Even if you’re not very familiar with Mediterranean food, you’ve probably at least heard of the gyro. Other than often mispronouncing its name (it’s yee-roh, by the way), many people don’t really know what it is. If you’re one of those people, don’t worry! Jasmine’s Roast Beef is here to explain what’s going on in a gyro. Why us? Because we serve you great food in Seabrook, including gyros.
The Name
Since so many people say the gyro’s name wrong, we should take a moment to explain what it means. It comes from the Greek word for “turn.” The meat in the sandwich is cooked on a rotisserie, a rotating spit that continually turns to slow-cook the meat evenly.
What’s in it?
Let’s start with the basics. A gyro sandwich consists of slices of rotisserie-cooked meat wrapped in pita bread. We then add vegetables to it, usually tomatoes and onions, and sometimes pickles. A drizzle (usually a very generous drizzle) of tzatziki sauce finishes it off. But that’s just the basics. There are as many variations on the gyro as there are restaurants that serve it. For example, the traditional meat is lamb, but you can also find gyros with beef, chicken, or pork, or a combination of multiple meats.
The Flavor Profile
What makes the gyro a popular meal all over the world is the combination of flavors. The meat is seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices that traditionally includes oregano, thyme, marjoram, and garlic. Sometimes chefs include other spices to give it more of a kick, such as paprika and chili powder. But what completes the flavor of a gyro is the tzatziki sauce. Yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill come together to make a cool and creamy sauce that contrasts with the heat and spice of the meat.
This Mediterranean street food has spread around the world, and is popular everywhere it is served, including in Seabrook!
Get delicious food in Seabrook at Jasmine’s!
If you’ve never tried a gyro because you weren’t sure what it was, now you’re out of excuses! At Jasmine’s, we’re proud to serve fantastic food in Seabrook. We have everything from pizza to seafood to sandwiches, so you’re sure to find something you’ll love!
