Gyros (Greek Pork Pita Wrap with Tzatziki)
Why this recipe works
- Classic savoury flavour: Oregano, garlic, lemon and olive oil give the pork and tzatziki the familiar Greek-style balance of herbs, acidity and richness.
- Cool, creamy contrast: Thick Greek yoghurt and well-squeezed cucumber make a tzatziki that stays spoonable rather than watery.
- Fast stovetop method: Thin slices of pork cook quickly in a hot frying pan, giving browned edges without the need for specialist equipment.
Get the most out of this recipe
Texture tips
- Keep the pork juicy: Slice the pork thinly and cook it only until browned and cooked through; leaner cuts need especially careful timing.
- Protect the pita: Assemble the wraps just before serving so the warm bread stays soft rather than damp.
Ingredient notes
- Choosing the pork: Pork shoulder suits gyros because it has enough fat to stay tender when cooked quickly in thin slices.
- Drain the cucumber well: Squeezing out the grated cucumber is essential for a thick tzatziki that holds its texture in the wrap.
Authenticity notes
- Street-food inspiration: Gyros is commonly served as a warm pita wrap with sliced meat, tomato, onion and tzatziki, making it a practical handheld meal.
- Home-kitchen approach: This version uses a frying pan rather than a vertical rotisserie, keeping the method accessible while preserving the key flavours.
Make-ahead tips
- Store components separately: Keep the cooked pork and tzatziki in separate airtight containers, then warm the pork and pita just before assembling.
- Prep the fresh fillings: The onion can be sliced ahead, but tomato is best cut close to serving so it stays fresh and juicy.
Equipment you'll need
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the pork as thinly as you can, then toss with the olive oil, dried oregano, fine sea salt and black pepper. Leave to sit while you make the tzatziki.
- Coarsely grate the cucumber, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Stir it into the greek yogurt with the garlic (finely grated or crushed) and a squeeze of lemon juice; season with a pinch more salt if needed.
- Cut the tomato into thin slices and finely slice the red onion. Cut the lemon into wedges for serving.
- Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and fry for 8 to 10 minutes, turning often, until browned and cooked through.
- Warm the pita bread in the dry pan for 20 to 30 seconds per side, just until soft and pliable. Keep them stacked while you assemble so they stay warm.
- Spread tzatziki over each pita, then add the pork, tomato and red onion. Finish with another squeeze of lemon and a light sprinkle of dried oregano, then wrap and serve straight away.
Recipe notes
Tips
- For the best texture, slice the pork very thinly and cook it in batches so it browns rather than steams.
- Squeeze the grated cucumber really well; a drier cucumber keeps the tzatziki thick and creamy.
- If serving to pregnant people, young children, older adults, or anyone immunocompromised, use pasteurised greek yogurt and ensure the pork is cooked until piping hot throughout.
Substitutions
- Replace pork shoulder with pork tenderloin for a leaner gyros; cook it briefly so it stays juicy.
- Replace dried oregano with fresh oregano for a brighter flavour; use about three times as much.
- Replace pita bread with flour tortillas for a softer wrap.
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 2 days
- Store the cooked pork and tzatziki in separate airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat the pork in a hot frying pan until piping hot, then assemble with freshly warmed pita, tomato and red onion.
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Recipe overview
- Servings: 2 servings
- Total time: 45min (30min active)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Greek
-
Allergens:
Gluten Milk Wheat
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