Use just a few common spices and herbs to create a versatile and super tasty gyro seasoning blend that adds authentic Greek flavor to so many dishes. Make the dry seasoning ahead and store in the pantry until you're ready to mix with the wet ingredients and use, or make as a perfect quick marinade for gyros, kebabs, grilled meats or veggies, and even roast potatoes!
Mix together all of the dry seasoning ingredients and combine really well. If you like, at this point store in a sealed labelled jar or spice container in the pantry until ready to use.
To make a Greek marinade for meat or vegetables, stir the olive oil, honey, lemon juice (or vinegar) and mustard (if using) into the dry herbs and spices.
In a large Ziploc style bag, place the meat you'd like to season (chopped chicken thigh, pork or lamb for gyros or souvlaki, or other meat pieces) together with the marinade. Seal the bag carefully, then squish and massage the meat with your hands so that all the meat gets covered in the marinade.
If you have time, let the meat marinate in the fridge for at least a few hours or if possible overnight before roasting or grilling. See the notes section below for more ideas on how to use the seasoning.
Notes
Ways to use your gyro seasoning: My favorite way to use this seasoning is to make Greek chicken gyro pitas (gryos!). Check out the recipe for full instructions!You can also marinate cubes of meat and then thread onto skewers to make souvlaki. Serve with tsatziki (recipe below), a Greek salad and Greek roasted potatoes!But it can be used to marinate any chicken, pork, lamb or beef. For best results let marinate for a few hours or overnight before grilling, roasting or pan-frying.Also great stirred through Mediterranean vegetables or potatoes before roasting.Variations: Feel free to add more dried herbs/spices such as dill, mint, cinnamon, thyme, basil, rosemary, tarragon or parsley. For a richer version and even more tender and moist meat, add a few tablespoons of Greek yogurt. Storing and freezing instructions: Store the dry seasoning (without the oil, honey, lemon juice and mustard added) in a sealed, labelled jar in a cool dry place such as your pantry. It will keep well for at least a few months.Once you've added the wet ingredients, what's now a marinade will keep for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight jar or other container in the fridge.You can also freeze the marinade for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer bag or container if you like. Then defrost overnight in the fridge before using.Quick tzatziki recipe: Because tsatziki goes so well with any kind of Greek marinated meat! If you like you can read helpful instructions and tips for making my 10-minute tsatziki recipe. If you just want the recipe, here it is: This recipe is enough for 8 wraps. Simply combine the ingredients below. Any leftovers are fantastic on top of baked potatoes, with any kind of salad, as a healthy dip or spread onto a burger or sandwich! 2 cups Greek yogurt1-2 cloves garlic, crushed1 cucumber (diced finely)4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill1 lemon (juice only)A note about the nutritional info: Please note that for this recipe the nutrition info is only a guestimate. The marinade is for flavor while cooking and so will not all be consumed.