Description
Bring the flavors of Greece to your kitchen with these delicious Lamb Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce! Tender, flavorful lamb wrapped in warm pita bread, topped with fresh vegetables, and drizzled with creamy tzatziki—this is the ultimate Mediterranean street food experience at home. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a gathering with friends, these gyros are as easy to make as they are satisfying!
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Ingredients
For the Lamb:
- 1 lb lamb shoulder or leg, thinly sliced (or use ground lamb for a different texture)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for the best texture)
- 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling the Gyros:
- 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Extra lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Lamb
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Add the thinly sliced lamb, tossing to coat all the pieces evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the lamb is marinating, make the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with the excess water squeezed out), minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Cook the Lamb
Heat a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated lamb in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned and cooked through. If using ground lamb, form it into patties or cook as crumbled lamb until browned.
Step 4: Warm the Pita Bread
While the lamb is cooking, warm the pita bread on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 1 minute per side. This makes them soft and pliable for wrapping.
Step 5: Assemble the Gyros
To assemble the gyros, lay a warm pita flat and spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce in the center. Add a few slices of cooked lamb, followed by sliced red onion, tomato, cucumber, and lettuce if desired. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Fold the pita bread around the filling and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Marinate Longer: For the most flavorful lamb, marinate it overnight. This allows the spices to fully penetrate the meat.
- Thinly Slice the Lamb: Thin slices cook quickly and evenly, giving you juicy, tender lamb without drying out.
- Squeeze the Cucumber: Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated cucumber for the tzatziki sauce to avoid a watery consistency.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Don’t skip warming the pita! It makes them soft and flexible, perfect for wrapping the gyros.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Greek