Sichuan-style Spicy Gyros

Ingredients

While the original Greek Gyros is traditionally made with marinated meat, this Sichuan-style adaptation infuses the dish with the distinct flavors of Sichuan cuisine. We replace the traditional Greek spices with a fiery blend of Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, and aromatic spices, creating a bold and spicy twist on the classic Gyros. We alse have the original recipe for Gyros, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken or pork, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) boneless chicken or pork, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons chili flakes 2 tablespoons chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• 4 pita breads 4 pita breads
• 1 cup shredded lettuce 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1 cup sliced tomatoes 1 cup sliced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup sliced red onions 1/2 cup sliced red onions
• Sichuan-style hot sauce, for serving Sichuan-style hot sauce, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the Sichuan peppercorns and chili flakes until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and grind into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the ground Sichuan peppercorns and chili flakes with ground cumin, ground coriander, soy sauce, rice vinegar, vegetable oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and salt. Mix well to form a marinade.
3. 3.
   Add the sliced chicken or pork to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
4. 4.
   Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated meat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
5. 5.
   Warm the pita breads in a toaster or on a grill for a few seconds on each side.
6. 6.
   To assemble the gyros, place a generous amount of shredded lettuce, sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions on each warmed pita bread. Top with the sliced Sichuan-style meat and drizzle with Sichuan-style hot sauce.
7. 7.
   Roll up the pita bread tightly, securing it with foil or parchment paper if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy the fiery flavors of Sichuan-style Spicy Gyros!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sichuan peppercorns — Toasting the peppercorns before grinding them enhances their flavor. Be careful not to burn them during toasting.
• Chili flakes — Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your spice tolerance. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Rice vinegar — If you don't have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• Pita breads — To make the pita breads more pliable, you can lightly steam them before warming them in the toaster or on the grill.
• Sichuan-style hot sauce — You can make your own Sichuan-style hot sauce by combining chili oil, Sichuan peppercorn oil, soy sauce, and garlic.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a sprinkle of Sichuan peppercorn powder on top of the assembled gyros.
• If you prefer a smoky flavor, grill the marinated meat over charcoal instead of using a skillet or grill pan.
• Serve the gyros with a side of Sichuan-style pickled vegetables for a tangy and refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors.
• Experiment with different types of meat such as beef or lamb for a variation in flavors and textures.
• If you can't find pita breads, you can use tortillas or flatbreads as a substitute.

Serving advice

Serve the Sichuan-style Spicy Gyros immediately while they are still warm. They are best enjoyed fresh off the grill, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve with extra Sichuan-style hot sauce on the side for those who crave an extra spicy kick.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the gyros with a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions. Serve them on a platter with colorful sides and condiments to create an enticing spread for your guests.