amb Gyros is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings a taste of Greece to your table. This beloved street food features tender, marinated lamb cooked to perfection and served in warm pita bread. The lamb is seasoned with a mix of aromatic herbs and spices, creating a mouthwatering blend of savory and slightly spicy flavors.
The key to an authentic Lamb Gyros is the marinade. The lamb is typically marinated in a mixture of garlic, rosemary, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, and cinnamon, combined with Greek yogurt and lemon juice. This not only infuses the meat with rich flavors but also helps tenderize it. Once marinated, the lamb is grilled or seared, achieving a deliciously crispy exterior while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.
The gyros are then topped with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, a classic Greek condiment made from Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and fresh herbs like dill. This cooling, creamy sauce complements the spiced lamb perfectly and adds a refreshing contrast.
Traditionally, Lamb Gyros is served with sliced tomatoes, red onions, shredded lettuce, and cucumbers, all wrapped up in soft, warm pita bread or flatbreads. This combination makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for a casual lunch or dinner. The flavors are vibrant, the textures are varied, and the result is a deliciously balanced dish that highlights the best of Greek cuisine. Whether enjoyed at home or as part of a larger spread, Lamb Gyros is sure to impress with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
For the Lamb Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) lamb shoulder or leg, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried oregano)
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread or flatbreads
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onions
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced cucumbers
Instructions
- Marinate the Lamb:
- In a large bowl, combine the garlic, rosemary, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the lamb slices to the bowl and mix until well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for best results.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess moisture), minced garlic, dill, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the Lamb:
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated lamb slices for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness and are nicely browned.
- Assemble the Gyros:
- Warm the pita or flatbreads.
- Place the cooked lamb on the bread.
- Top with sliced tomatoes, red onions, shredded lettuce, and cucumbers.
- Spoon the tzatziki sauce over the top.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Roll or fold the pita bread around the fillings and enjoy your homemade lamb gyros!
Tips
- Marination: The longer you marinate the lamb, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
- Tzatziki Texture: Make sure to drain the cucumber well to avoid a watery tzatziki.
- Grilling: For a smoky flavor, use a grill. If using a skillet, a cast-iron pan works best for getting a nice sear.
- Pita Bread: Warm the pita bread slightly before assembling to make it more pliable and easier to fold.
Enjoy your homemade Lamb Gyros! If you have any other details or specific ingredients from the image you want included, just let me know!
