Description
There’s nothing more satisfying than Lamb Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce—tender, seasoned lamb wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. This Greek-inspired dish is packed with flavor, easy to make at home, and perfect for a delicious lunch or dinner.
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Ingredients
For the Lamb Gyro Meat:
- 1 lb ground lamb
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (for depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 egg (to help bind)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for keto)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Assembling the Gyros:
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads (warm)
- ½ cup sliced red onion
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Lamb Gyro Meat
- In a large bowl, mix ground lamb, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, lemon juice, olive oil, egg, and breadcrumbs until well combined.
- Shape into small patties or long oval shapes (like kofta).
Step 2: Cook the Lamb
Option 1: Pan-Fried Method
3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the lamb patties for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
Option 2: Oven Method
5. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Shape the lamb mixture into a loaf and place it on a baking sheet.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
8. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, and salt.
- Stir well and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
- Warm the pita bread on a dry pan for 30 seconds per side.
- Spread tzatziki sauce over each pita.
- Add the sliced lamb, red onion, tomatoes, lettuce, and feta.
- Wrap the pita and secure with parchment paper or foil.
Notes
- Use Fresh Spices – Fresh herbs and high-quality seasonings make a huge difference.
- Let the Meat Rest – After cooking, let the lamb sit for a few minutes before slicing.
- Squeeze the Cucumber – Removing excess water from the cucumber keeps tzatziki thick.
- Make it Ahead – Both the meat and tzatziki can be prepped a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American