Lamb Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

Juicy, spiced lamb wrapped in warm pita and topped with cool, creamy tzatziki—Lamb Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce bring the flavors of Greece straight to your kitchen. These homemade gyros are tender, flavorful, and layered with fresh toppings like tomato, onion, and lettuce. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or a backyard gathering, this recipe is your go-to for a Mediterranean feast made simple.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now for easy Mediterranean meals, grilled favorites, and fresh, flavorful sauces.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Authentic Flavor – Bold spices, tangy yogurt, and fresh herbs in every bite.
Perfectly Juicy Lamb – Marinated and cooked for melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Homemade Tzatziki – Cool, creamy, and full of cucumber and garlic.
Great for Sharing – Make it a gyro night with friends or family.
Customizable – Add your favorite toppings or try it in a bowl instead of a wrap.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 4–6)

For the Lamb:
1½ lbs ground lamb or thinly sliced lamb leg
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and drained
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or mint
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp olive oil (optional)

To Assemble:
4–6 pita or flatbreads, warmed
Sliced tomatoes
Thinly sliced red onion
Shredded lettuce or arugula
Crumbled feta (optional)
Lemon wedges, for serving

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Grater
Cast iron skillet or grill pan
Knife and cutting board
Tongs or spatula
Paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Lamb
In a bowl, combine ground or sliced lamb with olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and all spices.
Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess liquid using paper towels or a clean cloth.
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Drizzle with olive oil if desired. Chill until ready to serve.

Step 3: Cook the Lamb
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
For ground lamb: form into patties or crumble into the pan and cook until browned and cooked through.
For sliced lamb: sear in the hot skillet for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and tender.
Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.

Step 4: Warm the Pitas
Heat pitas in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble the Gyros
Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki on each pita.
Add lamb, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce.
Top with extra tzatziki and crumbled feta if using.
Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for the Best Lamb Gyros
Use Fresh Herbs – Dill or mint gives tzatziki its signature flavor.
Drain the Cucumber – Prevents watery sauce.
Let the Meat Rest – Helps retain juices and enhances flavor.
Warm the Pitas – Soft, warm bread makes all the difference.
Meal Prep Friendly – Store cooked lamb and sauce separately for easy gyro lunches.

Serving Suggestions
With Greek Salad – Crisp cucumbers, olives, and feta on the side.
With Lemon Potatoes – A zesty and hearty side.
As a Gyro Bowl – Serve over rice or greens instead of pita.
With Hummus and Olives – Make it a full mezze spread.
With Iced Tea or Lemonade – Refreshing drinks to match the flavors.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate lamb and tzatziki in separate airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Pitas can be kept in a zip-top bag at room temperature for 2–3 days.

Reheating:
Lamb: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave.
Pitas: Reheat in a pan, oven, or toaster oven until soft and warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken or beef instead of lamb?
Yes! Chicken thighs or sirloin steak work well with the same seasoning.

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
Use regular plain yogurt, but strain it through cheesecloth or a paper towel for a thicker consistency.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—use a plant-based yogurt for tzatziki and skip the feta.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pita or serve the lamb and tzatziki in a bowl with rice or greens.

Final Thoughts
Lamb Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce are the ultimate homemade takeout meal—full of flavor, satisfying, and simple to prepare. From the juicy spiced lamb to the creamy coolness of the tzatziki, every bite is a balance of bold and refreshing. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or making weeknight wraps, these gyros are guaranteed to impress.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 6 servings):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 26g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 480mg

Print