How To Cook Frozen Gyro Meat Strips: Full Guide

Last Updated on September 13, 2024 by Shari Mason

Gyro meat is *super delicious* in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes! Lots of grocery stores and specialty markets sell it. But, getting the freshest and tastiest gyro can be tricky. 🔎⏳🍖

Fortunately, frozen gyro meat strips are a convenient and tasty alternative that can be easily stored in the freezer and cooked up whenever you’re in the mood for 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.

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: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the gyro meat strips for 15-20 minutes or until they are 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?
• Firehouse Subs Chicken Gyro Review
• Best Store-Bought Pita Bread

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

The best way to thaw frozen gyro meat strips [1] is to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator and 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.

It is important not to thaw frozen gyro meat strips at room temperature, as this can lead to bacterial growth and potential foodborne illness.

Also, 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?

Grilling frozen gyro meat strips is possible, but there are other ways to cook them. When you grill frozen meat, it will take longer to cook through, and the outer part of the meat may char or burn before the inside is fully cooked.

“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.

Keep in mind that cooking frozen gyro meat strips on the grill may result in uneven cooking, and some parts may be overcooked or undercooked. So, it’s always best to thaw the meat first.

Tips For Seasoning & Serving Frozen Gyro Meat Strips

1. Use traditional gyro spices: To get the traditional gyro flavor, season the meat with a mix of 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, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, and shredded lettuce for a classic gyro sandwich.
6. Please don’t overdo it with toppings: Gyro meat is already packed with flavor, so don’t go overboard. Please keep it simple, and let the meat shine.
7. Experiment with different toppings: If you want to mix things up, try adding different toppings like feta cheese, olives, or roasted red peppers.

FAQs

In Conclusion

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

It is best to thaw the meat in the refrigerator overnight before grilling, which helps the meat cook more evenly and ensures it is fully cooked through. 

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. 

Following these tips, you can safely and deliciously cook frozen gyro meat strips for a quick and convenient meal.

References:

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