Alton Brown's Gyro Meat Recipe Recipe - Greek.Food.com (2024)

11

Alton Brown's Gyro Meat Recipe Recipe - Greek.Food.com (1)

Submitted by Alskann

"This is a good version of gyro meat. I like to mix in a little ground beef with the lamb. Cooking times are approximate and include resting times. There are a lot of steps but it is easier than it looks. And the end result is worth it."

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Alton Brown's Gyro Meat Recipe Recipe - Greek.Food.com (2) Alton Brown's Gyro Meat Recipe Recipe - Greek.Food.com (3)

photo by redkathy Alton Brown's Gyro Meat Recipe Recipe - Greek.Food.com (4)

Ready In:
3hrs 30mins

Ingredients:
15
Serves:

6-8

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ingredients

  • 1 medium onion, shredded
  • 2 lbs ground lamb
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon dried marjoram
  • 1 tablespoon dried ground rosemary
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 12 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 6 -8 pita bread (homemade is best)
  • Tzatziki Sauce (storebought or use recipe below)

  • 16 ounces plain yogurt
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely chopped
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • 5 -6 mint leaves, finely minced

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directions

  • Process the onion in a food processor for 10 to 15 seconds and turn out into the center of a tea towel.
  • Gather up the ends of the towel and squeeze until almost all of the juice is removed. Discard juice.
  • Return the onion to the food processor and add the lamb (and beef if using), garlic, marjoram, rosemary, salt, and pepper and process until it is a fine paste, approximately 1 minute. Stop the processor as needed to scrape down sides of bowl.
  • TO COOK IN OVEN as a meatloaf, proceed as follows:

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Place the mixture into a loaf pan, making sure to press into the sides of the pan.
  • Place the loaf pan into a water bath and bake for 60 to 75 minutes or until the mixture reaches 165 to 170 degrees F.
  • Remove from the oven and drain off any fat.
  • Place the loaf pan on a cooling rack and place a brick wrapped in aluminum foil directly on the surface of the meat and allow to sit for 15 to 20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees F.
  • Slice and serve on pita bread with tzatziki sauce, chopped onion, tomatoes and feta cheese.
  • TO COOK ON ROTISSERIE proceed as follows:

  • Form the meat mixture into a loaf shape and place on top of 2 overlapping pieces of plastic wrap that are at least 18 inches long.
  • Roll the mixture in the plastic wrap tightly, making sure to remove any air pockets.
  • Once the meat is completely rolled in the wrap, twist the ends of the plastic wrap until the surface of the wrap is tight. Store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to overnight, to allow the mixture to firm up.
  • Preheat the grill to high.
  • Place the meat onto the rotisserie skewer. Place a double-thick piece of aluminum foil folded into a tray directly under the meat to catch any drippings.
  • Cook on high for 15 minutes.
  • Decrease the heat to medium and continue to cook for another 20 to 30 minutes or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees F.
  • Turn off the heat and allow to continue to spin for another 10 to 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 175 degrees.
  • Slice and serve on pita bread with tzatziki sauce, chopped onion, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
  • Tzatziki Sauce Directions:

  • Place the yogurt in a tea towel, gather up the edges, suspend over a bowl, and drain for 2 hours in the refrigerator.
  • Place the chopped cucumber in a tea towel and squeeze to remove the liquid; discard liquid.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the drained yogurt, cucumber, salt, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and mint.
  • Serve as a sauce for gyros. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week. Yield: 1 1/2 cups sauce.

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Reviews

  1. Alton Brown's Gyro Meat Recipe Recipe - Greek.Food.com (7)

    the texture was good. It was pretty easy to make but I did not care for all the rosemary. I used 1lb ground sirloin, and 1 lb ground lamb. I don't think it taste like a gyro that we get at our local pizza place, but its not bad. I think it needs oregano, and some other spices, definitely more salt and pepper. I saw another post that stated they used Greek seasoning that may be the key. I am going to try that next time. I will review again once I tweak the recipe. The sauce was excellent!!

  2. Alton Brown's Gyro Meat Recipe Recipe - Greek.Food.com (8)

    My 7 yr old is the pickiest eater on the planet but for some reason LOVES gyro meat. For his birthday cake he requested me to have a cake made of gyro meat for him because he doesn't like cake (told you he was picky, lol). I found the recipe and made up a batch, gave him a taste and his eyes got so big! He LOVED it! Said it was the best gyro meat he has ever had. wow! Glad he liked it...lets try my 14 yr old son.....yep....he grabbed the entire plate out of my hand and ate it all! Thank you Alton for this recipe, I will be using it quite often I'm sure!

  3. Alton Brown's Gyro Meat Recipe Recipe - Greek.Food.com (9)

    This is a good recipe, although the spice combination may not exactly match the flavor of restaurant-style gyros. The rotisserie and oven methods lead to two COMPLETELY different results, my advice for homebcooks is to slightly undercook the meatloaf method, then slice thinly and return to the oven after setting to broil. This will get you that crispy texture you are looking for without requiring a rotisserie

  4. Alton Brown's Gyro Meat Recipe Recipe - Greek.Food.com (10)

    This is some good Gyro meat. The person complaining about meat loaf obviously didn't follow the steps to reduce water (squeezing the onion) and didn't use a food processor.

  5. Alton Brown's Gyro Meat Recipe Recipe - Greek.Food.com (11)

    Has the consistency of ground meat, like meat loaf, not gyro. Recipe was easy enough to make and follow, seasoning was bland.

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RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

<a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa243/alskann/?action=view¤t=HPIM2528.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa243/alskann/HPIM2528.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>I live in Alaska. I am a Mental Health Clinician. I have 7 children (his, mine & ours) ranging in age from 33 to 19. We have 3 beautiful granddaughters and 3 awesome grandsons. <a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa243/alskann/?action=view&current=Jared135.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa243/alskann/Jared135.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Our newest grandson, Jared Elijah - born 6/29/2008.<a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa243/alskann/?action=view¤t=Morgan Elizabeth020-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa243/alskann/MorganElizabeth020-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Our newest granddaughter, Morgan Elizabeth - born 9/10/2008.<a href="http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa243/alskann/?action=view¤t=September2008073-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa243/alskann/September2008073-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Kailey & Addy"></a>Our oldest granddaughters - Kailey and Addisyn (with grandma & grandpa)The top photo is my dd, Jacelyn aka FraggleJ and her two boys. She was expecting her daughter when the photo was taken. The other photo is Jacob & grandma :), both were taken last Saturday (03/29/08) while we were climbing a local butte. Those two little boys did an amazingly good job of hiking the steep trail (so did grandma!). Food is my passion. I love to cook, I love to read recipes, I have hundreds of cookbooks. My favorite cookbook is Recipezaar! Since I joined in 2002 it has become the first place I go when looking for a recipe. Cooking is what I do for fun. I love to travel! Not only do I get to see new places and meet interesting people - I get to try new food.My other passions are my grandkids!!! Nothing beats grandmahood.<img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/permanent%20collection/untitled.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"> <img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/permanent%20collection/200_artistrichardneuman-art-prints_.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/duch*eSS13/FFF/Switzerland-FFF4.gif"><img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/projects/200_PACpic.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"> <img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/projects/pacbanner.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"> <img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/duch*eSS13/Zaar%20World%20Tour%203/ZWT3-Participation.gif"><img src="http://www.caymandesigns.com/foodothers/fallswap.jpg"> <img src="http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b280/carolinamoon21/Stockingswapcopy.jpg"> <img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/permanent%20collection/Adopted1smp.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"> <img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/permanent%20collection/smPACp.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"><img src="http://www.pickle.com/plink/ph/795B07337A4704307B51032E7C590636795E1C512307476E143E5A652E076C347C5F02307A5F0032140741682C4659712C.jpg" border="0" alt="coolmonday-particiation" title="Photo and Video Sharing"/> <a href="http://s7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Missymop/?action=view¤t=newtaginethbanner.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y254/Missymop/newtaginethbanner.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y53/duch*eSS13/RSC%20Banners/RSC11-Participant.jpg"> <img src="http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b224/dejectedwithstars/bannerforswap.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a> <img src="http://www.satsleuth.com/cooking/Swap14.JPG"><img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/permanent%20collection/PAC08Main.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"><img src="http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b399/susied214/permanent%20collection/adoptedspring08.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"><a href="http://www.maploco.com/view.php?id=2412919"><img border=0 src="http://www.maploco.com/vmap/2412919.png" alt="Visitor Map"></a><a href="http://www.maploco.com/">Create your own visitor map!</a>

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Alton Brown's Gyro Meat Recipe Recipe  - Greek.Food.com (2024)

FAQs

What is the binder in gyro meat? ›

To prepare gyros is just like making a meatloaf, but with the addition of cornstarch. That might seem like a strange ingredient in this recipe, but it acts as a binder and helps the meat stay together so when you cut the loaf into thin slices, the slices are flexible and will hold together, instead of crumbling apart.

What is the difference between Greek gyros and American gyros? ›

In Greece, gyros are traditionally made with pork, but chicken is also common, and the slices of meat are stacked on a spit. American gyros, meanwhile, are typically made from a loaf comprised of ground beef and lamb.

What is Mediterranean gyro made of? ›

Traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, gyro meat is a juicy, extremely flavorful cone-of-meat (usually lamb, or lamb and beef) that's seasoned with salt, herbs and spices and then sliced to order.

Is Greek gyro meat healthy? ›

2) It Offers Many Vitamins and Minerals

Plus, so many vitamins and minerals make gyro meat a healthy dish that is capable of maintaining the body's energy. This contributes to synthesizing several hormones, energy-generating enzymes, and red blood cells.

What is authentic gyro meat made of? ›

In this traditional kebab dish, the lamb is seasoned, pressed into a cylinder, and continuously rotated until fully cooked. When the lamb is too lean, layers of fat are sometimes added. Lamb is the most common and traditional meat used in Gyros.

How does gyro meat stick together? ›

Processing the meat in the food processor and overworking it ensures that the proteins in the meat stick together, like sausage. Essentially, this prevents the meat from falling apart.

Why is there no lamb gyro in Greece? ›

Following World War II, Gyros made with lamb (called as döner kebab by some restaurants) was present in Athens. It was likely introduced by immigrants from Anatolia and the Middle East. The Greek version is normally made with pork and served with tzatziki, and became known as gyros.

What is the Mexican version of gyros? ›

It is believed that the Mexican Al pastor originated from the Arab's shawarma grilled meats. Having been derived from such a cooking style, tacos al pastor is similar to the Turkish döner kebab and Greek gyros.

Is Arby's gyro lamb meat? ›

Arby's Traditional Greek Gyro features a blend of beef, lamb and Mediterranean spices sliced from a spit rotisserie and placed on a warm flatbread with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, tzatziki sauce and Greek seasoning.

How is gyro meat made from scratch? ›

Ingredients
  1. 1 pound (0.45 kg) Lean Ground Beef.
  2. 1 pound (0.45 kg) ground pork , or ground lamb.
  3. 1 (1) Red Onion. chopped, rough chopped.
  4. 6 cloves (6 cloves) Garlic.
  5. 2 teaspoons (2 teaspoons) Ground Marjoram.
  6. 2 teaspoons (2 teaspoons) dried rosemary.
  7. 2 teaspoons (2 teaspoons) Dried Oregano.
  8. 2 teaspoons (2 teaspoons) Kosher Salt.
Jun 20, 2017

What is Kronos gyro meat made of? ›

BEEF, WATER, BREADCRUMBS (WHEAT FLOUR, DEXTROSE, SALT, YEAST), CEREAL BINDER (CORN, WHEAT, RYE, OAT AND RICE FLOURS), LAMB, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF MODIFIED FOOD STARCH, SEASONING (SPICES, GARLIC POWDER, ONION POWDER, SOYBEAN OIL), SALT, METHYLCELLULOSE, CANOLA OIL, CORN STARCH, CELLULOSE POWDER, SODIUM GLUCONATE, ...

Is gyro bad for cholesterol? ›

One of the main concerns about gyro meat is its relatively high fat content, especially when made with lamb or a combination of lamb and beef. Saturated fat, in particular, increases LDL cholesterol levels and elevates the risk of heart disease. However, this issue can be mitigated by choosing leaner meat options.

Why does gyro meat taste so good? ›

Gyros get their distinctive taste not only from the slowly roasted meat but also from traditional Mediterranean seasonings. The meat is generously spiced with dried oregano, marjoram, thyme, rosemary, garlic, and black pepper before cooking.

Is a gyro good for diabetics? ›

Gyro meat is also low in carbohydrates, so it won't spike up your blood sugar levels, which is ideal for those on a keto diet. Gyro meat's low carbohydrate content can help to manage blood sugar levels. This is especially beneficial for people with diabetes, as it can help to prevent blood sugar spikes.

What is meat binder made of? ›

Soy protein concentrate, milk powder, whey, starches, and gums are all binders which are used to retain water which makes you think you are getting more. These binders are ineffective for the most part of holding water and the natural juices which are in the meat at temperatures in excess of 165°F.

Does gyro meat have filler? ›

Many times the gyro meat that is sold at the supermarket and even at your favorite Greek spot is more of a mystery meat than actual meat. It's loaded with binders and fillers and MSG.

What is a binder for meat? ›

A binding agent is a term referring to a wet ingredient you apply to meat before adding dry rubs or other spices. It is there to keep the spice coating on the meat and helps form that delectable crust on meats.

What is a binding meat? ›

Binder meats-- Meats used for sausage products that have the ability to bind water and emulsify fat in a sausage product. Meats with high binding ability have a lot of lean skeletal tissues whereas meats with a low binding ability are high in connective tissue and fat.

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