The 4 Popular Meats Used in Gyros

Gyros are the most popular types of wraps worldwide, standing side-by-side with the burrito and shawarma. However, unlike the burrito and shawarma, what makes a gyro stand out are the cuts of meat they feature, along with their delicious collections of sauces. There are four main types of meat that you will see in a gyro, and they don’t just go interchangeably. Choosing one over the other will give you a different taste since they pair each with various sauces. 

Pork 

Pigs became a viable option for meat when farmers had fewer sheep. But now, when you order pork, they’ll add shrunk fat as well in your gyro, giving it the unique flavor you want. And out of all the cuts of pork that people can use for the gyro, the most popular one is the pork shoulder. This cut has an excellent meat-to-fat ratio when compared to pork belly. The shoulder meat has just the right amount of fat to make it perfectly moist and tender without the extra carbs.

Lamb 

The origins of Gyro meat can be traced back to the Turkish kebab, which they make by cutting the lamb along its vertical skewer. The perfect way to prepare lamb shoulder is by cooking it on the grill or roasting it in the oven, letting the meat get tender and juicy. This is great for preparing traditional kebabs, giving you more options for designing your gyro.

Beef 

Beef is the most popular choice for using meat in making a Gyro worldwide. Gyros benefit from beef because it is naturally rich in fat, allowing the meat to get tender and juicy. Like lamb, chefs grill beef on hot coals and in a rotisserie, where it remains for hours. All the fat is rendered and applied to the outside beef in roasters, making it a perfect choice. This is for those who prefer fatter cuts like prime rib or the more expensive but highly flavorful rhubarb roast.

Chicken 

Among the four types of meat, chicken is the most tender and is a popular choice for people who aren’t used to other meats. However, chicken is a little thinner, so cooking can be surprisingly tricky without letting it dry out completely. You still want it to be juicy without worrying about its consistency being similar to beef’s. 

Visit Greco Truly Greek for Gyros 

Gyros are one of Greece’s most popular and straightforward dishes to assemble. However, the real challenge comes with cooking the meat thoroughly, giving it that delicious sear. And depending on the cut of meat you choose, you can have an incredibly flavorful gyro. Today, visit Greco Truly Greek in Boston, MA, or Washington, D.C., to try our gyros.

All You Need To Know About Gyros

If you’ve ever wandered into the savory world of Greek cuisine, chances are you’ve enjoyed a gyro’s delightful and irresistible flavors. The word “gyro” might sound a bit mysterious, but once you’ve tasted it, it’s like hitting the culinary jackpot. So, please put on your foodie hat because this blog unravels the secrets behind the magical creation known as the gyro.

What’s the Scoop on Gyros?

First things first, let’s decode the term “gyro.” It’s not just a fancy name; it means “turn” or “revolution” in Greek. And trust me, this dish lives up to its name. At its core, a gyro is a mouthwatering marvel made from meat (typically beef, chicken, pork, or a medley of these) that takes a twirl on a vertical rotisserie. 

This meaty masterpiece gets its irresistible flavor from a Mediterranean seasoning mix of oregano, thyme, and garlic. As it gracefully twirls and cooks, it’s sliced into thin, tender, and slightly crispy bites of heaven.

The Art of Balance- Ingredients and Assembly

Here’s where the magic happens. A gyro isn’t just about the meat; it’s about achieving the perfect harmony between fresh ingredients and tantalizing condiments. Imagine sliced tomatoes, onions, and crisp lettuce; all snuggled inside a warm, cloud-like pita bread. But wait, there’s more! The pièce de résistance is a lavish drizzle of tzatziki sauce—a creamy blend of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and tantalizing herbs.

A Gyro for Every Palate

While the classic gyro stars beef or lamb, the family has expanded to include diverse interpretations. Chicken gyros, for instance, offer a lighter alternative with the same mouthwatering flavors. And if you’re into plant-based goodness, you’ll discover vegetarian gyros featuring ingredients like grilled veggies, falafel, or even the beloved halloumi cheese.

Why Greco is Your Ultimate Gyro Destination

At Greco, we take our gyro game to a new level, giving your taste buds a reason to party. Our gyros star perfectly seasoned meat that’s been slow-dancing on our vertical rotisserie until it’s cooked to perfection. The result? Every bite bursts with those irresistible Mediterranean flavors. We’re all about fresh, top-quality ingredients that create a symphony of tastes, textures, and our homemade tzatziki sauce. Well, the grand finale elevates our gyros to legendary status.

Whether you’re a gyro connoisseur or a newbie on a culinary adventure, Greco is your ultimate gyro destination. We’re trying to transport you to Greece, one delicious bite at a time, right here at Greco. So, what are you waiting for? Come on down, and let’s indulge in a gyro experience with your taste buds dancing like nobody’s watching!

What is the Origin of Gyros

The origin of gyros can be traced back to Greece, where it is considered a popular and traditional dish. Gyros consist of seasoned meat, usually beef, lamb, pork, or a combination of these meats, stacked in a cone-like shape on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is then simmered as it rotates, allowing it to be cooked evenly on all sides. This cooking method resembles the Middle Eastern shawarma and the Mexican dish al pastor. 

How Did Gyros Originate?

The modern form of gyros, as we know it today, was developed in Greece in the 1920s. The method of cooking meat on a vertical rotisserie has roots in the region’s culinary history. However, the gyro sandwich, as we commonly know it, emerged as a variation of the Turkish döner kebab. The döner kebab is also cooked on a vertical rotisserie and is believed to have influenced the creation of the gyro sandwich.

Cultural Significance

Gyros are commonly enjoyed in Greece during social gatherings, festivals, and celebrations. They bring people together and are often a central feature of communal meals. Gyros are an essential part of Greece’s street food culture. They are readily available from food carts, stalls, and small shops nationwide. The accessibility of gyros makes them a beloved and convenient option for locals and tourists alike.

For Greece and other countries where gyros are famous, they play a role in attracting tourists interested in experiencing local cuisine. This contributes to the local economy of these places by promoting tourism and supporting businesses that serve gyros.

Gyros Are Made Up of What Components?

The ingredients used for cooking gyros are listed below.

• Seasoned meat such as slices of beef, lamb, pork, or a combination of these meats. Chicken is also used as a variation.
• The meat is marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper, among other spices. The specific seasoning blend may vary based on personal preferences and regional variations.
• Gyros are typically served in pita bread, a round, pocket-like bread.
• Typical toppings include sliced tomatoes, onions, and sometimes lettuce or shredded cabbage. Tzatziki sauce, a yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill, is also a traditional and essential condiment for gyros.
• Some variations of gyros may include additional toppings or sauces, such as hummus, tahini, or hot sauce, depending on regional preferences.

Visit Greco in Boston, MA, and Beyond

As gyros have spread to different countries and cultures, they facilitate cultural exchange and understanding. This allows people from diverse backgrounds to experience and appreciate Greek cuisine, including places like Boston. Greco in Boston, MA, and beyond serve delicious gyros without losing touch with the flavor, color, and nutritional benefits. Visit us today.