Classic Loaf-Style Gyros with Tzatziki

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground lamb
• 1 lb Ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 medium Yellow onion
• 2 tbsp Salted Perfection Perfect Salt
• 1 tbsp Dried oregano
• 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt
• 1 English cucumber
• 1 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 4 large Pita breads
• 1 large Tomato, sliced
• 1 small Red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp Olive oil

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Peel the yellow onion and grate it on the large holes of a box grater. Wrap the grated onion in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is non-negotiable; wet onions ruin the texture.
3. In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, ground beef, squeezed onion, dried oregano, and Salted Perfection Perfect Salt. Mix by hand until combined.
4. Transfer the meat mixture to a food processor. Pulse for about 1 minute until the meat becomes a sticky, pale pink paste. This protein extraction is what gives the gyro meat its signature firm bite.
5. Press the meat paste firmly into a 9x5-inch loaf pan, ensuring there are no air pockets. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
6. Remove the loaf from the oven and pour off any excess grease. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes until it is firm enough to slice easily.
7. While the meat rests, make the tzatziki. Grate half the cucumber and squeeze it dry (just like the onion). Mix the dry cucumber with the yogurt, dill, and lemon juice. Slice the remaining cucumber for garnish.
8. Slice the meat loaf into thin strips, about 1/8-inch thick.
9. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meat slices for 1–2 minutes per side until browned and crispy on the edges.
10. Warm the pitas, then load them with the crispy meat, tzatziki, tomato slices, red onion, and fresh cucumber. DUNZO!