, minced garlic, rosemary, salt, pepper, oregano, and olive oil into the bowl. Mix well to ensure all the pork pieces are coated. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
  3. Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated pork strips for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
  4. While the pork is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Slice the tomato, cucumber, and red onion into thin slices.
  5. Warm the pita breads in the oven or on the grill for a couple of minutes.
  6. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on one side of each pita bread. Add the cooked pork, followed by the sliced vegetables. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
  7. Fold the pita bread in half and serve the gyros warm.

Tools for making

  • Grill or Skillet - A grill or skillet will be needed to cook the marinated pork.
  • Large Bowl - A large bowl will be used to marinate the pork shoulder and mix the ingredients.
  • Knife - A knife will be needed to cut the pork shoulder into strips and slice the vegetables.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is needed for safe and convenient food preparation.
  • Oven - The oven can be used to warm the pita breads before assembling the gyros.
  • Tongs or Spatula - Tongs or a spatula will be helpful for flipping and removing the cooked pork from the grill or skillet.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken instead of pork for a chicken gyro.
  • Replace the pita bread with a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option.
  • Try lamb as an alternative meat for a traditional Greek gyro.
  • Add sliced bell peppers and mushrooms for extra vegetables.
  • Experiment with different spices such as cumin, paprika, or cinnamon to change the flavor profile.
  • For a vegetarian gyro, substitute the meat with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu.
  • Include some sliced olives or feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
  • Instead of tzatziki sauce, you can try using hummus or a spicy yogurt sauce.
  • Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for some heat.
  • Serve the gyros with a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes.

Recipe overview

This recipe page walks you through the steps to create a delicious homemade Gyros, a popular Greek fast-food. The recipe starts with marinating strips of pork shoulder in a mixture of herbs and spices to infuse them with flavors. The meat is then grilled to perfection, giving it a delicious smoky taste. The gyros are assembled with warm pita bread filled with the cooked pork, freshly sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, and a generous spread of tzatziki sauce. A drizzle of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley add a finishing touch. Enjoy making this easy and enjoyable meal that brings the flavors of Greece right into your kitchen!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork shoulder? Yes, you can substitute pork shoulder with chicken, beef, or lamb if you prefer.
  2. How long should I marinate the meat? It is recommended to marinate the meat for at least 2 hours, but overnight marination in the refrigerator will yield the best flavor.
  3. Can I cook the pork in the oven instead of grilling? Yes, you can cook the marinated pork in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
  4. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce? Yes, you can use store-bought tzatziki sauce if you prefer. However, making your own tzatziki sauce at home is simple and allows you to customize the flavors to your liking.
  5. Can I add other toppings to the gyros? Absolutely! You can get creative and add toppings such as feta cheese, Kalamata olives, or even some hot sauce to spice it up.
  6. Can I make the gyros in advance? While the meat is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the marinated meat in advance and cook it when ready to serve. Assemble the gyros just before serving to ensure the pita bread stays fresh and doesn't become soggy.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill or Skillet - A grill or skillet is needed to cook the marinated pork strips.
  • Large Bowl - A large bowl is required to marinate the pork shoulder and mix it with the seasonings.
  • Knife - A knife is necessary for cutting the pork shoulder, vegetables, and slicing the gyros before serving.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is needed to safely chop and prepare the ingredients.
  • Tongs or Spatula - Tongs or a spatula are useful for flipping and handling the pork while cooking.
  • Oven or Grill - An oven or grill can be used to warm the pita breads before assembling the gyros.

Origin stories

Gyros, a staple of Greek street food, can trace its origins back to the vertical rotisseries of the Ottoman Empire. The term 'gyro' comes from the Greek word 'gyros', meaning 'turn', which aptly describes the method of cooking. The meat, traditionally pork in Greece, is seasoned and then cooked on a vertical rotisserie, where it slowly spins (or 'turns') and self-bastes, resulting in a succulent, flavorful dish. Once cooked, the meat is thinly sliced and served in pita bread with fresh veggies and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. While it has evolved over time and varies by region, the basic preparation and enjoyment of gyros remain a beloved culinary tradition. The gyro’s portable nature made it an ideal meal for busy Athenians on the go, and its worldwide popularity today is a testament to its deliciousness and practicality. It's a little piece of culinary history wrapped up in a warm pita!

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.