If you're craving a taste of the Mediterranean, look no further than this delightful recipe for Beef Gyro with Homemade Pita and Tzatziki Sauce. This dish combines tender, seasoned beef, soft and fluffy pita bread, and creamy tzatziki sauce for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Let's dive into how to create this savory masterpiece!
Ingredients
For the Beef Gyro:
1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Homemade Pita:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
3/4 cup warm water
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef Gyro
In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to marinate.
Step 2: Make the Homemade Pita
In a large bowl, combine the flour, instant yeast, and salt. Mix well.
Add the olive oil and warm water to the flour mixture. Stir until a dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten into a round disc about 1/4 inch thick.
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook each pita for about 2-3 minutes on each side until puffed and lightly browned. Keep warm wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 4: Cook the Beef Gyro
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef slices and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
Remove from heat and let the beef rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
Step 5: Assemble the Gyros
To assemble, place a warm pita bread on a plate.
Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on the pita.
Top with slices of cooked beef gyro.
Add fresh vegetables like sliced tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce if desired.
Roll up the pita and secure with parchment paper or foil to hold the gyro together.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Gyros
Fresh Ingredients: Use high-quality beef and fresh vegetables for the best flavor.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the marinade and tzatziki sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Homemade Pita Perfection: Cooking the pita bread just before assembling ensures a warm and fluffy base for your gyro. You can also infuse the pita with herbs and spices to add more flavor to your meal.
Customize Your Gyro: Add olives, feta cheese, or additional herbs to personalize your gyro.
This Beef Gyro with Homemade Pita and Tzatziki Sauce recipe brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. With tender marinated beef, soft homemade pita bread, and creamy tzatziki sauce, every bite is a burst of savory goodness. Whether you're cooking for family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it out and savor the delicious flavors of Greece in the comfort of your home. This recipe pairs well with our Mediterranean Salad recipe that incorporates fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives and feta cheese for a great summer or back to school lunch option.
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