Tender, thin sliced lamb, a touch of heat breaks through a burst of traditional spices. All cozied up in a pita bread with crunchy accompaniments. Tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, perhaps some tangy feta cheese. Top your masterpiece with a little yogurt sauce and you'll be the sandwich hero gyro? You're so close to Easy Lamb Gyros in your life (and in your belly!)
Traditional Spice Rub
While the lamb is arguably the most important ingredient, next to that would be what you put on it. This traditional spice rub brings all the important mediterranean flavors with just a subtle chili powder and turmeric kick.
The best part it's as easy as putting all the ingredients in a bowl, and rubbing it all over the roast.
No. Really. That's exactly what you're going to do.
You're welcome to use fresh herbs in addition to the ground spices. You're also more than welcome to opt for the pre-packaged short cut of dried spices.
Generally speaking, fresh is best but you know when it isn't?
When you don't have fresh herbs or the idea of dirtying a cutting board and chopping up vegetables is incredibly unappealing or you're just dang busy or you really just don't care about the difference - go for the dried. Trust me, the Food Network isn't here to judge you.
If Ina's voice keeps resonating in your mind ("Fresh parsley, fresh oregano...") just use half of what the recipe calls for since they're a bit more potent. Then roast it, rest it, slice it, and top it. If you ask me, topping it is the best part. Customized easy lamb gyros coming up!
Easy Lamb Gyros
When it comes to lamb, different situations call for different temperatures. Typically a lamb roast would be cooked medium in this house (medium rare lamb roast is just a touch too gamey and chewy here) for these easy lamb gyros we're shooting for medium well to almost cooked through.
While vision of hockey pucks may dance through your head, trust me, it will be all too easy to consume the final result. The thin slicing will keep the chew factor easy and flavor solid.
These easy lamb gyros with traditional spice rub are perfect for make ahead meals, meal prep, or even a group dinner. Step outside Make Your Own Pizza night and Make Your Own Gyro. Fresh crunch veggies, a little spice and a whole lot of flavor you'll be praised for switching it up.
To serve alongside your Easy Lamb Gyros, try this Rice Cooker Quinoa with Dried Cherries and Feta . And this Greek Cucumber Salad is the perfect cool and healthy side dish.
Or if you're in the grilled veggie club (of which I may be the self proclaimed President) try these Grilled Veggies with a Spicy Yogurt Sauce - we're talking like hoard the whole platter don't share kind of good. That Spicy Yogurt Sauce, mmm, back off everyone.
Just kidding, food this tasty is too good to not share. Who will you share your tasty eats with?
Easy Lamb Gyros with Traditional Spice Rub
Ingredients
Traditional Spice Rub
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Easy Lamb Gyros
- 3 pound boneless leg of lamb
- pita bread
- 1 cucumber (peeled and chopped)
- 1 tomato (chopped)
- 5 leaves romaine lettuce
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbles
- 1 cup plain greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped mint
Instructions
Easy Lamb Gyros with Traditional Spice Rub
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove lamb roast from packaging. If the roast comes in a net, remove that as well. Pat dry and set aside.
- Combine spices in a medium sized bowl. Generously rub spice mix over entire lamb roast. Place roast on a lipped baking sheet or in a roasting pan. Tuck the 'tail' piece (small thin end) under the roast.
- Cook for 1 hour, roast should be medium well to well done. Let cool 15 to 20 minutes. After the roast has rested, use a sharp knife to slice the lamb roast in very thin pieces, ¼" to ⅛" thick.
- While the roast is resting, prepare the remaining ingredients.
- In a small bowl, combine yogurt and fresh chopped mint. Mix well.
- Chop tomatoes and cucumbers. Julienne lettuce.
- Using either the microwave on lowest setting or a gas stove, warm pita bread. If using a gas stove top, turn on the lowest heat setting and carefully toast the pita on both sides for about 15 to 20 seconds.
- Create your own personalized gyros, with your favorite combination of toppings!
Notes
- If using fresh herbs, substitute about ½ teaspoon
Chanel van Reenen says
These are mouth watering! I love your photos too! I will have to try and create this at home!
Lauren says
Thank you!!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
My mouth is watering looking at these delicious gyros! These sandwiches are a favorite of mine & my husband's! So glad I came across this!
Carly says
This looks delicious! My girlfriends and I cook together once a week and we will be adding this to the list!! Yum!