Gyro (Greek Meat Wrap)

  • Meat Prep - 20 minutes
  • Marination - minimum 4 hours (ideally overnight)
  • Baking/Searing - 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4
  • Country: Greece
A Greek Gyro wrap filled with meat slices, tomatoes, onions, and Tzatziki sauce.

Gyro is traditionally made from a large cone of meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, from which thin slices are shaved off. At home, we achieve this effect by marinating very thin meat slices and quickly searing them in a pan or under the broiler.

The secret to Gyro is the marinade rich in oregano, garlic, and lemon, and the correct assembly of the wrap: warm pita bread, juicy meat, Tzatziki sauce, and fresh toppings.

Ingredients

I. For the Meat

  • 600 g Pork Neck or Chicken Breast
  • 70 ml Olive Oil (extra virgin)
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 2 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 3 cloves Garlic, crushed
  • 1 tsp Sweet Paprika
  • 1 to taste Salt and Black Pepper

II. For the Wrap

  • 4 pcs Pita Bread, Greek style (thicker type)
  • 1 to taste Tzatziki Sauce
  • 1 pc Tomatoes, diced
  • 0.5 pc Onion (red), thinly sliced
  • 200 g French Fries (optional, but traditional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Meat and Marinade

If using pork/chicken, slice the meat into very thin, small slices or strips. If using pork neck, you can lightly freeze it first to make slicing thin pieces easier.

In a bowl, mix all the marinade ingredients: olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Place the meat in the marinade, mix well, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to combine.

Step 2: Searing/Baking the Meat

Prepare the French fries (if using) according to instructions (in the oven or fryer).

Remove the meat from the marinade. Heat a little olive oil in a large pan (or use a grill pan).

Sear the meat in small batches over medium-high heat until golden brown, juicy, and slightly crispy in places (imitating rotisserie cooking). Set aside and keep warm.

Step 3: Preparing the Pita and Filling

Warm the pita bread in a dry pan, on the grill, or in the oven until soft and slightly puffed.

Spread a tablespoon of Tzatziki sauce on the warmed pita bread (traditionally in the center).

Layer the tomato and onion slices.

Add a generous portion of the seared meat and optionally a few French fries on top.

Step 4: Wrapping and Serving

Firmly roll or wrap the pita bread (classically by folding the bottom edge up and then rolling from the side).

Serve immediately, traditionally wrapped in paper or a napkin to hold the wrap together and keep it warm.