Vietnamese-style Gyros

Ingredients

While the original Greek Gyros typically uses lamb or beef, this Vietnamese adaptation incorporates the use of marinated pork or chicken, which is more commonly found in Vietnamese cuisine. Additionally, the traditional Greek tzatziki sauce is replaced with a tangy Vietnamese-style sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, and chili. The garnishes also include pickled daikon and carrots, adding a refreshing crunch to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Gyros, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork or chicken, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) pork or chicken, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 4-6 pita breads 4-6 pita breads
• 1 cup pickled daikon and carrots (recipe below) 1 cup pickled daikon and carrots (recipe below)
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
• Fresh chili slices, for garnish Fresh chili slices, for garnish
• For the pickled daikon and carrots: For the pickled daikon and carrots:
• 1 cup daikon radish, julienned 1 cup daikon radish, julienned
• 1 cup carrots, julienned 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1/2 cup rice vinegar 1/2 cup rice vinegar
• 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugar: 8g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, vegetable oil, and five-spice powder. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced pork or chicken to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   In the meantime, prepare the pickled daikon and carrots. In a small saucepan, combine the rice vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat until the sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. 4.
   Place the julienned daikon and carrots in a jar or bowl. Pour the cooled vinegar mixture over the vegetables. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before using.
5. 5.
   Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated pork or chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
6. 6.
   Warm the pita breads in a toaster or oven.
7. 7.
   To assemble the Vietnamese-style Gyros, spread a spoonful of the pickled daikon and carrots on each pita bread. Top with the grilled pork or chicken, fresh cilantro leaves, and chili slices.
8. 8.
   Drizzle with your favorite Vietnamese-style sauce, such as a mixture of fish sauce, lime juice, and chili.
9. 9.
   Roll up the pita bread tightly and serve immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork or chicken — For the best flavor and tenderness, thinly slice the meat against the grain. This will ensure that the meat remains juicy and tender after grilling.
• Pickled daikon and carrots — Make sure to julienne the daikon and carrots into thin, matchstick-like strips for a crisp texture. The longer you let them pickle, the more flavorful they will become.

Tips & Tricks

• If you prefer a spicier Gyros, add sliced jalapenos or Sriracha sauce to the filling.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the pork or chicken with marinated tofu or tempeh.
• If you don't have pita bread, you can use lettuce leaves as a low-carb alternative for wrapping the filling.
• Experiment with different herbs and vegetables for additional flavors and textures. Mint leaves, cucumber slices, and bean sprouts are great options.
• If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pickled daikon and carrots instead of making them from scratch.

Serving advice

Serve the Vietnamese-style Gyros immediately while the pita bread is still warm and the filling is fresh. This dish is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner, and can be enjoyed on its own or with a side dish.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can garnish the Gyros with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or crushed peanuts. Serve it on a wooden board or a colorful plate to make it visually appealing.