Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe - The Daring Gourmet (2024)

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Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe - The Daring Gourmet (1)

Last week I posted my recipes for Greek Tzatziki Sauce andGreek Seasoning Blend. Now it’s time to combine those two recipes to make a third one! One that you’re going to fall in l.o.v.e. with!

Growing up in Germany, there were Gyros and Döner Kebab shops and stands everywhere. I loved them as a kid and I love them still. Juicy, tender meat that is highly seasoned with flavors that are out of this world, folded in either pita, flat bread, or a wedge of thick Turkish bread. Next were the crisp veggies that added flavor, texture and color. And then finally was the crowning touch – the tzatziki sauce.

For someone who loves to cook, trying to replicate favorite dishes is a welcomed adventure. Granted, I don’t own one those super neato rotating gyros/doner spits that slowly cooks the seasoned meat to perfection, but I’ve nonetheless developed a recipe that is so mouth-wateringly good, you’re going to want to make it again and again. I’ve been making these gyros ever since moving to the U.S. a few years ago and they’ve been a hit wherever I’ve served them. You can use chicken, lamb, pork or beef – all will turn out wonderfully. And these gyros make great leftovers. Just keep the veggies, meat, and tzatziki sauce stored in airtight containers in the fridge and enjoy them for lunch the next day.

What really makes these gyros sing is the homemade Greek seasoning used in them. Several years ago I spent some time trying to develop the perfect all-purpose Greek seasoning, experimenting with ingredients and ratios, and I finally cracked it. Here is that recipe forHomemade Greek Seasoning. It’s an excellent blend to use in any recipe that calls for Greek seasoning.

Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe - The Daring Gourmet (2)

There is both overlap and differences between gyros and kebabs – this recipe is a bit of a blend of the two. I call them gyros because that name is more common here.

Before we get started, be sure to connect with The Daring Gourmet on Facebookto join in on all the foodie fun and to get the wordon all the latest recipes!

Okay, let’s get started on that gyros recipe!

Thinly slice the chicken (or pork, lamb, beef, whatever you’re using. Note, the chicken will be more drier than other meats because of the lower fat content – which just gives you an excuse to load up on more of that luscious tzatziki sauce!)

Season the meat with the Greek Seasoning and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe - The Daring Gourmet (3)

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the meat until browned.

Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe - The Daring Gourmet (4)

Add the onions and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. If the meat is too dry add some more olive oil. Add more Greek Seasoning to taste.

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Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce (ideally you will have done this ahead of time as it needs to sit in the fridge for at least an hour).

See Recipe for Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe - The Daring Gourmet (6)

To assemble, scoop about 1/3 cup of the meat mixture onto a pita or flabread, add some chopped red cabbage, tomatoes and onions, and spoon over some tzatziki sauce.

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For an added touch of flavor and authenticity, sprinkle a bit of sumac powder over the finished gyros. It can be found online.

Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe - The Daring Gourmet (8)

Homemade Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

Kimberly Killebrew

You might want to double the recipe, because you're guaranteed going to want leftovers for lunch the next day! Make extra Greek Seasoning as well because it's a fantastic all-purpose spice blend.

Print Recipe

4.91 from 11 votes

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Entree, Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs chicken breast, pork, lamb or beef , cut into thin strips (note: the chicken breast will be drier than other meats because of its low fat content)
  • 3-4 tablespoons Homemade Greek Seasoning (click link for recipe)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion cut in half and then thinly sliced
  • Toppings: Finely shredded red cabbage, thinly sliced red or yellow onions, chopped tomatoes thinly sliced onions, chopped tomatoes
  • 8 whole wheat pitas of flatbreads
  • Homemade Tzatziki Sauce (click link for recipe)
  • dried sumac , for sprinkling on top (optional)

Instructions

  • Add the Greek Seasoning to the meat, toss to combine, and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the strips of meat and cook until golden brown on all sides. Add the sliced onions and continue to saute until the onions are tender and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more olive oil. Add more Greek Seasoning to taste.

  • Wrap the pitas/flatbreads in aluminum foil and warm them in the oven.

  • Spread 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture on each pita and top with red cabbage, onions, tomatoes and drizzle with tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle with dried sumac. Serve immediately.

Keyword Gyros

Tried this recipe? Mention @daringgourmet or hashtag #daringgourmet

Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe - The Daring Gourmet (10)

Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe - The Daring Gourmet (2024)

FAQs

What meat goes best with tzatziki? ›

Tzatziki is good friends with grilled and roasted meats, especially juicy lamb chops. Serve it up with a crunchy fattoush salad – a combination of torn pitta, cooling cucumber, ripe tomatoes, sweet lettuce and refreshing mint – for a bonus hit of fresh, summer flavour.

What is the sauce on a gyro made of? ›

Tzatziki is a creamy cucumber yogurt dip (or sauce) made from simple ingredients including strained yogurt (or Greek yogurt), cucumbers, garlic, and sometimes fresh herbs such as dill or mint. Traditionally, it is made from strained sheep or goat's milk yogurt, but a full-fat Greek yogurt works just fine in this dip.

What is tzatziki the Greek dip made of? ›

What is tzatziki? Tzatziki is a salted yogurt and cucumber dip that's made of strained yogurt, shredded cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and herbs. Authentic Greek tzatziki is most often made with sheep or goat yogurt, but my tzatziki recipe calls for regular full-fat Greek yogurt.

How to cut onions for gyro? ›

Grilled Beef Gyros with Marinated Onions

Cut the onion in half from stem to root and peel. Thinly slice one half of the onion and place the slices in a medium bowl. Add the lemon juice, dill, and salt. Toss to coat the onion slices and let marinade while you continue with the sauce and gyros.

What do Greeks eat with tzatziki? ›

A platter of salted raw tomatoes and cucumbers becomes an instant salad when topped with tzatziki as a dressing. Bread is smeared with tzatziki and topped with grilled meats or vegetables for a crostini or bruschetta style snack that pairs well with Greek wines, like these Artichoke and Eggplant skewers.

What do Greeks eat with gyros? ›

Top 6 Side Dishes That Pair Well with Gyros
  • Tzatziki Sauce. Tzatziki is a traditional Greek yogurt-based sauce that perfectly accompanies gyros. ...
  • Greek Salad. ...
  • Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves) ...
  • Greek Potatoes. ...
  • Spanakopita (Spinach and Feta Pie) ...
  • Pita Chips and Hummus.
Apr 27, 2023

Is tzatziki healthier than hummus? ›

Yes, tzatziki is considered a healthier dip than hummus and sour cream. It contains several vitamins, a good amount of protein, and fewer carbohydrates and calories. The fat content of tzatziki is low too, which is not the case with other dips.

Is tzatziki sauce healthy? ›

Tzatziki is not only a tasty, multi-use sauce, it's also a smart food pick. Its blend of yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs delivers key nutrients, which are proposed to support heart health, gut health, and may even lower diabetes risk.

How to thicken up tzatziki? ›

You can thicken it by placing a piece of cheesecloth over the top of a wide mouthed jar and holding it in place with some rubber bands. Fill the cheesecloth with your sauce, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The excess water will drain out and the sauce will be thicker.

What's the difference between gyro and shawarma? ›

Gyro is savory with a hint of sweetness and garlic, while Shawarma has a smoky flavor with a hint of sweetness from the marinade. To add flavor and texture, both dishes can be topped with various sauces, pickles, and vegetables. The main difference between shawarma and gyro is the type of meat used.

How does gyro meat stick together? ›

Processing the meat in the food processor and overworking it ensures that the proteins in the meat stick together, like sausage. Essentially, this prevents the meat from falling apart.

How to cut tomatoes for a gyro? ›

Slice the tomatoes into thin wedges. Optional - sprinkle with salt. Slice olives in half - optional, they're fine whole and you save a step.

Do they eat tzatziki in Turkey? ›

Tzatziki (Greek: τζατζίκι, tzatzíki, Greek: [d͡zaˈd͡zici]), also known as cacık ( Turkish: [dʒaˈdʒɯk]) or tarator, is a class of dip, soup, or sauce found in the cuisines of Southeastern Europe and West Asia.

What sauce goes well with meat? ›

Fruit sauces that surprisingly work well with beef such as steak and even burgers:
  • Cherry Balsamic Grilling Sauce.
  • Peach Grilling Sauce or Peach Chipotle Sauce.
  • Vidalia Onion and Peach Hot Sauce.
  • Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce.

Do you eat tzatziki by itself? ›

Tzatziki is a refreshing cucumber-yogurt dip or sauce that comes together quickly with basic ingredients. The creamy sauce is a staple in Greek cuisine, where it is served in wraps like gyros and souvlaki, or simply on its own as a dip or side dish.

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