Authentic Greek Gyro Meat: Rotisserie, Grill, or Oven
Experience the true flavors of Greece with this Authentic Greek Gyro Meat recipe, perfect for any occasion. This dish brings together finely ground lamb (or substitute ground beef for versatility) combined with aromatic herbs and spices to create a rich, savory filling that encapsulates the essence of traditional Gyros. When cooked, this meat is juicy and succulent, forming the perfect centerpiece for delicious wraps or platters. Serve it in warm pita bread, alongside fresh toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy onions, and drizzle with a zesty sauce to elevate your meal. Whether you choose to rotisserie, grill, or bake this gyro meat, the result is a flavor-packed delight that will impress friends and family. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a simple family meal, this is a recipe you'll want to keep in your culinary repertoire!
N/A
Servings
437.5
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Medium onion
1 (finely chopped)
Lamb (or ground beef)
2 lbs (finely ground)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (finely minced)
Dried marjoram
1 tablespoon
Dried rosemary
1 tablespoon (ground)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
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1. Begin by finely chopping the medium onion and processing it in a food processor for 10 to 15 seconds. Transfer the chopped onion to the center of a tea towel, gather the edges tightly, and squeeze to remove excess juice. Discard the juice.
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2. Return the drained onion to the food processor. Add the finely ground lamb, minced garlic, dried marjoram, ground rosemary, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
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3. Process the mixture until it becomes a fine paste, approximately 1 minute, stopping the processor as needed to scrape down the sides.
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4. For oven cooking: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Transfer the meat mixture into a loaf pan, pressing it firmly into the sides. Place the loaf pan in a water bath and bake for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F - 170°F (74°C - 77°C). Once cooked, drain off any excess fat, top with a brick wrapped in aluminum foil, and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 175°F (79°C). Slice and serve in warm pita bread with your favorite sauce and toppings.
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5. For rotisserie cooking: Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and wrap it tightly in two overlapping pieces of plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain. Refrigerate the wrapped meat for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to firm it up.
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6. Preheat the grill to high according to your rotisserie manual. Carefully place the meat onto the rotisserie skewer, and use a double layer of aluminum foil to create a drip tray beneath it. Cook on high for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium, continuing to cook for 20 to 30 minutes until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Turn off the heat and let it spin for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until it reaches 175°F (79°C).
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7. Once cooked, slice the gyro meat thinly and serve with warm pita bread, your choice of sauce, and fresh toppings such as chopped onions, tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
Nutrition Information
31.25g
Fat
18.75g
Carbs
28.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this gyro recipe?
The recipe uses 2 lbs of finely ground lamb, though ground beef can be used as a versatile substitute.
How should I prepare the onion for the meat mixture?
Finely chop a medium onion and process it in a food processor for 10-15 seconds, then squeeze out the excess juice using a tea towel.
What herbs and spices are needed for authentic Greek flavor?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of dried marjoram, 1 tablespoon of ground rosemary, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
What consistency should the meat mixture reach in the food processor?
The mixture should be processed until it becomes a fine paste, which takes approximately 1 minute.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking the gyro meat?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
How do you use a loaf pan to cook the meat in the oven?
Press the meat mixture firmly into the sides of a loaf pan and place the pan in a water bath for baking.
How long does the gyro meat need to bake in the oven?
Bake for 60 to 75 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why is a brick used in the oven cooking method?
A brick wrapped in aluminum foil is placed on top of the cooked meat during resting to compress it, ensuring a dense, traditional texture.
How long should the meat rest after being removed from the oven?
Let the meat rest for 15 to 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the first step for the rotisserie cooking method?
Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and wrap it tightly in two overlapping pieces of plastic wrap to remove air pockets.
How long should the rotisserie meat loaf be refrigerated before cooking?
Refrigerate the wrapped meat for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up.
How do you set up the grill for rotisserie gyro meat?
Preheat the grill to high and use a double layer of aluminum foil to create a drip tray beneath the skewer.
What is the cooking timeline for the rotisserie method?
Cook on high for 15 minutes, then reduce to medium for 20 to 30 minutes until the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What should be done after the rotisserie meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit?
Turn off the heat but let the meat continue to spin for 10 to 15 minutes until it reaches a final temperature of 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
How should the gyro meat be sliced for serving?
The meat should be sliced very thinly once it has finished resting and reached the target temperature.
What are the suggested bread and sauce pairings?
Serve the sliced meat in warm pita bread with a zesty sauce such as tzatziki.
Which fresh toppings are recommended for these gyros?
Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy chopped onions are the ideal fresh toppings.
How many calories are in a serving of this gyro meat?
Each serving contains approximately 437.5 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 31.25 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 28.75 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 18.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many total ingredients are required for the meat?
There are 7 main ingredients: onion, lamb/beef, garlic, marjoram, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Can I make this recipe if I don't have a rotisserie?
Yes, the recipe provides detailed instructions for cooking the meat in a standard oven using a loaf pan and water bath.
What type of salt should I use?
The recipe specifies 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Is fresh garlic or jarred garlic recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of finely minced garlic.
Why is it important to remove the onion juice?
Removing the juice ensures the meat paste maintains the correct texture and doesn't become too watery during the cooking process.
What occasions is this dish suitable for?
It is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simple family meals.
What does the description say about the texture of the meat?
The meat is described as juicy and succulent, forming a flavor-packed centerpiece for wraps.
Is the rosemary used whole or ground?
The recipe specifies using 1 tablespoon of ground dried rosemary.
Should the black pepper be pre-ground?
For the best flavor, the recipe recommends 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.