Description
Greek street food magic unfolds with these succulent beef gyros, promising a flavor-packed journey through Mediterranean culinary traditions. Crispy marinated meat, tangy tzatziki, and warm pita create a perfect handheld feast you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (0.45 kilogram) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 pita breads (or flatbreads)
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Create a robust marinade by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing container.
- Submerge beef slices thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and saturated with the aromatic blend.
- Allow the beef to absorb flavors by refrigerating for a minimum of 30 minutes, or ideally overnight for intensified taste profiles.
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high temperature to create optimal searing conditions for the marinated meat.
- Transfer beef slices to the hot skillet, cooking each side for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown exterior develops and internal doneness is achieved.
- Remove beef from heat and let it rest, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Prepare tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt, freshly grated cucumber, crushed garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl.
- Whisk tzatziki ingredients until smoothly integrated, then refrigerate to enhance flavor melding.
- Gently warm pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave to increase pliability and enhance texture.
- Construct gyros by layering crisp lettuce, seared beef slices, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Generously drizzle prepared tzatziki sauce over the layered ingredients.
- Carefully fold pita bread, wrapping tightly in foil or parchment for convenient handling and serving.
- Present immediately to maintain optimal temperature and ingredient integrity.
Notes
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor infusion by letting the beef sit overnight in the refrigerator, which allows spices to fully penetrate the meat.
- Remove excess moisture from grated cucumber using a clean kitchen towel to prevent watery tzatziki sauce and maintain a creamy texture.
- Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing, creating a more enjoyable eating experience.
- Customize gyros for dietary needs by using gluten-free pita, plant-based yogurt, or swapping beef with grilled chicken or lamb for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg