Go Back

Authentic Beef Gyros With Tzatziki - A Fresh, Flavor-Packed Classic

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Beef: 1.5 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
  • For the Tzatziki: 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 large English cucumber, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, very finely minced
  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • For Serving: 4–6 warm pita breads (Greek-style if possible)
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1–2 tomatoes, sliced or chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or baby greens
  • Optional: crumbled feta, sliced cucumber, kalamata olives
  • Lemon wedges, for squeezing

Method
 

  1. Prep the tzatziki: Grate the cucumber, then squeeze it dry in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess water. In a bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix, taste, and adjust salt or lemon. Chill while you cook the beef.
  2. Marinate the beef: Whisk olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. Toss with the marinade and let sit for 20–45 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours in the fridge.
  3. Heat the skillet: Use a large cast-iron or stainless pan over medium-high heat. Get it hot so the beef sears well.
  4. Cook the beef in batches: Add a thin film of oil if needed. Spread beef in a single layer and sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan. Transfer to a plate and keep warm. Repeat with remaining beef.
  5. Warm the pita: Brush pitas lightly with olive oil and warm in a dry pan or low oven until soft and pliable.
  6. Assemble gyros: Spread tzatziki on warm pita. Add beef, red onion, tomato, and lettuce. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and optional feta or olives.
  7. Serve immediately: Gyros are best hot and freshly assembled, with extra tzatziki on the side.