Craving a mouthwatering meal that transports you straight to the sunny streets of Greece? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with these irresistible Greek Turkey Meatball Gyros! Packed with lean protein, bursting with Mediterranean flavors, and easier to make than you'd imagine, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, these gyros will have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the turkey mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 12-16 meatballs depending on size preference.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the meatballs in the skillet, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While meatballs are cooking, warm the pita breads. You can do this in a dry skillet, toaster, or briefly in the oven to make them soft and pliable.
- Prepare the assembly station by laying out warm pita breads, cooked meatballs, tzatziki sauce, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
- To assemble each gyro, spread tzatziki sauce on the pita bread, place 3-4 meatballs, then top with diced tomatoes and shredded lettuce.
- Fold the pita bread around the filling, creating a classic gyro wrap. Secure with parchment paper or aluminum foil if desired.
- Serve immediately while meatballs are warm and pita is soft. Optional: Serve with additional tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips
- Meat Mixing Magic: When combining the turkey mixture, use your hands to ensure even distribution of ingredients. Cold hands work best to prevent the meat from becoming too warm.
- Meatball Mastery: For uniform cooking, use a small ice cream scoop or wet hands to shape consistent meatballs. This ensures even browning and perfectly cooked meat.
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to check that your meatballs reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal juiciness.
- Pita Perfection: Warm pitas briefly to make them soft and pliable. A few seconds in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven works wonders.
- Tzatziki Tip: For extra flavor, let your tzatziki sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Make-Ahead Hack: You can prepare the meatball mixture and shape them in advance, storing in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Customization is King: Feel free to add crumbled feta, sliced red onions, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to make this recipe your own!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 442kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 137mg
