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The gyro is an iconic sandwich that has made quite a name for itself around the world. Encased in pita and drenched in creamy tzatziki, crispy red onions, and fresh tomatoes, this iconic staple of Greek cuisine is unbeatable. And, of course, there is the star ingredient: tender, succulent pieces shaved off a rotating chunk of spiced meat roasting on a standing rotisserie. In Greece, the sandwich’s motherland, pork, lamb, or chicken are common meats, but the version readily available in the United States is a pretty reasonable alternative: a mix of lamb and beef with a blend of gyro seasoning. Chances are, however, you probably don’t have a spit in your house. That’s not surprising; a standing rotisserie isn’t exactly a normal home cook appliance. But don’t let that stop you from recreating this delicious ensemble in the luxury of your own kitchen.
To make this legendary Greek sandwich at home, you have plenty of options, like a ground beef gyro that brings plenty of flavor, but if you want a true American-style gyro experience, you can mix your choice of meat or meats together with seasonings in a food processer for a cohesive mixture you can bake in a loaf. Once your loaf is cooked, simply slice off thin pieces of meat and give them a flash fry in a skillet on high heat to get that crispiness that Greek gyro meat is known for, the kind that usually comes from being kissed by the heat of a rotisserie.
Other key ingredients in a gyro-inspired sandwich
Whichever meat option you prefer for your American-style gyro, the key is to get the flavoring down tight, seasoning your meat well to bring out that incredible depth. Gyro spice is a complex mix of seasonings that typically consist of garlic, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. You can make your own flavor blend or buy it pre-mixed at the grocery store or online, such as with NY Spice Shop’s Lamb Gyro Seasoning Blend.
Once you’ve got the meat and its spice profile, it’s time to get to work on the other ingredients. First, freshness matters, as that flavor always comes through when you bite into a juicy gyro in Greece. Next, the sauce is important for complementing your homemade gyro perfectly. In Greece, you typically find gyro sandwiches slathered in a tangy tzatziki sauce (occasionally a mustard sauce will be used, but it just doesn’t taste the same). In America, you can take that route and buy a standard tzatziki at the grocery store or make it yourself (and use up the leftovers by giving your pulled pork sandwiches an extra pop of Greek-style flavor). Alternatively, whip up a version that uses buttermilk instead of Greek yogurt, like Arby’s gyro sauce does.
You can also get creative with your bread choice, but a lightly grilled pita brushed with olive oil for just the right amount of flavor and pliability is a classic. Either way, you’re sure to have a flavorful experience.
