The Beef Gyro Platter from The Halal Guys features tender, seasoned beef gyro slices served alongside fragrant yellow rice, fresh cucumber and tomato salad, and warm pita bread, offering a hearty Mediterranean meal rich in savory flavors and vibrant textures.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Rice cooker or pot
- Chef knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Serving platter or plates
- Tongs
- Ladle or large spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sauce squeeze bottle or spoon (for sauces)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef gyro meat (pre-sliced or made from ground beef and lamb)
- 2 cups basmati or long grain rice
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 1/4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 medium cucumber
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1/4 red onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for salad)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 4 pieces pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Hot sauce (optional)
- White sauce (mayonnaise-based, optional)
Beef gyro meat can be sourced pre-sliced or prepared at home by combining ground beef and lamb for an authentic flavor profile. Using basmati or long grain rice is essential to achieve the fragrant, fluffy texture characteristic of the yellow rice in the platter. Spice measurements like turmeric, cumin, and coriander are crucial to replicate the savory, aromatic seasoning in the dish. Fresh vegetables such as cucumber, tomato, and parsley add a refreshing contrast to the rich meat and rice components of your meal. The Beef Gyro Platter from The Halal Guys copycat menu allows you to recreate this satisfying Mediterranean experience at home with careful attention to these ingredient choices.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or griddle.
- Cook beef gyro slices until browned and heated through; set aside.
- Rinse rice until water runs clear.
- Heat butter or olive oil in rice cooker or pot.
- Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add turmeric, cumin, paprika, coriander, and cinnamon; stir for 1 minute.
- Add rice and stir to coat grains in spices.
- Pour in water or chicken broth; season with salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer (covered) until rice is tender, about 15–18 minutes.
- Fluff rice and keep warm.
- Dice cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
- Toss with parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for salad.
- Warm pita bread on grill or pan.
- Arrange yellow rice, beef gyro, and salad on platter or plates.
- Add pita bread pieces to the side.
- Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and white sauce; add hot sauce if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Beef Gyro Platter from The Halal Guys copycat menu can be easily customized by substituting beef gyro meat with lamb, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative to suit dietary preferences. If you don't have basmati rice, long grain rice or jasmine rice work well without compromising the dish's flavor and texture. For an easier cleanup and consistent rice cooking, using a rice cooker is ideal, but a pot on the stove can achieve similar results with attention to water ratios. When preparing the salad, feel free to add or swap vegetables like bell peppers or radishes to enhance freshness and crunch. Your homemade or store-bought sauces can be adjusted in spice and creaminess levels to better match your taste preferences.
Tips
Ensure the beef gyro slices are cooked evenly by spreading them out on the grill or griddle, avoiding overcrowding to achieve a proper sear. Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water is clear to remove excess starch, which prevents clumping and yields fluffy grains. When seasoning the rice, toast the spices with onions and garlic briefly to release their full aroma and flavor before adding the rice and liquid. Warm your pita bread just before serving to maintain softness, and drizzle the sauces sparingly to enhance rather than overwhelm the dish's balance.
Nutritions
The Beef Gyro Platter provides a balanced meal with protein-rich beef gyro slices supplying essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair and energy. The yellow rice, seasoned with turmeric, cumin, and other spices, offers complex carbohydrates and antioxidants that support digestion and inflammation reduction. The fresh cucumber and tomato salad adds hydration, fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, enhancing immune function and skin health. Your meal also includes pita bread for additional carbohydrates, making this Mediterranean dish a nutrient-dense option for sustained energy and overall wellness.
Storage
Store leftover beef gyro meat in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness for up to 3 days. Keep the yellow rice separate in a sealed container, ensuring it cools completely before refrigerating to prevent sogginess and bacterial growth. Your cucumber and tomato salad is best stored uncovered or loosely covered in the fridge to preserve its crispness for 1-2 days.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute beef gyro meat with chicken shawarma for a lighter, yet equally flavorful option. Swap basmati rice with cauliflower rice to create a low-carb, nutrient-dense alternative that pairs well with Mediterranean spices. Use Greek yogurt mixed with garlic and dill as a homemade tzatziki substitute to enhance creaminess and freshness in your meal. You might also consider grilling the vegetables--like tomatoes and cucumber slices--to impart a smoky depth that complements your beef gyro platter beautifully.
Allergies
The Beef Gyro Platter contains multiple potential allergens such as wheat from the pita bread and dairy from the tzatziki sauce, which usually includes yogurt. If you have gluten intolerance or lactose sensitivity, these ingredients might trigger reactions. Always check ingredient labels on store-bought sauces and pita bread to ensure they align with your dietary needs.
Why this recipe?
The Beef Gyro Platter from The Halal Guys restaurant is renowned for its perfectly seasoned gyro meat, tender and flavorful with a hint of Mediterranean spices. The combination of fragrant basmati rice, crisp lettuce, and signature white sauce creates a balanced and satisfying meal. Your palate experiences an authentic taste of Middle Eastern cuisine that keeps customers coming back for more. Trying to make the copycat version allows you to recreate this beloved dish at home with fresh ingredients and control over seasoning.