Beef Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

A delightful Mediterranean dish featuring seasoned beef and tangy tzatziki sauce wrapped in soft pita bread.

Gyros, a traditional Greek dish that has gained global popularity, offer a delightful mix of flavors and textures. A beef gyro, in particular, stands out with its rich and savory meat, complemented perfectly by fresh vegetables and a zesty tzatziki sauce. This dish is not only filling but also captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, making it a favorite among food enthusiasts.

Creating a homemade beef gyro with tzatziki sauce is an engaging and rewarding culinary experience. The process involves marinating beef with a variety of spices, preparing a refreshing cucumber-yogurt sauce, and assembling the gyro on warm pita bread. While it may seem complex at first, the step-by-step instructions and insights into each component will make the preparation enjoyable and straightforward. Whether you're cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this beef gyro recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 large pita breads
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup sliced cucumber
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• For the Tzatziki Sauce:
• 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

Calories: ~850 calories

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Add thinly sliced beef sirloin to the bowl and toss to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess moisture squeezed out), minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until well mixed and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef slices in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked through. You may need to cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
4. Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef is cooking, thinly slice the red onion, dice the tomatoes, and slice the cucumber. Set aside for assembly.
5. Warm the Pita Breads: Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until they are soft and pliable.
6. Assemble the Gyros: To assemble each gyro, place a warm pita bread on a plate. Add a portion of the cooked beef slices, then top with sliced red onion, diced tomatoes, sliced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and shredded lettuce. Finally, drizzle generously with the prepared tzatziki sauce.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the beef gyros immediately, while the pita and beef are still warm. Enjoy this delicious and flavorful Greek dish with your favorite side dishes or a refreshing Greek salad.

Creating a beef gyro with tzatziki sauce at home is not only a wonderful way to enjoy a delicious meal but also a chance to explore the rich flavors of Greek cuisine. The key to a successful gyro lies in the marinade and the freshness of the ingredients. Allowing the beef to marinate thoroughly ensures a burst of flavor in every bite, while the tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing counterbalance with its creamy and tangy profile.

When preparing the tzatziki sauce, it's crucial to drain the cucumber properly. Excess moisture can result in a runny sauce, which can impact the overall texture of your gyro. Using Greek yogurt is recommended due to its thick consistency and rich taste. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, you can reduce the amount of minced garlic in the sauce.

Assembling the gyro can be a fun and interactive process, especially if you're cooking for a group. Lay out all the components and let everyone build their own gyro according to their preferences. This not only makes the meal more customized but also adds a social and enjoyable aspect to the dining experience.

For those looking to add an extra layer of flavor, consider incorporating roasted bell peppers or olives into the gyro. These ingredients can provide a sweet and briny contrast that enhances the overall taste profile. Additionally, warming the pita bread not only makes it easier to wrap but also adds a delightful softness that complements the tender beef.

In conclusion, this beef gyro with tzatziki sauce recipe offers a perfect blend of spices, textures, and freshness. It's an excellent choice for a family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even as part of a themed food night. Enjoy the process of making and savoring this delicious dish, and don't be afraid to experiment with additional ingredients to make it your own. Opa!