Smashed Gyro Tacos on the Griddle
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- ¼ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 TBSP dried minced onion
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp Greek seasoning
- ½ tsp rosemary
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- black pepper
- 2 5.3 oz containers plain Greek yogurt
- ½ English cucumber
- juice of ½ lemon
- 2 TBSP minced garlic
- 1 TBSP olive oil
- 1 TBSP dried dill weed
- ½ TBSP dried minced onion
or substitute grated onion
- 1 tsp Greek seasoning
We recommend Cavendar's All Purpose Greek Seasoning.
- salt to taste
- 6 pita bread
We highly recommend the Keto pita bread from Toufayan.
- ¼ cup diced onion
- ½ English cucumber
diced
- ¼ cup kalamata olives
diced
- 1 cup tomatoes
diced
- ½ TBSP olive oil
- ½ tsp Greek seasoning
- juice of ½ lemon
- shredded lettuce
for topping
- feta cheese
for topping
Directions
- 1
Start by making the tzaziki sauce. Grate half of the cucumber. Place the grated cucumber in a coffee filter or cheesecloth and squeeze out the excess liquid. Add the squeezed grated cucumber to a medium bowl. Add all other tzaziki sauce ingredients, and mix well to combine. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or covered overnight.
- 2
Prepare the chopped vegetable topping for the gyro tacos. Add diced onion, diced cucumber, diced kalamata olives, diced tomatoes, juice of half lemon, half tablespoon of olive oil, and about half teaspoon of Greek seasoning to a medium bowl. Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- 3
Heat griddle to about 375-400 degrees F.
- 4
Make the ground lamb balls. Add one pound of ground lamb to a large bowl with all of the herbs, spices, and breadcrumbs listed in the "For the Lamb" ingredient list. Use your hands to mix together well. Portion the meat mixture out into 6 equally sized balls. *You can use a 1/3 cup measuring cup to equally portion the meat.
- 5
When griddle is hot, place one lamb ball on the griddle surface. Cover the meat ball with one piece of pita bread, and smash the lamb into a patty underneath the pita. Apply pressure to the pita and lamb patty for about 6-8 seconds. Repeat this process for the other 5 lamb balls.
- 6
Cook the Greek lamb smashed tacos on the first side for about 3 minutes. Then, flip to the second side (pita side down) and cook an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the lamb patty reaches at least 160 degrees F internal temperature. Then, remove the smashed gyro tacos from the griddle.
- 7
Top each gyro taco with tzaziki sauce, shredded lettuce, some of the chopped Mediterranean "pico" vegetable mix, and crumbled feta cheese. Serve warm.
Smashed Gyro Tacos on the Griddle
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 4 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a delicious twist on Greek flavors that's quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for company? These Smashed Gyro Tacos on the Griddle bring together the best of both worlds, offering authentic tastes with an incredibly satisfying "smashed" technique.
This recipe works its magic by transforming classic ground lamb into a crispy, flavorful base directly on the griddle, much like a smash burger. Paired with warm pita bread and a vibrant, homemade tzatziki sauce, it elevates simple ingredients into a truly memorable meal. The secret lies in a carefully crafted Greek seasoning blend that permeates the lamb, ensuring every bite is bursting with savory goodness.
Get ready for a textural delight: the crispiness of the smashed lamb against the soft, warm pita, all brightened by the creamy, tangy tzatziki. You'll experience the rich, savory notes of lamb perfectly balanced by fresh, zesty toppings like diced cucumber, tomatoes, and briny Kalamata olives. It’s a bold take on Greek cuisine that still feels familiar and comforting, making it perfect for an easy yet impressive dinner.
Customization is key with these gyro tacos. Feel free to adjust the toppings to your preference; shredded lettuce and crumbled feta cheese are highly recommended for that classic gyro experience. While the recipe calls for specific pita bread, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. For those who enjoy a sharper onion flavor, consider grating the onion for the tzatziki sauce instead of using dried minced onion.
Serve these Smashed Gyro Tacos as a fun, interactive dinner for friends or a unique family meal. They're substantial enough on their own, but a simple side salad could complement the fresh flavors beautifully.