How to Grill Slices of Gyro Meat

The gyro is a Greek-American sandwich composed of a lamb-based meat served on grilled pita bread with lettuce, tomato and a yogurt-cucumber sauce called tzatziki. The sandwich closely resembles the Arabic schwarma or the Turkish doner kebab. Greek restaurants buy pre-made gyro meat in large loaves, which are then cooked on a vertical rotisserie. They may also buy the meat pre-sliced and reheat it on the grill. The grilling only browns the meat, since it is already cooked. You can purchase sliced gyro meat and grill it yourself at home.

Sliced gyro slices sit on a black counter with fries and fresh slices of vegetables. (Image: MadeInMars/iStock/Getty Images)

Step 1

Heat the grill pan on medium and add the olive oil to the pan. The meat is already cooked so you don't want the pan too hot. You only need a small amount of oil because the meat is also oily.

Step 2

Lay the slices of gyro meat flat in the pan. Brown on one side for 30 to 60 seconds, then turn the slices over with the tongs and brown the other side. Brown the meat to your taste. The meat will brown and heat up quickly, so the longer you grill it, the more brown and crispy it will become.

Step 3

Transfer the grilled gyro meat from the pan to a plate or a piece of pita bread.

Things You'll Need

• 1 grill pan

• 1 tsp. olive oil

• 1 lb. pre-sliced gyro meat

• Tongs

• Plate or pita bread

Tip

To grill the slices on the barbecue, lay foil on the grill and heat the meat on the foil. Garnish with sliced tomatoes, onions, cucumber sauce and feta cheese, if desired.