Gyros (Greek Pork Pita Wrap with Tzatziki)

Greek gyros brings seasoned meat, warm flatbread and cool garlic yoghurt together in a wrap that is generous without feeling heavy. In this pork version, thin slices of shoulder are browned in a hot pan with olive oil, oregano, salt and pepper, giving the meat savoury edges and a familiar herb-scented flavour. Thick tzatziki, made with well-squeezed cucumber, Greek yoghurt, garlic and lemon, keeps each bite fresh and creamy, while tomato and red onion add juiciness and bite. Served straight after assembling, it works well as a quick lunch or relaxed dinner with plenty of lemon for finishing.
Cuisine style Greek street-food style
Cooking style Minimal cleanup • Crowd-friendly
Time commitment Under 1 hour

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
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  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Cut the tomato into thin slices and finely slice the red onion. Cut the lemon into wedges for serving.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

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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
Beginner friendly Kid friendly

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