Description
A flavorful and easy Lamb Gyros recipe using leftover cooked lamb, seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and spices, then pan-fried and served warm in Greek pita bread with classic toppings like tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb leftover cooked lamb (or uncooked lamb as per notes)
- ½ tsp fresh or dried rosemary, chopped
- ½ tsp fresh or dried thyme, chopped
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp chili flakes
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 lemon, sliced into wedges (for squeezing and serving)
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Toppings
- Homemade or store-bought tzatziki sauce
- 1 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced or diced
- 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced or chopped
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Kalamata or black olives
- Fries
- Sliced lettuce
Bread
- 4 Greek pita bread rounds (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the tomatoes, red onions, and cucumbers. Set aside all the toppings for easy assembly. Slice leftover cooked lamb into bite-sized pieces or strips.
- Season the Lamb: Toss the lamb with 2 tablespoons olive oil, rosemary, thyme, oregano, paprika, chili flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well coated.
- Warm the Pitas: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Brush the pita bread with a little olive oil or drizzle olive oil in the skillet. Warm each pita for about 30 seconds per side until soft and warm. Wrap in a clean cloth or foil to keep warm.
- Cook the Lamb: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned lamb in a single layer, possibly in batches to avoid overcrowding. Pan-fry for 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally until heated through, and cook 1-2 additional minutes for crispy edges, avoiding overcooking.
- Finish the Lamb: Remove lamb from heat, squeeze fresh lemon juice over it, and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Assemble the Gyros: Spread a generous layer of tzatziki on each warm pita. Add red onion, tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, olives, fries, and then the lamb on top. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the lamb gyros immediately with extra lemon wedges and tzatziki sauce on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- If using uncooked lamb, slice into thin strips and marinate with the same herbs and spices before cooking thoroughly.
- For extra flavor, fries can be seasoned with paprika or garlic powder to complement the gyros.
- To keep pita bread soft after warming, wrap in foil or a clean kitchen towel until serving.
- Tzatziki sauce can be homemade or store-bought depending on convenience and preference.
- Leftover lamb from roast or grilled lamb works best for ease and flavor.
