Gyro-style Pork Sandwich

Gyro-style Pork Sandwich Recipe from Greece

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 1-8 hours | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Gyro-style Pork Sandwich is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for lunch or dinner. This recipe combines tender pork slices marinated in a tangy mixture of olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then roasted to perfection. The pork is then stuffed into pita bread pockets and topped with a refreshing yogurt-cucumber sauce and sliced onions.

History

The Gyro-style Pork Sandwich is inspired by the traditional Greek gyro, which is typically made with seasoned meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in a pita with tzatziki sauce. This recipe puts a twist on the classic gyro by using pork instead of lamb or beef, making it a great option for pork lovers.

Ingredients

0.25 cup olive oil
1 tbsp prepared mustard
0.5 cup lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 lb (454 g) boneless pork loin, cut crosswise into thin slices, then into 5 x 0.5 inch strips
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
0.5 tsp crushed garlic
0.5 tsp dill
2 pita loaves, halved
1 small red onion, peeled and thinly sliced

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine the first 5 ingredients.
Place the pork slices in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
Cover the dish and marinate the pork in the refrigerator for 1-8 hours.
In another bowl, combine the yogurt, cucumber, crushed garlic, and dill.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture.
Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
Drain the marinade from the pork slices and place the pork in a single layer in a shallow pan.
Roast the pork for about 10 minutes, until it becomes crisp.
Open each pita half to form a pocket.
Distribute the pork among each half of the pita.
Top each sandwich with some chilled yogurt mixture and sliced onions.

Variations

Substitute the pork with chicken or beef for a different flavor.
Add sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or olives to the sandwich for extra freshness and crunch.
Use whole wheat pita bread for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the pork for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

- Roast the pork at a high temperature to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

- Be sure to drain the marinade from the pork before roasting to prevent it from becoming soggy.

- Serve the Gyro-style Pork Sandwich immediately after assembling to prevent the pita bread from getting too soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Gyro-style Pork Sandwich with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the pork for at least 1 hour to enhance the flavor.

- Roast the pork at a high temperature to achieve a crispy exterior.

- Make sure to drain the marinade from the pork before roasting to prevent sogginess.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a tangier sauce.

- Substitute fresh dill for dried dill for a more vibrant flavor.

- Use lamb or beef instead of pork for a more traditional gyro taste.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the pork overnight for maximum flavor.

- Prepare the yogurt-cucumber sauce in advance and refrigerate until ready to use.

- Roast the pork ahead of time and reheat before assembling the sandwiches.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Gyro-style Pork Sandwich on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs. - Arrange the sliced onions and yogurt-cucumber sauce in a separate bowl for guests to customize their sandwiches. - Serve with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Gyro-style Pork Sandwich with a glass of chilled white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

- Serve with a side of tabbouleh salad or hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Gyro-style Pork Sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the pork in the oven or microwave until heated through before assembling the sandwiches.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Gyro-style Pork Sandwich contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Gyro-style Pork Sandwich contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Gyro-style Pork Sandwich contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Gyro-style Pork Sandwich contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Gyro-style Pork Sandwich is a good source of vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and wheat (pita bread), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Gyro-style Pork Sandwich is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Gyro-style Pork Sandwich is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender pork slices with a tangy yogurt-cucumber sauce, all stuffed into a warm pita bread. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick and flavorful lunch or dinner option. Enjoy the flavors of Greece with this tasty and nutritious dish!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I will always cherish. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a Greek immigrant who had a passion for cooking and a talent for creating delicious dishes. She had offered to teach me how to make one of her favorite recipes - Gyro-style Pork Sandwich.

As we gathered the ingredients and prepared the marinade, Maria told me the story of how she had learned to make this dish from her own grandmother back in Greece. She spoke lovingly of her grandmother's kitchen, where the smell of roasting meat and spices filled the air, and the sound of laughter and chatter echoed off the walls.

Maria carefully showed me how to season the pork with a blend of traditional Greek spices - oregano, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. She explained that the key to a perfect Gyro-style Pork Sandwich was to let the meat marinate for at least a few hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.

As we waited for the pork to marinate, Maria taught me how to make the tzatziki sauce that would accompany the sandwich. She grated cucumbers and mixed them with Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, and a splash of lemon juice. The creamy, tangy sauce was the perfect complement to the savory pork.

Finally, it was time to cook the pork. Maria showed me how to slice the marinated meat thinly and sear it on a hot grill, so that it would be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The smell of sizzling meat wafted through the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

Once the pork was cooked to perfection, Maria assembled the sandwich. She placed the slices of pork on warm pita bread, topped them with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. The sandwich was a work of art - a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

As I took my first bite, I was transported to a sunny Greek village, where the scent of olive trees mingled with the salty sea air. The flavors of the pork, seasoned with memories of Maria's grandmother's kitchen, danced on my tongue, filling me with warmth and happiness.

From that day on, Gyro-style Pork Sandwich became a staple in my own kitchen. I would often make it for family gatherings and dinner parties, sharing the recipe with friends and loved ones. Each time I made the dish, I would think of Maria and her grandmother, and the bond we had formed over a shared love of food and tradition.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different spices and ingredients to create my own version of Gyro-style Pork Sandwich. But no matter how many variations I try, the memory of that first time learning the recipe from Maria will always hold a special place in my heart.

And so, whenever I make Gyro-style Pork Sandwich, I am reminded of the joy of discovery, the warmth of friendship, and the enduring power of a good meal shared with loved ones. Cooking is not just about following a recipe - it is about creating memories, forging connections, and celebrating the simple pleasures of life. And for that, I am forever grateful.