Turkish-Style Gyros

Ingredients

While the Greek gyros typically use pork or chicken, the Turkish-style gyros often feature lamb or beef as the main protein. The spices used in the marinade also differ, with Turkish gyros incorporating a blend of cumin, paprika, and sumac for a unique flavor profile. Additionally, the yogurt sauce in Turkish gyros is often seasoned with garlic and mint, adding a refreshing twist to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Gyros, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) lamb or beef, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) lamb or beef, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon sumac 1 teaspoon sumac
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 pita breads 4 pita breads
• 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 tomato, diced 1 tomato, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 7g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, paprika, sumac, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced lamb or beef to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Cook the marinated meat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5. 5.
   While the meat is cooking, warm the pita breads on the grill or in a toaster.
6. 6.
   In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, chopped mint, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to make the yogurt sauce.
7. 7.
   Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, thinly slice the meat.
8. 8.
   To assemble the gyros, spread a generous amount of the yogurt sauce on each warmed pita bread. Top with the sliced meat, diced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and fresh parsley.
9. 9.
   Roll up the pita bread tightly, enclosing the filling.
10. 10.
    Serve the Turkish-style gyros immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lamb or beef — For the best results, choose lean cuts of meat and slice them thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Sumac — Sumac adds a tangy and slightly citrusy flavor to the marinade. If you can't find sumac, you can substitute it with a combination of lemon zest and a pinch of ground coriander.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a smoky flavor, you can grill the marinated meat on skewers instead of using a skillet.
• If you prefer a spicier gyro, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
• For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish-style gyros with a side of crispy French fries or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, garnish the gyros with a sprinkle of sumac and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve them on a wooden platter for a rustic touch.