Mediterranean-Style Grilled Pork Pita Sandwiches
Transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece with these Mediterranean-Style Grilled Pork Pita Sandwiches. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines juicy, marinated pork chops with a refreshing cucumber yogurt sauce, all wrapped up in soft pita bread. The marinade infuses the pork with flavors of olive oil, garlic, and oregano, giving it that authentic gyro taste that store-bought versions just can't match. Serve these delicious sandwiches with a side of crispy vegetables or a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Your family will love the explosion of flavors in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless pork chops
4 (5-ounce, cut crosswise into thin slices)
Olive oil
4 tablespoons
Prepared mustard
1 tablespoon
Lemon juice
1/2 cup (freshly squeezed)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon
Plain yogurt
1 cup
Cucumber
1 medium (peeled and chopped)
Crushed garlic
1/2 teaspoon
Dried dill
1/2 teaspoon
Pita bread rounds
4 (halved)
Red onion
1 small (thinly sliced)
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the boneless pork chops crosswise into thin slices and place them in a large resealable bag.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, prepared mustard, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano until well combined.
3
Pour the marinade over the sliced pork, seal the bag tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but preferably between 1 to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
4
While the pork marinates, prepare the cucumber yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the plain yogurt, chopped cucumber, crushed garlic, and dried dill. Stir until well combined, then cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
5
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Once heated, remove the pork from the marinade, draining any excess liquid. Arrange the pork slices in a single layer on a shallow baking pan.
6
Roast the pork in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on the pork to prevent overcooking.
7
Meanwhile, prepare the pita bread by halving each round to create pockets.
8
Once the pork is ready, carefully open each pita half and distribute the roasted pork evenly among them.
9
Top each sandwich generously with the chilled cucumber yogurt sauce and sprinkle sliced red onions on top for added crunch and flavor.
10
Serve immediately and enjoy the taste of a Mediterranean delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in these pita sandwiches?
The main protein used in this recipe is boneless pork chops, specifically four 5-ounce chops.
How should the pork chops be prepared before marinating?
The boneless pork chops should be cut crosswise into thin slices.
What ingredients are included in the pork marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, prepared mustard, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano.
How long should the pork be marinated?
For the best flavor, marinate the pork for at least 1 hour, or preferably between 1 to 8 hours.
What are the components of the cucumber yogurt sauce?
The sauce is made from plain yogurt, a medium peeled and chopped cucumber, crushed garlic, and dried dill.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 450°F (232°C) for roasting the pork.
How long does the pork take to cook in the oven?
The pork should be roasted for approximately 10 minutes until it is golden and crispy.
How is the pita bread prepared for serving?
Each of the four pita bread rounds should be halved to create pockets for the filling.
What toppings are recommended for these sandwiches?
The sandwiches are topped with the chilled cucumber yogurt sauce and thinly sliced red onions.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Yes, it is described as perfect for busy weeknights because the cooking time is short once the pork has marinated.
What kind of yogurt is best for the sauce?
The recipe calls for plain yogurt to create an authentic Mediterranean-style sauce.
Can I marinate the pork for less than an hour?
While the recipe suggests at least 1 hour, marinating for longer (up to 8 hours) will provide maximum flavor.
How do I prevent the pork from overcooking?
Keep a close eye on the pork while roasting as it only takes about 10 minutes to reach a golden and crispy texture.
What is the best way to slice the red onion?
The red onion should be thinly sliced to add crunch and flavor without being overpowering.
How should the pork be arranged in the baking pan?
Arrange the pork slices in a single layer on a shallow baking pan to ensure even roasting.
Is the cucumber yogurt sauce served hot or cold?
The sauce should be refrigerated and served chilled on top of the hot roasted pork.
How many pita pockets does this recipe make?
Since the recipe uses 4 pita rounds that are halved, it makes a total of 8 pita pockets.
What type of garlic is used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 1/2 teaspoon of crushed garlic for a smooth, integrated flavor.
Does the pork need to be drained before roasting?
Yes, you should remove the pork from the marinade and drain any excess liquid before placing it in the baking pan.
What kind of herb is used in the marinade?
Dried oregano is used in the marinade to give the pork an authentic gyro-inspired taste.
What kind of herb is used in the yogurt sauce?
Dried dill is used to season the cucumber yogurt sauce.
How much lemon juice is needed for the marinade?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Is there mustard in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of prepared mustard is included in the marinade for added tang.
Can I use different types of meat?
While this recipe specifies pork chops, the Mediterranean marinade would also work well with chicken or lamb.
What provides the crunch in this sandwich?
The fresh chopped cucumber and thinly sliced red onions provide a refreshing crunch.
Should the cucumber be peeled?
Yes, the recipe suggests peeling the medium cucumber before chopping it for the sauce.
What side dishes go well with these pitas?
They are excellent served with crispy vegetables or a fresh green salad.
How do I whisk the marinade?
Whisk the olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano in a separate bowl until well combined before adding it to the pork.
What is the texture of the roasted pork?
The high-heat roasting process makes the pork slices golden and crispy on the edges while remaining juicy.
Why is a resealable bag used for marinating?
A resealable bag allows you to coat the pork slices evenly and makes for easy storage in the refrigerator.