Savory Light Spam Gyros
Experience a lighter twist on a classic favorite with these Savory Light Spam Gyros. Inspired by traditional Greek flavors, this recipe repurposes ingredients you might already have in your pantry, transforming Spam into a delectable gyro filling. Marinated with a medley of herbs and spices, this gyro meat achieves a scrumptious taste that’s surprisingly close to authentic. Pair it with homemade pita bread, which adds a delightful touch of warmth and texture, and finish with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce that cuts through the richness. Perfect for a quick dinner or an easy meal prep option, these gyros will satisfy your cravings while keeping things light and fun.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spam, light
12 ounces (sliced)
Garlic clove
1 (finely chopped)
Cumin
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Rosemary
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Thyme
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Marjoram
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Fresh coarse ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
Instructions
1
Start by slicing the Spam block thinly along the narrow side to create uniform pieces.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped garlic, cumin, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
3
Gently toss the sliced Spam into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
4
Preheat a medium-hot skillet and drizzle with olive oil. Once hot, arrange the marinated Spam slices in a single layer in the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
5
Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side or until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until both sides are crispy.
6
Remove from heat and place the cooked Spam gyros on freshly made pita bread. Add toppings of your choice, such as chopped tomatoes, onions, and a generous dollop of homemade tzatziki sauce, which you can prepare ahead of time.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Light Spam Gyros?
Savory Light Spam Gyros are a creative, lighter twist on traditional Greek gyros that use marinated and pan-fried Spam as a flavorful meat substitute.
How should I slice the Spam for this recipe?
You should slice the Spam block thinly along the narrow side to ensure uniform pieces that cook evenly and get crispy.
What ingredients are in the gyro marinade?
The marinade consists of finely chopped garlic, cumin, rosemary, thyme, marjoram, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
How long should the Spam marinate?
The Spam should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the herbs and spices to penetrate the meat.
What type of skillet is best for cooking the Spam?
A medium-hot skillet is recommended. Ensure it is preheated and drizzled with olive oil before adding the meat.
How long does it take to cook the Spam slices?
The Spam takes about 3-4 minutes per side, or until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
What kind of Spam is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for a 12-ounce block of Light Spam to keep the dish a bit healthier and lower in fat.
What bread should I serve these gyros with?
These are best served on freshly made pita bread, which adds warmth and a soft texture to the meal.
What are the recommended toppings for Spam gyros?
Traditional toppings like chopped tomatoes, onions, and a generous dollop of homemade tzatziki sauce are recommended.
Is the tzatziki sauce included in the Spam cooking process?
No, the tzatziki sauce should be prepared ahead of time and added as a fresh condiment during assembly.
How much olive oil is needed for frying?
You will need approximately 1 tablespoon of olive oil to cook the 12 ounces of marinated Spam.
Can I use dried herbs for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses dried rosemary, thyme, and marjoram for the marinade.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for one finely chopped garlic clove.
Should I add extra salt to the Spam?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, but you should adjust it to your taste preference.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, these gyros are perfect for a quick dinner or an easy meal prep option as the Spam can be prepared in advance.
What is the texture of the finished Spam meat?
When cooked correctly, the Spam should be crispy on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.
Does this recipe taste like authentic gyros?
The medley of Greek herbs and spices helps the Spam achieve a flavor profile that is surprisingly close to authentic gyro meat.
What is the purpose of marjoram in the marinade?
Marjoram provides a sweet, piney, and citrusy flavor that is essential for achieving a traditional Greek gyro taste.
Should I cover the Spam while it marinates?
Yes, covering the bowl while it chills in the refrigerator helps keep the meat moist and locks in the aromatics.
Can I use ground black pepper instead of coarse ground?
Yes, though fresh coarse ground black pepper is recommended for a better flavor and textural bite.
How much cumin is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What should I do if the pan is too full?
You should cook the Spam in batches if necessary, as overcrowding the pan prevents the meat from getting crispy.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, excluding the 30-minute marinating time, the actual cooking time is under 10 minutes.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, but you will generally need to triple the amount of fresh herbs to match the potency of dried herbs.
Do I need to grease the pita bread?
While not required, warming the pita bread in the same skillet used for the Spam can add extra flavor and a slight crunch.
What is the inspiration behind this dish?
The dish is inspired by traditional Greek flavors and the convenience of using common pantry items like Spam.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
The Spam and pita are served warm, while the toppings and tzatziki sauce are served cold for a refreshing contrast.
Can I use regular Spam if I don't have the light version?
Yes, regular Spam works perfectly, though it will have a higher fat and calorie content than the light version.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients used to prepare the marinated gyro meat.
How do I ensure the spices are well blended?
Whisk the garlic and all the spices together in a mixing bowl before adding the Spam to ensure even distribution.