Shaved Beef Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce is a classic Greek-inspired street food turned home-friendly meal. Tender, thinly sliced beef is marinated in a fragrant mix of Mediterranean spices, seared to perfection, and served in warm pita bread with crisp vegetables and a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and herby flavors.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines bold Mediterranean flavors with quick, home-friendly techniques. The shaved beef cooks quickly yet stays tender, while the tzatziki sauce adds a cool, tangy contrast that balances the spices beautifully. It’s a meal that’s both comforting and fresh, making it endlessly satisfying.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Authentic Greek street-food flavors at home
• Juicy, flavorful shaved beef with fresh vegetables
• Quick and easy to prepare for weeknights
• Customizable with your favorite toppings
• Perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~480 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lemon

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Gyros

• 4 pita breads or flatbreads
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded lettuce or arugula
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare tzatziki sauce:
   • In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
2. Marinate beef:
   • In a bowl, toss sliced beef with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Let sit 10 minutes.
3. Cook beef:
   • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef in batches 2–3 minutes per side until browned and tender. Remove from heat.
4. Assemble gyros:
   • Warm pita breads. Layer with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, onions, cooked beef, tzatziki sauce, and optional feta.
5. Serve:
   • Fold gyros, serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Grate cucumber and prepare tzatziki: Ensure excess water is squeezed for a thick sauce.
2. Marinate beef: Toss with spices and lemon juice for quick flavor infusion.
3. Cook beef: High heat sears the outside while keeping inside tender.
4. Warm pita breads: Softens bread and enhances flavor.
5. Assemble gyros: Layer ingredients evenly to get every flavor in each bite.
6. Garnish & serve: Add lemon wedges and fresh herbs for brightness.

How to Serve

• Serve warm as individual gyros with sides like Greek salad or roasted potatoes
• Pair with extra tzatziki for dipping
• Ideal for casual dinners, game day, or Mediterranean-themed meals

Recipe Tips

• Slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness
• Squeeze cucumber well to avoid watery tzatziki
• Cook beef in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan
• Warm pita before assembling to keep them soft
• Make tzatziki a few hours in advance for richer flavor

Variations

• Chicken Gyros: Substitute beef with chicken breast or thighs
• Spicy Gyros: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper to beef marinade
• Vegetarian: Use grilled halloumi or mushrooms instead of beef
• Pita-Free: Serve as a salad bowl with all gyro ingredients
• Extra Mediterranean: Add olives, roasted red peppers, or pickled onions

Freezing and Storage

• Beef: Cooked beef can be stored in airtight container in fridge for 2–3 days; not recommended to freeze after assembling gyros.
• Tzatziki: Best made fresh, but can store in fridge for 2 days. Do not freeze yogurt-based sauces.
• Pita: Wrap and store at room temperature for 1–2 days or freeze separately.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skillet or frying pan for beef
• Grater for cucumber
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, marinate beef and prepare tzatziki in advance, but assemble gyros just before serving.

Q: Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beef?
Yes, cook seasoned ground beef and use in place of shaved beef, though texture will differ.

Q: Can I make tzatziki vegan?
Yes, substitute Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt.

Q: Can I grill the beef instead of skillet?
Absolutely! Grill for 2–3 minutes per side for smoky flavor.

Conclusion

Shaved Beef Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce are a vibrant, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings Mediterranean street food straight to your kitchen. Tender beef, creamy tzatziki, crisp veggies, and warm pita create a harmonious bite every time. Quick to prepare, customizable, and perfect for family meals or entertaining, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of Greek cuisine.