Name: Homemade Gyros: Juicy, Crispy, and Full of Greek Flavor
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: For the Meat:; 500 g (1 lb) ground lamb or beef (or a mix); 1 small onion, finely grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; For the Tzatziki Sauce:; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed dry; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill; Salt and pepper, to taste; For Serving:; 4–6 pita breads, warmed; Sliced tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce; Crumbled feta (optional); Extra lemon wedges

1

Prepare the meat mixture:

2

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, garlic, olive oil, and spices. Mix thoroughly until the texture becomes sticky and cohesive — this helps the gyro hold together.

3

Shape and chill:

4

Form into a compact loaf or log shape. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1–2 hours to firm up and let the flavors meld.

5

Cook the gyros:

6

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the meat on a foil-lined baking sheet or loaf pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly crisp on the outside.

7

Optional: For extra crispiness, slice the cooked loaf thinly and sear the slices in a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes per side.

8

Make the tzatziki:

9

Mix all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl. Chill until ready to serve.

10

Assemble the gyros:

11

Layer warm pita with lettuce, tomato, onion, tzatziki, and gyro meat. Add feta if desired, then fold and serve with lemon wedges.