How to Cook Frozen Gyro Meat Strips Like a Greek Street Vendor

Love the tasty flavor of gyro meat in your Mediterranean and Middle Eastern meals? Look no further, as it can be easily found at various supermarkets and specialty markets. However, be aware that obtaining fresh, top-notch gyro can sometimes pose a challenge. 

Frozen gyro meat strips are a tasty and convenient option. You can easily store them in the freezer. Cook them up whenever you crave a gyro sandwich, salad, or wrap.

We’ll explore how to cook frozen gyro meat strips to perfection, whether you’re using an oven, stovetop, or grill.

Understanding Frozen Gyro Meat

Gyro meat is a staple of Greek street food. It’s made from seasoned lamb, beef, or chicken. The meat is slowly roasted on a vertical spit. Slow cooking locks in flavor. It gives gyros a tender, juicy texture with a crisp edge. That’s what makes them so irresistible.

When cooking at home, fresh gyro meat is much better than frozen gyro strips. Freshly sliced meat has a stronger smell and a softer texture. In contrast, frozen strips are pre-cooked and packaged for convenience. This makes frozen gyro meat easier to handle but slightly different in taste.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Fresh Gyro Meat	Frozen Gyro Strips
Texture	Tender, juicy	Firm, slightly drier
Preparation Time	Longer	Quick, heat and serve

The real advantage of frozen gyro meat is convenience. It saves time in the kitchen. Plus, it gives you a tasty meal that feels like street food.

Guide On How To Cook Frozen Gyro Meat Strips

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Prepare the pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
3. Place the meat strips: Place the frozen gyro meat strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meat strips: Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the gyro meat strips for 15-20 minutes. They should be fully cooked and browned.
5. Check the internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The USDA recommends that ground beef, lamb, or pork be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 160°F.
6. Rest the meat: Once the gyro meat strips are fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving.
7. Serve the gyro meat strips: Serve them in a pita or wrap them with your favorite toppings, such as sliced onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and tzatziki sauce.
8. Store any leftovers: Store any leftover gyro meat strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the leftovers in the oven or microwave before serving.

Read: How Long Does Homemade Tzatziki Last?

What’s The Best Way To Thaw Frozen Gyro Meat Strips?

The best way to thaw frozen gyro meat strips [1] is to move them from the freezer to the fridge. Let them defrost slowly. This method is safe and helps maintain the meat’s quality and texture.

To thaw frozen gyro meat strips in the refrigerator, follow these steps:

1. Remove the frozen gyro meat strips from the freezer and place them in a container or on a plate.
2. Cover the container or plate with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent the meat from drying out or absorbing other odors from the fridge.
3. Place the container or plate with the frozen gyro meat strips in the refrigerator.
4. Let the meat defrost in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours or until it is completely thawed.

Do not thaw frozen gyro meat strips at room temperature. This can cause bacteria to grow and lead to foodborne illness.

Furthermore, avoid thawing the meat in hot water or the microwave, as this can partially cook the meat and affect its texture.

Once the frozen gyro meat strips are thawed, you can follow the steps outlined in the previous answer to cook them to perfection.

Read: Does Firehouse Subs Have A Drive-Thru?

Is It Possible To Grill Frozen Gyro Meat Strips?

You can grill frozen gyro meat strips, but it takes longer. The outside might burn while the inside stays raw.

“I followed the same diet for 20 years, eliminating starches, living on salads, lean meat, and small portions.”

– Gene Tierney, American Film Actress

If you have the time, it’s best to thaw the gyro meat in the refrigerator overnight before grilling. This will help the meat cook more evenly and ensure it’s fully cooked.

If you don’t have time to thaw the meat, you can still grill it from frozen. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the frozen gyro meat strips on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side.
3. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be considered fully cooked.
4. Remove the meat from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking frozen gyro meat strips on the grill can lead to uneven results. Some parts might be overcooked while others could be undercooked. So, it’s always best to thaw the meat first.

Check out: Firehouse Subs Menu and Prices

Tips For Seasoning & Serving Frozen Gyro Meat Strips

1. Use traditional gyro spices: For that classic gyro taste, season the meat with garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, [2], salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the meat: To add more flavor, marinate it before cooking. You can make a marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and traditional gyro spices.
3. Add some acidity: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the cooked meat can help brighten the flavor and cut through the meat’s richness.
4. Serve with tzatziki sauce: Tzatziki is a traditional Greek yogurt-based sauce that goes perfectly with gyro meat. You can make it with yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, salt, and lemon juice.
5. Pair with pita bread and veggies: Serve the gyro meat with warm pita bread. Add sliced tomatoes, onions, and shredded lettuce for a classic gyro sandwich. Enjoy with veggies!
6. Please don’t overdo it with toppings: Gyro meat is already packed with flavor, so don’t go overboard. Keep the presentation simple, allowing the meat to take center stage.
7. Experiment with different toppings: Try different toppings! Mix it up with feta cheese, olives, or roasted red peppers.

FAQs on Cooking Frozen Gyro Meat Strips

In Conclusion

Cooking frozen gyro meat strips is possible, but it is not the recommended way to cook them.

Thaw the meat in the refrigerator overnight before grilling. This helps it cook evenly and ensures it’s fully cooked.

However, grilling it from frozen is an option if you need more time to thaw the meat. Just remember that it will take longer to cook and may result in uneven cooking. 

Seasoning and serving the cooked gyro meat strips with traditional gyro spices, tzatziki sauce, pita bread, and veggies can help create a delicious gyro sandwich. 

You can cook frozen gyro meat strips safely and deliciously. Just follow these tips for a quick and easy meal.

References:

1. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/173420/traditional-gyro-meat/
2. https://www.thespruceeats.com/all-about-paprika-4036017