Homemade gyro seasoning blends classic Greek herbs and spices to create authentic-tasting beef, lamb, chicken, or pork gyros. It’s simple to make, stores well, and adds bright Mediterranean flavor to meats, vegetables, and more.
If you haven’t tried homemade gyros, you’re in for a delicious discovery.
After experimenting with ratios and ingredients, this gyro seasoning captures bold, vibrant Mediterranean notes. Key Greek flavors like parsley, oregano, thyme, and coriander combine with paprika, cumin, garlic, and lemon pepper for a zesty, balanced blend. The mix is fast to prepare from common pantry spices and can be made ahead for convenient use.
Ingredients you’ll need
These spices are widely available and budget-friendly.
- Garlic powder: Essential for savory depth.
- Parsley: Dried parsley brings a fresh herbaceous note.
- Paprika: Use sweet paprika for color and mild sweetness.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a gentle heat; increase if you prefer spicier seasoning.
- Oregano: A staple Greek herb for classic flavor.
- Thyme: Contributes an earthy, aromatic character.
- Cumin: Offers warm, slightly smoky undertones; grind seeds if you want extra fragrance.
- Coriander: The dried seed of cilantro, lending citrusy warmth.
- Lemon pepper: Adds bright, citrusy spice. If needed, substitute lemon juice when seasoning a meat mixture (about 1 tablespoon per 1 kg / 2 lb of meat).
- Salt and black pepper: Balance and enhance the overall flavor.
The complete ingredient amounts are provided in the recipe card below.
How to make gyro seasoning
Combine and whisk: In a small bowl, add all spices and whisk until evenly blended.
Store: Transfer the blend to an airtight spice jar and label with the date. Keep in a cool, dry place and use within six months for best flavor.
How to use gyro seasoning
This Greek-style gyro seasoning is versatile. Try it in these ways:
- Meats: Rub or marinate chicken, pork, beef, lamb, or seafood before grilling, roasting, or pan-frying. It’s also excellent in Greek-style meatballs. Aim for about 2 tablespoons of seasoning per 500 g / 1 lb of meat as a starting point and adjust to taste.
- Salad dressings: Whisk with olive oil, lemon juice, and a splash of vinegar for a bright dressing for salads, grain bowls, or roasted vegetables.
- Roasted vegetables: Toss potatoes, carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant in olive oil and this seasoning, then roast until tender and caramelized.
- Soups and stews: Add 1–2 teaspoons to tomato-based soups, bean soups, or stews to deepen the flavor profile.
- Grains and legumes: Stir into rice, quinoa, lentils, or beans while cooking for a Mediterranean lift.
- Dips and spreads: Mix a teaspoon or more into Greek yogurt or sour cream for a quick dip for pita or veggies, or use as a topping for grilled meats.
How to store
Store the seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Properly stored, it keeps fresh up to six months. Label the jar with the date so you know when it was made.
Recipe FAQ
Gyros are thinly sliced, seasoned beef, lamb, chicken, or pork cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is shaved and typically served in pita bread with tzatziki sauce, feta, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
“Gyro” is commonly pronounced “yee-ro” and the plural “gyros” as “yee-ros.”
More seasoning blends to try
Explore other spice blends to expand your pantry options and create new flavor profiles.
If you try this gyro seasoning or have a question, leave a comment and rate the recipe. Feedback and variations are welcome.
Gyro Seasoning
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- Author: Caitlin Rule
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 tablespoons
Description
Homemade gyro seasoning combines Greek herbs and spices for authentic flavor. It’s quick to mix and convenient to store for future use.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika (sweet)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well blended.
- Transfer the seasoning to an airtight spice jar and store in a cool, dry place. Use within six months for best flavor.
Notes
- Storage: Keep at room temperature in an airtight container for up to six months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Spice Blend
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Greek