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Flavorful Lamb Gyros Recipe Easy Homemade with Creamy Cucumber Sauce

lamb gyros recipe - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for juicy lamb gyros paired with a rich, creamy cucumber sauce, perfect for weeknights or gatherings with a touch of Mediterranean flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground lamb (grass-fed recommended)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin if possible)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • ½ cucumber, grated and drained
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 46 pita breads or flatbreads
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or mint leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Lamb Marinade: In a large bowl, combine ground lamb, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, pepper, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix gently but thoroughly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, preferably 30 minutes.
  2. Make the Creamy Cucumber Sauce: Grate cucumber and drain excess moisture using a colander or clean kitchen towel. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, drained cucumber, chopped dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate.
  3. Cook the Lamb: Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add lamb mixture, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
  4. Warm the Pita: Warm pita breads in a dry pan or wrapped in foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes until soft and pliable.
  5. Assemble the Gyros: Spread creamy cucumber sauce on each pita. Top with cooked lamb, sliced red onions, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Fold or roll pita around fillings and serve.

Notes

Do not overmix the lamb to avoid toughness. Drain cucumber well to prevent watery sauce. Warm pita just enough to keep it soft and pliable. Marinate lamb for longer if possible for deeper flavor. Olive oil with fruity flavor enhances richness. For dairy-free, use coconut or cashew yogurt. Gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps can be used for gluten-free diet.

Nutrition

Keywords: lamb gyros, creamy cucumber sauce, Greek recipe, easy dinner, Mediterranean, pita bread, homemade gyros