Classic Greek Gyros Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kg boneless pork shoulder
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp rosemary, dried
  • 1 tsp thyme, dried
  • 1 tsp oregano, dried
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 4 pita breads
  • 1 cup tzatziki sauce
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by cutting the pork shoulder into thin slices, about 1/4-inch thick.
  2. In a bowl, mix together garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and red wine vinegar to make the marinade.
  3. Add the sliced pork to the marinade, making sure all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
  4. After marinating, preheat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Grill the marinated pork slices for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely seared and cooked through.
  6. While the pork is cooking, warm the pita breads in the oven or on the grill for a few minutes until they are soft and pliable.
  7. Assemble the gyros by spreading a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita bread. Then, layer the cooked pork, sliced onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and shredded lettuce.
  8. Fold the pita bread over the fillings, and serve the gyros immediately while they are still warm.

Tools for making

  • Grill or Skillet - This will be used to cook the marinated pork slices.
  • Bowl - Needed to mix the marinade ingredients together.
  • Knife - To cut the boneless pork shoulder into thin slices.
  • Cutting Board - To provide a surface for cutting the pork.
  • Measuring Spoons - Required to accurately measure the spices for the marinade.
  • Tongs or Spatula - Necessary for flipping the pork slices while grilling.
  • Oven or Grill - Used to warm the pita breads before assembling the gyros.

Recipe variations

  • Chicken Gyros: Substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts for the pork shoulder.
  • Lamb Gyros: Replace the pork shoulder with boneless lamb shoulder or leg.
  • Vegetarian Gyros: Use grilled vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions as the filling.
  • Beef Gyros: Swap the pork shoulder for thinly sliced beef, such as sirloin or flank steak.
  • Fish Gyros: Use grilled or pan-fried fish fillets, such as cod or halibut, as a seafood option.
  • Spicy Gyros: Add some heat by including sliced jalapenos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
  • Gluten-Free Gyros: Serve the gyros in lettuce wraps or use gluten-free pita bread or tortillas.
  • Herb-infused Gyros: Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or cilantro into the marinade for a flavorful twist.
  • Feta Cheese Gyros: Crumble some feta cheese on top of the fillings for an extra tangy and creamy element.
  • Greek Salad Gyros: Include traditional Greek salad ingredients like kalamata olives and feta cheese in the filling.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the flavors of Greece right at your home with this recipe for Classic Gyros. This dish features succulent, marinated pork shoulder, cooked to perfection and served in a warm pita with fresh vegetables and a tangy tzatziki sauce. Although gyros are a popular street food, they are surprisingly easy to make at home. After marinating the pork for a couple of hours or even overnight, the rest of the dish comes together quickly. This recipe is perfect for a fun, interactive family meal or for hosting a casual get-together with friends. Get ready to enjoy a feast filled with the rich, aromatic flavours that encapsulate the essence of Greek cuisine.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use chicken or lamb instead of pork for the gyros. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Absolutely! You can substitute dried herbs with fresh ones. Keep in mind that the ratio is usually 3 times more fresh herbs compared to dried herbs.
  3. Can I make the marinade ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to marinate the meat for at least 2 hours before grilling.
  4. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce? Yes, you can use store-bought tzatziki sauce if you prefer. However, homemade tzatziki sauce is easy to make and has a fresher taste.
  5. Can I grill the gyros indoors? Certainly! You can use a grill pan or a skillet on the stove to cook the pork slices if you don't have access to an outdoor grill.
  6. Can I customize the toppings? Absolutely! Feel free to add or omit any toppings based on your preference. Some popular additions include feta cheese, olives, or hot sauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill or Skillet - A grill or skillet is essential for cooking the marinated pork slices.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is needed for slicing the pork shoulder into thin slices.
  • Mixing Bowl - A mixing bowl is required for combining the marinade ingredients.
  • Basting Brush - A basting brush can be used to brush the marinade onto the pork slices.
  • Refrigerator - A refrigerator is needed to marinate the pork for the recommended time.
  • Oven - An oven can be used to warm the pita breads before assembling the gyros.
  • Grill Tongs - Grill tongs are handy for flipping the pork slices while grilling.
  • Serving Plate - A serving plate is needed to present and serve the prepared gyros.

Origin stories

Gyros, a beloved street food staple, hails from the sun-baked streets and vibrant markets of Greece. Its name, derived from the Greek word 'gyros', meaning 'circle' or 'turn', is a nod to its traditional cooking method where meat is roasted on a vertically turning spit. Interestingly, it wasn't until the 1970s that the gyro we know and love made its way across the Atlantic to the United States. It was first introduced in Chicago by Greek immigrants, and quickly swept the nation as a popular fast food choice. Laden with succulent, spiced meat, fresh vegetables, and cool tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in a soft, warm pita, gyros are a testament to the simple, flavorful, and filling cuisine of 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.