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Greek American Gyro

Greek-American Gyro

Linda M. Harris
The Greek-American Gyro combines seasoned, grilled meat with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in soft pita bread.
It’s a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s easy to make at home. Whether you choose lamb, chicken, or beef, this gyro recipe offers a delicious taste of Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a modern twist.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Greek
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 500 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Grill or Skillet
  • 1 Knife
  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Grater (for cucumber)
  • 1 Large Bowl (for marinating)
  • 1 Spoon (for spreading sauce)
  • 1 Serving Plate

Ingredients
  

For the Meat:

  • 1 lb 450g Chicken, Beef, or Lamb (or combination)
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Thyme
  • 1/2 tsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice for chicken, optional

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber grated
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Dill or 1 tsp dried
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gyro Assembly:

  • 4-6 Pita or Flatbread
  • 1 Tomato sliced
  • 1/2 Red Onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Lettuce optional
  • 1/4 cup Feta Cheese crumbled (optional)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Meat:

  • In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using).
    Add the meat, ensuring it is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.

Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water.
    In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cook the Meat:

  • Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
    Cook the marinated meat, turning occasionally until it is fully cooked and browned on the outside (about 5-7 minutes for chicken, 10-12 minutes for beef or lamb, depending on thickness).

Assemble the Gyro:

  • Warm the pita or flatbread slightly. Lay the cooked meat in the center, then add sliced tomato, onion, lettuce, and feta cheese (if using).
    Top with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.

Serve:

  • Wrap the pita around the fillings and serve immediately, or place the gyro on a plate with extra tzatziki sauce on the side.

Notes

  • Meat Choice: You can experiment with different meats. Lamb and beef are traditional, but chicken or pork can be a great alternative.
  • Tzatziki Variations: For a thicker tzatziki sauce, strain the yogurt beforehand or use Greek yogurt with a higher fat content.
  • Vegetarian Option: Try using falafel or grilled vegetables as the protein for a vegetarian gyro.
  • Serving Suggestions: Serve the gyro with a side of Greek fries or a simple Greek salad for a complete meal.
Keyword Greek-American Gyro