Gyros
Thin slices of seasoned meat cooked on a vertical spit, tucked into warm pita with tomato, onion, fries and tzatziki. A bustling street-food favorite.
Pita giros: Antonio Fajardo i López, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Where it comes from
Gyros is one of the most famous Greek street foods, served at fast-food shops across Greece and around the world. Its name refers to the turning of the spit.
Explore the cuisine of Greece.
Recipe
Make Gyros at home
Ingredients
- 2 lb (900 g) pork shoulder or chicken thighs, sliced thin
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp oregano
- 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper
- 6 pita breads
- Tomato, sliced onion, tzatziki, fries
How it's made
- Mix the oil, lemon, garlic and spices and coat the meat; marinate 4 hours or overnight.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over high heat.
- Cook the meat in batches without crowding, 3 to 4 minutes, until browned with crisp edges.
- Warm the pita in a dry pan.
- Spread each with tzatziki, add the meat, tomato, onion and a few fries.
- Fold and wrap tightly in paper to eat.
Variations
- Chicken gyros.
- Lamb and beef gyros.
- Vegetarian gyros with mushrooms.
Cook’s tip: Cook in small batches over high heat so the edges crisp instead of steaming.
Related dishes
SouvlakiStreet food · Greece
TzatzikiSnacks and dips · Greece
Greek saladSalads · Greece
Doner kebabStreet food · Türkiye
About this page
Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.
Photo credit
- Pita giros: Antonio Fajardo i López, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)