Beef gyros are a tasty twist on the classic Greek dish. Juicy beef is wrapped in warm pita bread along with fresh veggies and creamy sauce. It’s a flavor-packed meal that’s easy to love!
When I make gyros at home, I pile on the toppings—lettuce, tomatoes, and lots of sauce. It’s like a party for your taste buds! Plus, they are perfect for sharing… or not! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Sirloin: Use sirloin for its tenderness and flavor. You can also swap it with chicken breast, pork tenderloin, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Olive Oil: It’s great for flavor and cooking. If you need a substitute, avocado oil works well because it has a high smoke point; however, you could also use canola oil or grapeseed oil.
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder provide strong flavors. If you want fresh flavor, use minced garlic and finely chopped onions. Dried oregano can be replaced by Italian seasoning, or mixed herbs for a twist!
Tzatziki Sauce: Store-bought is fine, but you can make your own with yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and dill. Greek yogurt can also work instead of regular yogurt for a thicker consistency.
How Do I Get My Beef Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking beef can easily go wrong if you’re not careful, but here’s how to nail it! First, ensure your grill pan or skillet is hot before adding the beef. This gives you that nice sear.
- Cook in batches if needed—overcrowding the pan steams rather than sears.
- Only flip the beef once to develop a nice crust.
- Avoid cooking too long; aim for about 4-5 minutes until just cooked through to keep it tender.
How to Make Delicious Beef Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 pound beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling the Gyros:
- 4 pita bread
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 5-10 minutes for cooking. If you choose to marinate the beef for extra flavor, add at least 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating. In total, you can have these tasty beef gyros ready in under 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours with marinating).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Beef:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. Add the sliced beef sirloin, making sure to coat all the pieces with the marinade. For the best flavor, let the beef marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours if you have the time.
2. Cooking the Beef:
Once the beef has marinated, heat a grill pan or a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef strips to the hot pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is cooked through and has a nice slight char. Make sure not to overcook it!
3. Warming the Pita Bread:
While the beef is cooking, you can warm up the pita bread. You can do this in another pan over low heat for a couple of minutes or pop them in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds until soft and warm.
4. Assembling the Gyros:
It’s time to put it all together! Take a warm pita bread and place a generous amount of the cooked beef in the center. Add your toppings like chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onion for that fresh crunch.
5. Adding the Tzatziki and Serving:
Drizzle a good amount of tzatziki sauce over the top of the fillings. Now fold the pita around the delicious filling to encase everything inside. Serve your beef gyros immediately while they are still warm and enjoy each bite of this mouthwatering dish!
Enjoy your homemade beef gyros with friends or family!
Can I Use Another Cut of Beef Instead of Sirloin?
Absolutely! You can substitute beef sirloin with flank steak or ribeye for a different flavor and texture. Just remember to slice it thinly against the grain for the best results.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the beef overnight in the refrigerator for even more flavor. You can also prepare the tzatziki sauce a day ahead. Just keep the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the gyros.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover beef and veggies in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef gently on the stove or in the microwave before assembling fresh gyros with the toppings.
Can I Make This Recipe with Chicken or Lamb?
Of course! This marinade works beautifully with chicken or lamb as well. For chicken, use boneless thighs or breasts, and for lamb, try leg or shoulder cuts. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you’re using to ensure it’s cooked through.
