Beef gyros with tomato cucumber salad and pita

Introduction

Craving a taste of the Mediterranean? Look no further! This recipe for beef gyros with a refreshing tomato cucumber salad and warm pita bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s surprisingly easy to make at home and offers a healthy and flavorful alternative to takeout. We’ll guide you through each step, from marinating the beef to preparing the vibrant salad and perfectly warming the pita bread. Get ready for a delicious and authentic gyro experience!

Beef Gyros: From Prep to Plate

Marinating the Beef for Ultimate Flavor

The key to incredible beef gyros is a flavorful marinade. A good marinade tenderizes the meat and infuses it with delicious Mediterranean spices. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1.5 lbs thinly sliced beef (flank steak or sirloin works well)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the sliced beef in a resealable bag or container.
3. Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
4. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Cooking the Beef Gyros

Once the beef is marinated, it’s time to cook it to perfection. You can use a skillet, grill, or even bake it in the oven.

Skillet Method:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the beef from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
3. Cook the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Let the beef rest for a few minutes before slicing it into smaller, bite-sized pieces.

Grill Method:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Remove the beef from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
3. Grill the beef for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Let the beef rest for a few minutes before slicing it into smaller, bite-sized pieces.

The Perfect Tomato Cucumber Salad

No gyros are complete without a vibrant and refreshing tomato cucumber salad. This simple salad adds a cool and crisp contrast to the savory beef.

• 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Warming the Pita Bread

Warm, soft pita bread is essential for a great gyro experience. There are a few ways to warm them up:

• Oven: Wrap the pita bread in foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• Skillet: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each pita bread for about 30 seconds per side, or until slightly puffed and pliable.
• Microwave: Wrap the pita bread in a damp paper towel and microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Assembling Your Beef Gyros

Now for the fun part! It’s time to assemble your delicious beef gyros.

1. Warm the pita bread according to your preferred method.
2. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade) on the pita bread.
3. Top with sliced beef gyros.
4. Add a generous portion of the tomato cucumber salad.
5. Optionally, add some crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
6. Wrap the bottom of the pita bread with foil or parchment paper to help contain the fillings.
7. Enjoy immediately!

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve just created authentic and delicious beef gyros with a refreshing tomato cucumber salad and warm pita bread. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. With its flavorful beef, vibrant salad, and warm pita, this dish is sure to transport you to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and seasonings to create your own unique gyro masterpiece! Enjoy your homemade Greek feast!