Traditional Gyro Meat: A Mediterranean Delight
This delicious gyro meat is the closest I’ve come to emulating my favorite Mediterranean restaurant’s recipe. The Greek/Lebanese-style meatloaf is sliced and served with pita bread, tzatziki, and tomatoes. If you prefer, substitute pork or chicken for the ground lamb and beef. The preparation time seems long, but most of it is resting time, so you can be doing other things!
Gyro Meat Ingredients and Yield
Before diving into the preparation, let’s gather all the essential gyro meat ingredients:
- ½ onion, cut into chunks
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon ground dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon ground dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions: How to Prepare Traditional Gyro Meat
Preparing the Meat Mixture
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius).
- In a food processor, finely chop the onion. Transfer to a fine sieve and press out the liquid until most of the onion juice is drained.
- In a large bowl, combine the onion, ground lamb, ground beef, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, pepper, and salt. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Molding and Baking the Loaf
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Mold the meat mixture into a firm loaf shape and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius).
- Remove from the oven and let the gyro loaf rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving Suggestions for Gyro Meat
Serve your delicious gyro meat with traditional accompaniments such as pita bread, fresh tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce. You can also add a side of leafy greens or a fresh cucumber salad to complement the savory flavors of the dish.
Healthier Cooking Methods
While this traditional recipe is undeniably delicious, there are options to make it a bit healthier. For instance, you may choose to bake the loaf rather than pan-fry it, reducing the need for excess olive oil. Additionally, swapping out 50% of the lamb for ground chicken breasts can make the dish leaner while maintaining its rich taste.
Why You’ll Love This Traditional Gyro Meat Recipe
This gyro meat recipe is perfect for both experienced cooks and beginners, as it requires minimal hands-on time, allowing you to multi-task effortlessly. Moreover, the combination of oregano, garlic, and spices creates an aromatic profile that’s reminiscent of a Mediterranean grill, bringing a slice of exotic cuisine into your home. Make sure to use gyro meat ingredients and savor the delectable end result!