This Easy Homemade Greek Gyro Ingredients Recipe is perfect for anyone who loves Greek food and wants to make it at home. If you’re on a keto diet or just looking for a delicious, low-carb meal, this recipe will give you the authentic gyro taste.
I’ve created four different spice mixes tailored for chicken, beef, lamb, and pork gyros. These mixes are keto-friendly, low-carb, and gluten-free (just be sure to check the labels of each ingredient when buying).
Making gyros at home is super easy and fun. Simply add the wet ingredients and your choice of meat when you’re ready to cook. Craving chicken, beef, lamb, or pork? These spice mixes will help you whip up delicious gyros with hardly any effort.
What Does GYRO Mean?
Gyros come from the Greek word “γύρος,” meaning “turn.” This refers to the meat turning on a vertical rotisserie.
Gyros are a staple in Greek restaurants and food trucks around the world. They are known for their flavorful meat and fresh ingredients. Making gyros at home allows you to enjoy this delicious dish without the carbs.
Plus, you can customize the ingredients to suit your taste. These recipes are inspired by authentic Greek gyros but adapted to be keto-friendly.
Dry Ingredients for Gyro Spice Mix
The Dry Ingredients for Gyro Spice Mix provided are designed to make 2 portions of delicious homemade gyros. Simply add the wet ingredients and your choice of meat when you’re ready to cook for a convenient and flavorful meal.
Chicken Gyro Spice Mix
- dried oregano
- dried thyme
- black pepper
- sea salt
- garlic powder
Beef Gyro Spice Mix
- dried oregano
- ground cumin
- paprika
- dried thyme
- black pepper
- sea salt
- garlic powder
Pork Gyro Spice Mix
- dried oregano
- dried thyme
- ground cumin
- paprika
- black pepper
- sea salt
- garlic powder
Lamb Gyro Spice Mix
- dried oregano
- dried rosemary
- ground cumin
- black pepper
- sea salt
- garlic powder
Instructions for Storing the Spice Mixes
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- Mix all the dry ingredients for each type of gyro in separate small bowls.
- Store in Jars:
- Transfer each spice mix into a small jar or airtight container. Label the jars with the type of gyro spice mix.
Using the Spice Mixes
When you’re ready to cook, follow these steps:
- Marinate the Meat:
- For chicken: chicken fillets, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- For beef: ground beef, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- For lamb: ground lamb, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- For pork: ground pork, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Add the Spice Mix:
- Add the corresponding spice mix to the wet ingredients and ground meat. Mix well to coat the meat evenly.
- Cook and Assemble:
- Follow the cooking instructions as usual, and assemble your gyros with your favorite toppings.
This approach makes it easy to prepare delicious gyros anytime without having to measure out spices each time. Enjoy your homemade gyros with these convenient spice mixes!
Recipe Tips
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality spices. If your spices have been sitting in the pantry for a while, consider replacing them.
- Proper Storage: Store your spice mixes in airtight containers or jars to keep them fresh. Label each jar with the type of gyro spice mix and the date you made it.
- Double the Recipe: If you find yourself making gyros often, double or triple the spice mix recipes to save time in the future.
- Mix Well: Ensure all the spices are thoroughly mixed to distribute the flavors evenly. You can use a small whisk or shake the jar well after sealing it.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the quantities of spices to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you love garlic, add a bit more garlic powder.
- Experiment with Other Dishes: These spice mixes aren’t just for gyros! Try using them to season roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even sprinkle on salads for an extra flavor boost.
- Keep It Dry: Make sure your mixing bowls and storage containers are completely dry before adding the spices to prevent clumping and spoilage.
- Batch Prep: Prepare multiple jars of different spice mixes at once to have a variety of flavors ready to go for different meals.
Ingredient Swaps
- Fresh Herbs: Use 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs (oregano, thyme, rosemary) for every teaspoon of dried.
- Fresh Garlic: Substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder with 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic (add to wet ingredients).
- Whole Spices: Use whole cumin seeds and freshly ground black pepper for more flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: Swap regular paprika with smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
- Salt Alternatives: Use sea salt or Himalayan pink salt instead of table salt.
- Custom Blends: Add spices like coriander, fennel seeds, or a pinch of cinnamon for a unique twist.
Storage
- Store leftover gyro meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- You can also freeze the cooked meat for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
Conclusion
Making gyros at home is easy and delicious. These recipes are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal. Enjoy the flavors of Greece in your own kitchen with these easy homemade gyro recipes.
Creating your own homemade gyro meat brings the flavors of traditional Greek cuisine right into your kitchen. Slice the meat thinly and serve with warm pita bread (keto friendly), red onion, feta cheese, and a dollop of yogurt sauce or sour cream for a delicious meal.
From lamb gyro meat to beef gyros and Greek chicken gyros recipes, the possibilities are endless. Enjoy your flavorful gyro meat, and happy cooking!
FAQ
Q: Can I use a food processor or stand mixer to prepare the meat mixture?
A: Yes, a food processor is great for finely chopping fresh garlic cloves and yellow onions, ensuring a well-mixed meat mixture for your gyro meat recipe.
Q: What is the internal temperature for cooked gyro meat?
A: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for the best results.
Q: How do I prevent air pockets in my meat mixture?
A: Mix the meat mixture thoroughly in a large bowl to ensure even consistency and avoid air pockets.
Q: What are some ingredient swaps for the gyro meat recipe?
A: You can use boneless leg of lamb, chicken thighs, or beef for different variations. Each type of meat will give a unique flavor to your gyros.
Q: What is the Greek word for gyro?
A: The Greek word for gyro is “γύρος,” which means “turn” or “revolution,” referring to the way the meat is cooked on a vertical spit.
Read Next
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- Ranch Dip with Cottage Cheese
- Keto Basil Pesto Pasta Sauce
- Keto Ranch Dressing with Greek Yogurt
Greek Gyro Ingredients (Chicken, Beef, Lamb, Pork)
Equipment
Ingredients
Chicken Gyro Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder equivalent to 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Beef Gyro Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder equivalent to 1 clove garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Lamb Gyro Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder equivalent to 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pork Gyro Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder equivalent to 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: Mix all the dry ingredients for each type of gyro in separate small bowls.
- Store in Jars: Transfer each spice mix into a small jar or airtight container. Label the jars with the type of gyro spice mix.
Notes
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality spices. If your spices have been sitting in the pantry for a while, consider replacing them.
- Proper Storage: Store your spice mixes in airtight containers or jars to keep them fresh. Label each jar with the type of gyro spice mix and the date you made it.
- Double the Recipe: If you find yourself making gyros often, double or triple the spice mix recipes to save time in the future.
- Mix Well: Ensure all the spices are thoroughly mixed to distribute the flavors evenly. You can use a small whisk or shake the jar well after sealing it.
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the quantities of spices to suit your taste preferences. For example, if you love garlic, add a bit more garlic powder.
- Experiment with Other Dishes: These spice mixes aren’t just for gyros! Try using them to season roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or even sprinkle on salads for an extra flavor boost.
- Keep It Dry: Make sure your mixing bowls and storage containers are completely dry before adding the spices to prevent clumping and spoilage.
- Batch Prep: Prepare multiple jars of different spice mixes at once to have a variety of flavors ready to go for different meals.