Gyros Recipe
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
Gyros, known as “yeeros” in Greek, is a beloved dish crafted with compressed meat, typically incorporating various cuts of beef that are meticulously chopped, minced, or ground. This mixture is then skillfully shaped into a cylindrical form and roasted to perfection on a vertical skewer. Our recipe offers a delightful alternative to the commercial gyro, bringing the authentic flavors of Greece to your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon margarine
- 4 large lettuce leaves
- 3 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup plain yogurt
Instructions:
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Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, combine the dry red wine, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the flavors meld together.
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Slice the Meat:
- Cut the steak across the grain into slices as thin as possible. A helpful tip is to partially freeze the meat by placing it in the freezer, making slicing easier.
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Marinate the Meat:
- Pour the wine marinade over the thinly sliced meat strips, ensuring they are fully coated. Refrigerate and allow the meat to marinate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to infuse.
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Prepare the Accompaniments:
- Slice the lettuce leaves, tomatoes, and cucumber. Set aside for assembling the gyros.
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Saute the Meat:
- In a saute pan, melt the butter or margarine over medium heat.
- Add the marinated meat strips in two batches, ensuring they are evenly browned on both sides. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the gyros.
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Assemble the Gyros:
- Remove the browned meat strips from the pan and transfer them to a serving platter. Keep them warm while you prepare the pitas.
- Wrap the pitas in damp paper towels and microwave them until they are very warm and pliable.
- Open one end of each pita to create a pocket for filling.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Place the warm pitas on a serving platter alongside the prepared lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, and yogurt.
- Allow each person to assemble their own gyro according to their preferences, adding generous amounts of the marinated meat and desired toppings.
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Additional Tips:
- If available, consider using Lebne (pronounced “leeb nee”) from a Middle Eastern food store as a richer and creamier alternative to plain yogurt.
- Alternatively, you can prepare your own Tzatziki, a delightful cucumber, garlic, and yogurt dip, to accompany your gyros.
With this homemade gyros recipe, you can savor the authentic flavors of Greece in the comfort of your own home. Whether enjoyed for lunch or as a satisfying snack, these gyro wraps are sure to delight your taste buds with every bite! 🥙✨
