Authentic Homemade Beef Gyro Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 lb of thinly sliced beef steak
  • 2 tsp of garlic powder
  • 2 tsp of onion powder
  • 1 tsp of dried oregano
  • 1 tsp of ground coriander
  • 1 tsp of ground cumin
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 4 Pita breads
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup of Tzatziki sauce

Steps and instructions

  1. Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, ground coriander, ground cumin, olive oil, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix well to create the marinade.
  2. Add the thinly sliced beef steak to the marinade. Ensure the steak is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it rest for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  3. After marinating, heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated beef steak for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
  4. While the beef is cooking, prepare your pita bread. You can warm the pita on the grill for a few seconds on each side or in the oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.
  5. Once your beef is cooked and your pita bread warmed, assemble your gyro. Place some slices of cooked beef on the pita bread. Top it with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
  6. Drizzle with Tzatziki sauce.
  7. Fold the pita bread over the fillings and serve your beef gyro while it's still warm.

Tools for making

  • Grill or Skillet - A grill or skillet will be needed to cook the marinated beef steak.
  • Bowl - A bowl is needed to mix the marinade for the beef steak.
  • Refrigerator - The refrigerator is needed to let the beef steak marinate for at least 2 hours.
  • Oven - The oven can be used to warm the pita bread if preferred.
  • Knife - A knife is needed to thinly slice the beef steak, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or lamb instead of beef for a different protein option.
  • Swap out pita bread for tortilla wraps or flatbread.
  • Add different vegetables such as lettuce, bell peppers, or olives to the gyro filling.
  • Experiment with different spices or herbs in the marinade, such as paprika, thyme, or rosemary.
  • Add feta cheese or Tzatziki sauce with additional herbs like dill or mint for extra flavor.
  • For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms.
  • Try marinating the meat overnight for even more intense flavors.
  • Instead of grilling the meat, you can also cook it in a skillet or bake it in the oven.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces like hummus or tahini instead of Tzatziki sauce.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pita bread or lettuce wraps.

Recipe overview

Indulge in a taste of the Mediterranean with this delicious Beef Gyro recipe! Juicy, tender slices of marinated beef steak are layered in soft, warm pita bread along with crunchy veggies and drizzled with cool, creamy Tzatziki sauce. This recipe is simple to make and packs a ton of flavor, making it the perfect option for a quick lunch or a weeknight dinner. Enjoy the process of marinating and grilling the beef and preparing your homemade gyros. It's not just about the amazing end result, but the fun journey of making them! Expect to be completely satisfied and transported to a Greek island with each bite. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? Yes, you can use a different cut of beef such as sirloin or flank steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly for best results.
  2. How long should I marinate the beef? It is recommended to marinate the beef for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate. However, if you're short on time, 30 minutes of marinating can still enhance the taste.
  3. Can I grill the beef outdoors? Absolutely! Grilling the beef outdoors will give it a delicious smoky flavor. Just preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the beef for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your liking.
  4. Can I substitute the Tzatziki sauce? If you don't have Tzatziki sauce, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with minced garlic, chopped cucumber, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt as a substitute.
  5. Can I add other toppings to my gyro? Certainly! Feel free to personalize your gyro with additional toppings such as feta cheese, olives, or fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
  6. Can I make the pita bread from scratch? Yes, if you prefer homemade pita bread, you can find various recipes online to make it from scratch. Alternatively, store-bought pita bread works well too.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Gyros, a beloved street food throughout Greece and much of the Mediterranean, have an interesting history which evokes the spirit of the region's diverse culinary influences. It is said that the gyro, in its current form, is actually a relatively modern invention, with some attributing its creation to immigrants in New York City in the 1970s. However, the traditions embodied in the gyro go back much further. It mirrors the Middle Eastern shawarma and Turkish doner kebab, dishes brought to Greece in the 1920s during the population exchange between Greece and Turkey. The name 'gyro', meaning 'turn' in Greek, refers to the method of cooking on a vertical rotisserie, where the meat is slowly roasted and then thinly sliced. This process is a testament to the Greek philosophy of 'meraki', putting heart and soul into what you do – a principle that is not just limited to their vibrant culinary scene, but permeates all walks of life in Greece.

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.