Food February 15, 2022

How to make takeout-inspired gyro and fries at home

WATCH: How to make Chef Jeff Mauro’s gyros and fries

Jeff Mauro joined "Good Morning America" to whip up his best takeout fakeout and help create a homemade version of your favorite grab-and-go Greek food.

Check out his full recipe below for his take on gyros with french fries and a dippable side of dressing.

Greek Tacos with Cucumber Tomato Relish and Feta Mint Tzatziki

Ken Goodman
Jeff Mauro's homemade gyro.

Ingredients

Lamb:

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 pounds ground lamb

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1/2 red onion, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 tablespoons dry red wine

Feta Mint Tzatziki:

1 English cucumber

Salt

1 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1 clove garlic, minced or pressed

2 tablespoons minced fresh mint

Cucumber Tomato Relish:

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

2 firm tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 English cucumber, seeded and diced

1/2 red onion, diced

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

4 non-pocket pitas, oiled, seasoned and lightly griddled on each side.

For the lamb: In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb, sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook until the meat gets nice and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. With a slotted spoon, remove the lamb and reserve. Lower the heat to medium and saute the onions in the lamb juices until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the oregano and garlic and cook until fragrant. Season. Add the tomato paste and cook until it caramelizes. Deglaze with the red wine and scrape any bits up that have adhered to the pan. Add the lamb back in, stir and set aside.

For the tzatziki: Grate the cucumber on the large holes of a box grater and place in a fine-meshed strainer or cheese cloth fitted over a bowl. Salt the cucumber and let sit 10 minutes. Then squeeze out any excess moisture. Add the strained cucumber into a bowl with the yogurt, feta, garlic and mint. Adjust the seasoning if necessary.

For the cucumber tomato relish: Toss the olive oil, vinegar, tomatoes, cucumbers and onions in a bowl and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Cover and let sit at least 1 hour to marry the flavors.

For the sandwich build: Smear the tzatziki on the pitas, then place on the lamb and top with cucumber tomato relish.

Fresh Cut Fries

A plate of french fries with 18,000 island dressing.

Ingredients

2 quarts peanut oil, for frying

3 medium russet potatoes, skin on, cut into 1/4-inch fries

Kosher salt

Directions

Heat the oil to 350 degrees in a 5- or 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat or use a deep fryer. Working in batches, fry the potatoes until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Place on a sheet pan fitted with a wire rack to keep crispy and immediately season with salt.

18,000 Island Dressing

Ingredients

1 cup mayo

2 tablespoons diced hot giardiniera

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons ketchup

1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic

Directions

Mix all ingredients together. Season to taste with salt and plenty of cracked black pepper.