Craving authentic Greek flavors? Look no further than homemade gyros! This beloved Greek street food, characterized by its juicy, seasoned meat and warm pita bread, can be easily recreated in your own kitchen.
INGREDIENTS
For the Gyro Meat:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 2 tablespoons bacon grease or butter*
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed and finely minced
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt (see note)**
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram (optional)
To Assemble:
- 1 batch Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2-4 tomatoes, sliced
- 1-2 cucumbers, sliced
- 8-10 pita rounds
- Fresh dill, for garnish (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Start by preparing the Tzatziki Sauce. It needs time to marinate, so make it first and refrigerate while you prepare the rest.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, or use foil and spray with nonstick spray.
- If using a food processor, finely chop the onion and garlic. If not, use a knife to chop them finely.
- In a large bowl, combine all the gyro meat ingredients: ground beef, ground lamb, bacon grease or butter, eggs, milk, lemon juice, Panko breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, rosemary, thyme, cumin, and marjoram (if using).
- Mix the ingredients together using your hands (wear disposable gloves if preferred). This method ensures a smooth, evenly mixed meat mixture, which results in tender meat rather than overworked, tough meat.
- Shape the mixture into about 10 oval patties and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 160°F (71°C). Remove from the oven and keep warm.
- Meanwhile, prepare the gyro toppings by thinly slicing the red onion, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Warm the pita bread in the microwave or the still-warm oven. Optionally, chop extra fresh dill.
- To assemble the gyros: Spread a layer of Tzatziki Sauce on a warm pita, then slice a gyro patty in half lengthwise for easier eating. Place the patty on top of the sauce. Garnish with sliced red onion, tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh dill.
- Serve with French fries or try them with 3-ingredient Roasted Potatoes or a Greek Salad!
Notes:
- *Bacon grease or butter is added to the lamb to help prevent it from drying out as it bakes. If you’re using high-fat ground beef, you can skip this step.
- **If using table salt, reduce the amount to 3 teaspoons.
