Get ready to transform your dinner game with a mouthwatering twist on the classic Greek gyro! Imagine tender, slow-cooked pulled pork nestled in warm pita bread, crowned with a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce that will make your taste buds dance. This isn't just another recipe - it's a culinary adventure that combines the rich, smoky flavors of perfectly seasoned pork with the bright, zesty notes of traditional Greek cuisine. Whether you're a foodie looking to impress or a home cook craving something extraordinary, these Pulled Pork Gyros are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pork shoulder. Pat it dry with paper towels and then rub it with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed over the meat.
- Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a slow cooker. Set the cooker to low and cover it with the lid. Allow the pork to cook for approximately 8 hours, or until it is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- While the pork is cooking, prepare the homemade tzatziki sauce. Start by grating the cucumber using a box grater or a food processor. Once grated, place the cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out excess moisture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate the tzatziki until ready to serve.
- After the pork has finished cooking, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the pork into bite-sized pieces. Discard any excess fat.
- Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they are pliable and slightly toasted.
- To assemble the gyros, take a warm pita bread and fill it with a generous portion of the pulled pork. Top it off with a spoonful of the homemade tzatziki sauce.
- Optionally, you can add additional toppings such as sliced tomatoes, onions, or lettuce for extra flavor and texture. Fold the pita over the filling and serve immediately.
- Enjoy your delicious Pulled Pork Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki!
Tips
- Meat Selection Matters: Choose a well-marbled pork shoulder for maximum tenderness and flavor. The extra fat helps keep the meat juicy during the long, slow cooking process.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be shy with your spices! Massage the dry rub thoroughly into the meat to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Tzatziki Technique: The key to great tzatziki is removing excess moisture from the cucumber. Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out as much liquid as possible for a thick, creamy sauce.
- Slow Cooker Magic: Patience is crucial! Cook the pork on low for the full 8 hours to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Pita Perfection: Warm your pitas just before serving to ensure they're soft and pliable. A quick toast in a dry skillet makes all the difference.
- Customize Your Gyros: Feel free to add extra toppings like pickled red onions, fresh tomatoes, or a sprinkle of feta cheese to make the recipe your own.Pro tip: Make extra pulled pork - it freezes beautifully and can be used in multiple meals throughout the week!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 130mg
