Gyros Pita (Greek Pork Gyros Wrap)
Local name: Γύρος
In short: Thin slices of marinated pork seared until crisp at the edges, rolled in pita with tzatziki, tomato, onion and fries. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 30 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 4 h
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 820 kcal
Gyros is Greece's most popular street food: seasoned meat roasted on a vertical spit, shaved thin and rolled in pita with tomato, onion, tzatziki and often a few fries. At home you can get close with thin slices of pork shoulder, marinated and seared in a very hot skillet so the edges crisp. Roll the pita tightly in paper and eat it right away.
Instructions
- Freeze the pork for 30 minutes so it is firm. Slice it against the grain into slices 5 mm (1/4 inch) thick, then cut the slices into strips about 5 cm (2 inches) long.
- Mix the oil, lemon juice, garlic, paprika, oregano, cumin, thyme, salt and pepper in a bowl. Add the pork and rub the marinade in. Cover and chill 4 to 12 hours.
- Cook the fries according to your preferred method and keep them warm.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Cook the pork in 3 batches in a single layer for 3 to 4 minutes per batch, turning once, until browned with crisp edges and at least 63°C (145°F) inside.
- Warm the pita in a dry pan for 30 seconds per side.
- Spread each pita with tzatziki. Top with pork, tomato, onion, a few fries and parsley. Fold in the sides, roll tightly and wrap the bottom in paper. Serve right away.
Tips
- Pork shoulder has the fat that crisps and keeps the meat juicy. Chicken thighs work with the same seasoning, cooked to 74°C (165°F).
- Do not crowd the skillet, or the meat steams instead of browning. A cast-iron pan or a broiler tray gives the best crisp edges.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between gyros and souvlaki?
Gyros is thinly sliced meat from a vertical rotating spit, while souvlaki is cubes of meat grilled on a skewer. Both are often wrapped in pita.
Can I marinate the pork ahead of time?
Yes, for up to 12 hours. Cooked pork keeps 3 days in the fridge and reheats well in a hot skillet.
How do you pronounce gyros?
Say it like yee-ros. The Greek word means turn, which refers to the rotating spit.
How long does it take to make Gyros Pita (Greek Pork Gyros Wrap)?
About 45 min in total: 30 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Gyros Pita (Greek Pork Gyros Wrap)?
About 820 kcal per serving, with 40 g of protein, 70 g of carbohydrates and 41 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 820 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40 g |
| Carbohydrates | 70 g |
| Fat | 41 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 1450 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
