Beef gyros are tasty wraps filled with juicy, flavorful beef, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce, all tucked in warm pita bread. They’re perfect for lunch or dinner!
Whenever I make them, I feel like a chef! The best part? You can stuff them with your favorite toppings. Forget the fork; it’s all about the hands with these delicious wraps! 🌯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin are great choices. If you want a leaner option, try using chicken or turkey slices. For a vegetarian twist, consider grilled mushrooms or jackfruit marinated in the same spices.
Pita Bread: Traditional gyros use pita, but you can swap in flatbreads or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb version. Whole wheat pita adds a nice flavor and texture.
Tzatziki Sauce: I recommend making homemade tzatziki for freshness, but store-bought works in a pinch. For lighter options, consider a yogurt-based dip mixed with garlic and cucumber, or even hummus if you prefer plant-based.
Vegetables: Feel free to mix and match your veggies! I love adding bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
How Do I Ensure the Beef is Flavorful and Tender?
Marinating the beef is key to flavor and tenderness. Aim for a marinade time of at least 30 minutes; however, overnight is best for maximum flavor. Ensure the beef is thinly sliced against the grain, which helps keep it tender when cooked.
- Combine olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the sliced beef, coating it well with the marinade.
- Let it sit in the fridge if you have time—this is where the magic happens!
When cooking, ensure your skillet or grill is hot to get a nice sear on the beef. This locks in the juices and enhances the flavor.
How to Make Beef Gyros?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Gyros:
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 4 pita bread or flatbreads
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
For The Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep and at least 30 minutes for marinating the beef. Cooking will take around 10 minutes, so in total, you’re looking at about 55 minutes from start to finish if you marinate the beef for the minimum time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced beef to the bowl and toss to coat all the pieces well. Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it overnight in the fridge for an even richer flavor.
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is cooked through and nicely browned on the outside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
While the beef is cooking, wash and slice your veggies. Thinly slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the red onion. Set everything aside for assembly later.
4. Warm the Pita Bread:
In a separate dry skillet, warm the pita bread or flatbreads for about 1 minute on each side. This will make them soft and easy to fold.
5. Assemble Your Gyros:
On each warm pita bread, place a generous portion of the cooked beef. Top it off with the shredded lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion.
6. Add the Tzatziki Sauce:
Drizzle a good amount of tzatziki sauce over the top of the fillings, then carefully fold the pita around the stuffing to create your gyros.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious beef gyros immediately. If you like, add some extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for Gyros?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are great options, you can also use cuts like ribeye or ground beef if you prefer. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so ensure the beef is cooked to your liking.
What Can I Use Instead of Tzatziki Sauce?
If you don’t have tzatziki sauce, you can substitute it with a simple yogurt sauce by mixing plain yogurt with chopped cucumbers, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Alternatively, hummus or a ranch dressing also works well for a creamy addition!
Can I Prepare the Beef Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the beef a day ahead to enhance the flavors! Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. Cooked beef can also be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it easy to assemble your gyros when you’re short on time.
How Should I Store Leftover Gyros?
If you have leftovers, store the cooked beef and vegetables separately from the pita and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers. The beef will keep for about 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, warm the beef gently in the microwave or skillet, then assemble your gyros fresh!
