Pork Gyros with Tzatziki and Sweet Chili Sauce

The gyro, a popular Greek dish, has a rich history rooted in the Eastern Mediterranean. The word "gyro" comes from the Greek word "gyros," meaning "turn," which refers to the way the meat is cooked—on a vertical rotisserie that spins slowly, allowing the outer layers to crisp up while the inner layers stay juicy. Gyros have their origins in the Turkish döner kebab and the Middle Eastern shawarma, both of which involve cooking meat on a rotating spit.

The modern gyro as we know it today became widely popular in Greece in the 20th century, particularly after World War II. It is believed that Greek immigrants who returned from the Ottoman Empire brought the concept of cooking meat on a vertical spit with them. While beef and lamb are common in other countries, pork is the traditional meat used in Greece for gyros. Over time, the gyro became a staple of Greek street food, often served with pita bread, tomatoes, onions, and the famous tzatziki sauce—a creamy cucumber and yogurt sauce that complements the savory pork perfectly.

The addition of sweet chili sauce to gyros is a more recent fusion, blending the traditional Greek flavors with a sweet and spicy kick commonly found in Southeast Asian cuisine. This fusion is a reflection of modern culinary trends where global flavors are combined to create exciting new dishes.

How to Prepare Pork Gyros with Tzatziki and Sweet Chili Sauce

Ingredients

For the Pork Gyros:

1 lb (450g) pork shoulder or pork loin, thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Juice of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sweet Chili Sauce:

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)

To Serve:

4 pita breads

Sliced tomatoes

Sliced red onions

Fresh parsley or mint leaves (optional)

Preparation Time

Marination: 1 hour (can be prepared the night before)

Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes

Assembly Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marination)

Procedure

Marinate the Pork:

In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, cinnamon, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Add the thinly sliced pork to the bowl and toss to coat the meat evenly with the marinade.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Cook the Pork:

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Once the pan is hot, add the marinated pork slices in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.

Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the pork is nicely browned and cooked through.

Remove the cooked pork from the pan and set aside.

Warm the Pita Breads:

While the pork is cooking, warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or on the grill for about 1 minute on each side, or until they are soft and pliable.

Assemble the Gyros:

Place a warm pita bread on a flat surface.

Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the pita.

Add a portion of the cooked pork slices on top of the tzatziki.

Drizzle some sweet chili sauce over the pork, adding a sweet and spicy contrast.

Top with sliced tomatoes, red onions, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or mint if desired.

Roll up the pita around the fillings, tucking in the bottom to prevent the sauce from leaking out.

Serve:

Serve the pork gyros immediately, with extra tzatziki and sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping.

Comments

Dessert Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

The grilled cheese sandwich is a timeless comfort food, dating back to the early 20th century. The classic version, made with bread and melted cheese, became popular in America during the Great Depression due to its simplicity and affordability. As with many culinary staples, grilled cheese has evolved over the decades, with chefs and home cooks experimenting with different ingredients and flavors. One of the more recent innovations is the dessert grilled cheese sandwich, a delightful fusion of sweet and savory that has captivated food lovers. The concept of dessert grilled cheese sandwiches likely emerged from the broader trend of blending sweet and savory flavors in cuisine. While the exact origin is unclear, this trend gained momentum in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, as chefs began to push the boundaries of traditional dishes. The dessert grilled cheese sandwich can be seen as a playful twist on the classic, where the savory elements (usually cheese) are paired with sweet ...

A Delectable Classic: Cream of Tomato Soup - Recipe, History, and Preparation Guide

The roots of Cream of Tomato Soup trace back to ancient civilizations where tomatoes were first cultivated in Central and South America. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that tomatoes made their way to Europe, where they were initially met with skepticism due to misconceptions about their toxicity. Eventually, tomatoes gained popularity and became a staple ingredient in European cuisine. The earliest known recipe resembling modern Cream of Tomato Soup dates back to the 19th century. In 1872, Maria Parloa, an American author and cooking expert, published a recipe for "Tomato Chowder" in her book, "Miss Parloa's New Cook Book." This recipe laid the foundation for what would later evolve into Cream of Tomato Soup. As culinary techniques advanced and ingredients became more accessible, Cream of Tomato Soup grew in popularity, especially during the 20th century. It became a symbol of comfort and nostalgia, often associated with homemade meals and cozy ga...

Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich

The Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a fusion of two beloved American comfort foods: the classic grilled cheese sandwich and the jalapeño popper. The grilled cheese sandwich, with roots dating back to ancient times, gained widespread popularity in the United States during the 1920s with the advent of pre-sliced bread and affordable cheese. On the other hand, the jalapeño popper, a dish consisting of jalapeños stuffed with cheese and deep-fried, has Mexican-American origins and became a popular appetizer in the United States in the late 20th century. The combination of these two iconic dishes likely emerged in the early 2000s as part of a broader trend of creative, indulgent comfort food mashups. The Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich brings together the creamy, spicy, and crunchy elements of a jalapeño popper with the melty, cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich. This hybrid dish quickly became a favorite among food enthusiasts for its bold flavors and satisfying ...

Exploring the Rich Flavors of Curried Chicken Stew: Recipe, History, and Preparation

The origins of Curried Chicken Stew can be traced back to the Indian subcontinent, where curry dishes have been a staple for centuries. The term "curry" itself is believed to have been derived from the Tamil word "kari," which means sauce. Indian curries typically consist of a combination of spices, herbs, vegetables, and meat or legumes, simmered together to create a rich and flavorful sauce. As Indian cuisine spread globally through trade and colonization, curry dishes evolved and adapted to local tastes and ingredients. Curried Chicken Stew likely emerged as a fusion of Indian curry recipes and Western stew-making techniques, combining the bold flavors of Indian spices with the hearty, slow-cooked nature of stews common in European cuisines. Culinary Journey: Chicken and Lime Soup Recipe and Its Rich History Ingredients - 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 large onion, diced - 3 cloves ga...

Foodpackstore Blog

Search This Blog