Beer-Braised Lamb Gyros: Tender, Spiced, and Wrapped in Beer-Soaked Flavor

These Beer-Braised Lamb Gyros are rich, juicy, and falling apart in the best way — slow-cooked in a malty beer bath with garlic, onion, and warm spices until the lamb is shreddable and bold.

Wrapped in soft pita and topped with creamy yogurt, pickled onions, and fresh herbs, they’re rustic Greek street food with a pub-style upgrade.

Ingredients (Makes 6–8 gyros)

For the Beer-Braised Lamb

• 2–3 lbs lamb shoulder or leg, boneless if possible
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp oil (olive or neutral)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1½ cups beer (amber ale, brown ale, or Belgian dubbel — avoid hoppy styles)
• ½ cup beef or chicken broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Optional: 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses or balsamic for depth

For Assembly

• Warm pita or flatbread
• Greek yogurt or tzatziki
• Sliced cucumber, tomato, red onion
• Pickled onions or cabbage
• Fresh mint, parsley, or dill
• Optional: crumbled feta, olives, or hot sauce

Instructions

Braise the Lamb

• Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Season lamb generously with salt and pepper.
• In a Dutch oven or heavy pan, heat oil over medium-high. Sear lamb until browned on all sides, then remove.
• Add onion and garlic to the pan and sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened.
• Stir in tomato paste, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon. Cook 1 minute.
• Deglaze with beer and broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add optional molasses.
• Return lamb to the pot. Cover and braise in the oven for 2½–3 hours, or until fork-tender.
• Remove lamb and shred. Reduce braising liquid on the stovetop if needed, then mix with shredded lamb.

Build the Gyros

• Warm pita until soft and pliable.
• Spread yogurt or tzatziki on each piece.
• Pile on shredded lamb, then top with veggies and herbs.
• Wrap, fold, or leave open-style — just eat while hot and juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve With

• Greek lemon potatoes or beer-roasted chickpeas
• Cucumber salad with dill and lemon
• A side of hummus, olives, or beer flatbread

Sauce It With

• Garlic yogurt sauce
• Spicy harissa mayo
• Lemon-tahini drizzle

Beer Pairing

In the Braise

• Amber ale (smooth malt body)
• Belgian dubbel (dark fruit and spice)
• Brown ale (nutty, toasty)
• Avoid IPAs or sours — bitterness clashes with lamb + yogurt

In Your Glass

• The same beer as in the pot
• Rauchbier for a smoky contrast
• Saison or biere de garde for herbal, peppery complexity
• Weissbier or citrusy wheat for a fresh lift

Final Thoughts

Beer-Braised Lamb Gyros are tender, juicy, and packed with layered flavor — a mashup of classic Mediterranean and modern craft beer cooking.

The beer doesn’t overpower; it enhances. The lamb melts into the pita. And the toppings bring balance to every bite. Cheers to wrapped meat, warm pita, and beer in your braise! 🥙🍺🔥

Explore Our Top Cooking-with-Beer Recipes 🍺 🍺

From crispy beer-battered classics to bold mains, cheesy dips, breads, and even desserts — these roundups bring together the best of beer-infused cooking. Whether you’re hosting a game day, planning a backyard BBQ, or just experimenting in the kitchen, there’s a beer recipe collection for every craving.

• 🍽️ Cooking with Beer (Main Hub) – Your ultimate guide to cooking with beer, from mains to apps and desserts.
• 🥨 Beer-Battered Appetizers and Sides – – Crispy onion rings, fried pickles, mushrooms, zucchini, & more pub-style favorites with a golden beer crunch.
• 🍞 Beer Bread Recipes – From 2-ingredient quick breads to jalapeño cheese loaves.
• 🧀 Beer Cheese & Dips – Beer cheese soup, queso, nachos, ranch dip & more.
• 🍖 Beer Can Chicken & Grilled Mains – Bold, juicy recipes straight from the grill.
• 🌶️ Beer Infused Chili’s – Hearty, bold, and slow-simmered beer-infused chili.
• 🍻 Beer Mac & Cheese – Creamy, quick& easy, made to impress.
• 🍰 Beer-Infused Desserts & Sweets – Sweet treats made better with beer.
• 🎉 Oktoberfest & Seasonal Ideas – Perfect pairings for parties, fall feasts, and festive gatherings.