Steak Gyros with Mediterranean Rice

Out of this world delicious, quick, and easy gyros in under an hour!

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This flap beef steak gyros with Mediterranean rice recipe is out of this world good. You can put it in a bowl with pita on the side or build a gyro sandwich. If you’re busy like me but also like to make home-cooked meals for your family, you look for quick and delicious recipes like this one. It comes together in under an hour, making it an excellent dinner for any busy weeknight. The beef is soft and tender, and I always pair it with my favorite Mediterranean rice pilaf. You’re going to love it!

Why your family will request gyros

Soft, herb steak

Tender rice

Pickled onions

Cool, creamy tzatziki

Delicious steak gyros made easy for any busy weeknight!

What you’ll need

The Steak Gyros:

• Flap steak –substitute flank or skirt steak
• Olive oil –try the one in our shop made from my family’s olive trees in Crete!
• Red wine vinegar –balsamic or white vinegar would be good too
• Salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Garlic cloves –grated or use garlic powder
• Dried crushed oregano

The Rice pilaf:

• Butter
• Vermicelli noodles
• Basmati rice –rinsed and soaked
• Salt
• Juice of one lemon
• Chicken stock –vegetable broth or water are good substitutes

Serve with

• pita
• lettuce
• tzatziki sauce
• Pickled red onions

How to make Steak Gyros with Mediterranean Rice

Marinate the steak

1. Slice the steak against the grain into about 1/2-inch strips and transfer to a large bowl.
2. Add all of the seasonings, oil, and vinegar, and toss to coat.
3. Set aside at room temperature while the rice is prepared, or marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Make the Rice Pilaf…

On the stovetop:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water 5-6 times and then soak it in water for 10-15 minutes.
2. Add the vermicelli and butter to a pot and cook over medium heat until toasted –about 5-8 minutes.
3. Drain the rice and add it to the pot along with the stock, lemon juice, and salt.
4. Stir together and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice and serve or keep warm until the steak is ready.

In the rice cooker:

1. Rinse the rice under cold water 5-6 times and then soak it in water for 10-15 minutes.
2. Add the vermicelli and butter to the rice cooker and cook until toasted –about 5-8 minutes.
3. Drain the rice and add it to the cooker along with the stock, lemon juice, and salt.
4. Set the rice cooker to the white rice setting.
5. Fluff the rice and serve or keep warm until the steak is ready.

Cook the Steak Gyros in the…

Skillet:

1. Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Place the steak strips in the hot skillet in a few batches and cook them for 2 minutes.
3. Flip over and cook a few more seconds, then transfer them to a serving platter/bowl.
4. Try not to flip them too often so they can get properly seared on one side and develop some crispy parts.

Air fryer:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400 °F for 5 minutes.
2. Cook the steak in a few batches at 400 °F for 4 minutes on one side.
3. Flip the strips over and cook an additional 2 minutes on the other side.
4. Transfer the steak to a platter and cover it with foil.

Toppings

Before you start the steak and rice, throw together one of our all-time favorite sauces, tzatziki. I always have this cucumber dill sauce on hand, and my mom’s recipe has a surprising twist that makes it THE BEST! You can make it the day before and store it in the fridge, but it doesn’t take long to make.

I also love pickled red onions on my gyros. In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and immerse the onion slices in the water for a minute. Drain the water. In a bowl or container that the onions will be stored in, combine ½ cup apple cider vinegar, ¼ cup red wine vinegar, one tablespoon sugar, and 1 ½ teaspoon salt. Add the onions and toss in the vinegar. Once they come to room temperature, refrigerate until ready to use. I make them in this video.

Serving

I like to serve this in bowls with rice on the bottom, topped with steak, pickled onions, and a big dollop of tzatziki sauce. To build sandwiches, warm your pita bread and layer lettuce, pickled onions, steak, and tzatziki sauce. Either way you serve it, you’ll enjoy the fantastic flavors of NY street souvlaki stands, and your family won’t know how you did it under an hour. Kali Orexi!

More Quick & Easy Dinner Ideas:

• Stuffed Pepper Soup
• 3 Easy Weeknight Dinners
• Baked Cod Harissa
• Salmon & Green Beans
• Instant Pot Beef & Orzo Stew