Juicy, boldly seasoned lamb, creamy feta sauce with a smoky twist, and crisp veggie toppings: if you love Mediterranean flavors, these Greek Lamb Gyros with Charred Onion Feta Sauce will make your kitchen feel like a sun-drenched Aegean getaway. This easy, vibrant meal layers aromatic lamb patties in pillowy pita, cloaked in a lush feta sauce that’s flecked with perfectly charred onions. Every bite promises a whirlwind of savory, tangy, smoky, and fresh, so prepare for a homemade gyro experience that’s full of heart and flavor!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry spices, bright veggies, and quality lamb come together here, each bringing their own magic to authentic Greek Lamb Gyros with Charred Onion Feta Sauce. Don’t skip any ingredient—they each play a starring role in flavor and texture!
- Ground Lamb: The richness of lamb sets a savory, slightly earthy base for authentic gyros.
- Garlic Powder: Offers aromatic depth without overpowering; fresh garlic works in a pinch, but powder blends in perfectly.
- Dried Oregano: Adds classic Mediterranean herbaceous notes that are essential to the gyro flavor.
- Ground Cumin: Brings a touch of warmth and complexity—just half a teaspoon does the trick!
- Salt & Pepper: Simple but crucial to lift and balance every other flavor in the mix.
- Olive Oil: Enhances flavor and ensures golden, juicy lamb and luscious, charred onions.
- Red Onion: Sautéed until sweet and caramelized, these give the sauce signature oomph and a little bite.
- Lemony Feta: Salty feta crumbles melt into the sauce, adding irresistible tang and creaminess.
- Greek Yogurt: Brings smoothness and richness to the charred onion feta sauce—don’t use low-fat if you want authentic flavor!
- Lemon Juice: A splash brightens the sauce, balancing the heavier notes of lamb and feta.
- Smoked Paprika: A dash offers sweet smokiness, making the sauce unforgettable.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For a hint of heat—add just a pinch unless you love spicy!
- Pita Bread: Soft, fluffy pitas cradle all the ingredients and soak up the delectable sauce.
- Optional Toppings (Tomato, Cucumber, Parsley or Mint): Fresh veggies and herbs cut the richness and add crunch and zing.
How to Make Greek Lamb Gyros with Charred Onion Feta Sauce
Step 1: Season and Shape the Lamb
Start by mixing your ground lamb with the garlic powder, oregano, cumin, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Use your hands to gently combine everything—this is the step where those big, savory flavors start coming alive. Shape the mixture into small, plump patties or classic oval-shaped sausages. Both styles work, just make sure they’re not too thick so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Sear the Lamb Patties
Heat a slick of olive oil in your favorite skillet over medium-high. Lay the patties in, listening for that satisfying sizzle. Let them brown undisturbed for about 4–5 minutes per side. You’re looking for a golden crust and juicy center. Once cooked, transfer them to a plate to rest—don’t skip this step, it keeps all those tasty juices in the meat!
Step 3: Char the Onions
In that same skillet, add your thinly sliced red onions. With the heat still fairly high, sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring only occasionally so the edges get a little bit of char and caramelization. This smoky flavor will infuse the sauce and give it irresistible depth.
Step 4: Make the Charred Onion Feta Sauce
In a small bowl, combine your crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, smoked paprika, a pinch of cayenne if you like heat, and salt. Stir until creamy, then fold in the charred onions. That combination of smoky, salty, tangy, and creamy is what makes this sauce so special for Greek Lamb Gyros with Charred Onion Feta Sauce.
Step 5: Assemble Your Gyros
Warm your pita breads—they’ll be soft and flexible for easy folding. Spread a big swoop of the charred onion feta sauce on each pita, pile on the lamb, and then all your favorite toppings: more charred onions, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a handful of herbs. Don’t be shy with that sauce; it’s what ties everything together in these next-level gyros.
How to Serve Greek Lamb Gyros with Charred Onion Feta Sauce
Garnishes
Finish your Greek Lamb Gyros with Charred Onion Feta Sauce with plenty of fresh parsley or mint for a burst of color and brightness. Extra sauce on the side is always a win, and a scattering of lemon wedges lets each eater brighten up their wrap just how they like it. Freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of flaky salt adds that chef’s touch just before serving.
Side Dishes
Light, herby salads like a classic Greek salad or simple cucumber-tomato salad pair beautifully, cutting through the richness and echoing the flavors in your gyro. Roasted potatoes or lemony rice pilaf also make a heartier meal. For a party platter, add bowls of olives and dolmas to round out your Mediterranean spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful for a weeknight dinner or party: serve Greek Lamb Gyros with Charred Onion Feta Sauce “DIY bar” style so guests can build their own wraps. Or, tuck mini gyros into pita pockets and slice into hand-held halves for a spectacular appetizer. The lamb patties and sauce are also brilliant atop a bed of greens as a deconstructed gyro bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover lamb patties and remaining charred onion feta sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The lamb will keep for up to 3 days, and the sauce for about 2 days (the tangy flavors even intensify overnight!). Assemble gyros fresh with reheated lamb, sauce, and crisp veggies for best results.
Freezing
If you’d like, the cooked lamb patties freeze extremely well—simply let them cool, then wrap and seal tightly. Pop them in the freezer for up to a month. When craving strikes, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for a quick, satisfying Greek Lamb Gyros with Charred Onion Feta Sauce fix. The feta sauce is best made fresh, as dairy doesn’t freeze beautifully.
Reheating
To reheat the lamb, warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. The microwave works in a pinch too, but a quick pan reheat keeps the edges a little crisp. Let the sauce come to room temperature before using, and give it a good stir so it’s luscious and spoonable again.
FAQs
Can I use a different meat besides lamb for these gyros?
Absolutely! While lamb is traditional in Greek Lamb Gyros with Charred Onion Feta Sauce, you can substitute ground beef, chicken, or even turkey. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and taste for seasoning—leaner meats may need a touch more olive oil for juiciness.
Do I have to char the onions, or can I just sauté them?
Charred onions bring a unique smoky flavor and depth to the dish. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can sauté until just tender, but I recommend at least a light char for that authentic gyro character in your Greek Lamb Gyros with Charred Onion Feta Sauce.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The charred onion feta sauce keeps for a day or two in the fridge, and the flavors meld nicely overnight. Just give it a good stir before spreading on your pitas, and let it warm to room temperature for best texture.
What type of pita bread works best?
Fresh, soft Greek-style pita or flatbread with a bit of chew is perfect for wrapping around all the delicious fillings. If the pita is a little stiff, wrap in foil and warm in the oven, or give it a quick steam in the microwave to make it pliable and warm for your Greek Lamb Gyros with Charred Onion Feta Sauce.
How spicy is the charred onion feta sauce?
The pinch of cayenne is optional and quite gentle—just a subtle hint of heat. Feel free to omit it for a mild sauce, or add an extra pinch if you love things zesty. The smoked paprika also brings a mild warmth with a sweet, smoky undertone.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to bite into these juicy, flavor-packed Greek Lamb Gyros with Charred Onion Feta Sauce! It’s one of those meals that feels both utterly comforting and totally transportive. Gather your friends, pile on the toppings, and get ready to savor a homemade Greek feast that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!
Print
Greek Lamb Gyros with Charred Onion Feta Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the flavors of Greece with these delicious Greek Lamb Gyros topped with a flavorful Charred Onion Feta Sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Main Gyros:
- 1 lb (450g) ground lamb
- 4 small pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Charred Onion Feta Sauce:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumber
- Fresh parsley or mint
Instructions
- Prepare lamb: In a bowl, combine ground lamb with garlic powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Form into small patties or sausage-shaped pieces.
- Cook lamb: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Cook lamb patties 4–5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and let rest.
- Char onions: In the same skillet, sauté sliced red onions for 5–6 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Set aside.
- Make feta sauce: Mix crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne, and salt until smooth.
- Assemble gyros: Warm pita breads, spread charred onion feta sauce, add cooked lamb, top with charred onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and herbs.
- Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-frying, Mixing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
