Beef gyros are delicious wraps filled with tender beef, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce, all tucked into warm pita bread. It’s like a party in your mouth!
I’m a fan of loading mine with extra tzatziki sauce—it makes everything better! Perfect for quick lunches or a fun dinner that feels like eating out at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Steak: Sirloin or flank steak works great for gyros. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using chicken breast or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Both give nice flavor and texture.
Pita Bread: Traditional pita is perfect, but you can also use flatbreads or tortillas if that’s what you have. Just make sure they are thick enough to hold all the fillings!
Greek Yogurt: It adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re dairy-free, coconut yogurt can be a tasty substitute, though it might change the flavor a bit. You could also use sour cream in a pinch.
Vegetables: Fresh veggies make the gyros pop. If you want to swap the cucumber for bell peppers or add some spinach instead of lettuce, feel free! You can use any crunchy veggie you like.
How Do You Get Juicy, Flavorful Beef Strips?
The key to juicy beef is in the marinating. This step allows the flavors to soak in. Use a good quality olive oil and let the beef sit for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
- When cooking, don’t overcrowd the pan. This keeps the beef from steaming and allows for better browning.
- Cook just until browned—about 5-7 minutes saves you from overcooking!
How to Make Delicious Beef Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Gyros:
- 1 pound beef steak (such as sirloin or flank)
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep (plus 30 minutes to marinate) and about 10 minutes to cook, so in total around 50 minutes from start to finish. You’ll be making delicious beef gyro sandwiches that are perfect for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Slice the beef steak into thin strips and add them to the marinade. Toss everything together until the beef is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for even more flavor.
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the marinated beef strips to the pan. Cook the beef for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked to your liking. Once done, take it off the heat and set aside.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well mixed. Taste it and adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt if necessary.
4. Assemble the Gyros:
Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or in the microwave for a few seconds. Start by placing a layer of shredded lettuce on each pita. Add a generous portion of the cooked beef strips on top, then top with the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and red onion.
5. Add Sauce and Serve:
Drizzle the tzatziki sauce over the filled pitas, adding a little extra on the side if you like. Now, your homemade beef gyros are ready to enjoy! Share with friends or keep them all to yourself—either way, they’re delicious!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are great choices, you can also use ribeye or skirt steaks for a bit more flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times as different cuts may require slight adjustments to achieve the desired tenderness.
How Do I Store Leftover Gyros?
Store any leftover beef gyros in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the pita breads and toppings separate to maintain their texture. Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave before serving to enjoy them warm again!
Can I Make Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, the tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier. Just give it a stir before serving.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with regular yogurt, sour cream, or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative. Just keep in mind that regular yogurt may be thinner, so adjust the amount of lemon juice and garlic to taste for the best flavor!
