Beef gyros are a tasty Greek dish made with tender, spiced beef wrapped in warm pita bread. Add fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce for a delicious bite!
Every time I make these, I feel like I’m on a Mediterranean vacation. Just don’t forget the napkins; these are so good you might need them! 🌯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin or flank steak works best due to their tenderness and flavor. However, you could also use chicken, lamb, or even a plant-based option like portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian take.
Olive oil: This helps with flavor and cooking. If you’re out of olive oil, canola or avocado oil are great alternatives.
Pita bread: I love using whole wheat pita for extra fiber. If you can’t find pita bread, flatbreads or even wraps work well too!
Tzatziki sauce: You can easily make your own by mixing Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill if you’re feeling adventurous. Store-bought is totally fine too!
How Do I Properly Marinate the Beef for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating the beef is key to infusing flavor and tenderness. Just mix the sliced beef with olive oil and spices in a bowl. Make sure every piece is coated well. For best results, let it sit for at least 30 minutes—up to 2 hours is even better! It allows the flavors to soak in.
- Use a wide dish for better coverage of the beef with marinade.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid to keep everything fresh.
- If you’re short on time, you can skip marinating, but the taste won’t be as rich.
How to Make Delicious Beef Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Gyros:
- 4 pita bread pockets
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This beef gyros recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 30-40 minutes for marinating and cooking the beef. In total, you can have a scrumptious meal ready in about 1 hour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or any occasion you want to impress your friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a large bowl, add the thinly sliced beef, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until the beef is evenly coated with the spices. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavor even more!
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated beef to the pan. Cook it for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is cooked through and has a nice char. Make sure to watch it closely so it doesn’t overcook!
3. Warm the Pita Bread:
While the beef is cooking, warm the pita bread. You can do this in a toaster or on the grill for about a minute until soft and pliable. This step will make the gyros even more enjoyable!
4. Assemble the Gyros:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take a pita pocket and fill it with a generous portion of the cooked beef. Add on some shredded romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onion. Don’t forget to drizzle tzatziki sauce over the top for that delicious, creamy finish!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Fold the pita around the fillings, and voila! Your homemade beef gyros are ready to enjoy. Serve them immediately, and if you’d like, provide some extra tzatziki and vegetables on the side for everyone to enjoy. Yum!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin or flank steak is great, you can also use skirt steak or even ground beef as alternatives. Just keep in mind that different cuts may have varying cooking times—ground beef will cook faster, while tougher cuts may need longer marinating or cooking time to become tender.
How to Make This Recipe Low-Carb?
If you’re looking to reduce carbs, you can skip the pita bread and use lettuce wraps instead. Simply use large leaves of romaine or butter lettuce to encase the fillings for a delicious low-carb version of gyros!
Can I Prepare the Beef Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking for even doneness.
How Should I Store Leftover Gyros?
Store any leftover beef and veggies in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The beef will keep for up to 3 days, while the veggies are best consumed within 2 days. Reheat the beef in a skillet, and assemble the gyros fresh when you’re ready to eat!
