Lamb Gyros on the Cyprus Pit – The Ultimate Greek-Style Easter Feast
Ever been to a Greek gathering where meat is slowly spinning over hot coals, getting more delicious by the minute? That's the magic of cooking lamb gyros on a Cyprus spit. It's a ripper way to feed a crowd, especially when people are dropping by throughout the day.
With Easter around the corner, there's no better time to give this classic Greek cooking method a go. The best part? It's dead simple once you know how.
Why a Cyprus Grill is Perfect for Cooking Lamb Gyros
The Cyprus grill is a beauty for cooking gyros. Unlike your standard backyard barbie, a Cyprus spit gives you complete control over how close your meat sits to the coals.
What makes it unique for gyros is the flat disc design. Instead of skewering meat on prongs, the gyros sits between two flat discs that hold everything together nice and tight. This design is perfect for when you're shaving off layers of meat throughout the day – you get a flat surface to carve against, rather than dodging pointy bits.
Being 100% Aussie owned with 18 years of experience in outdoor cooking, we know a thing or two about getting the most from your Cyprus grill. Our customers across Australia love how versatile these grills are for everything from casual Sunday barbies to full-on Easter feasts.
Getting Your Lamb Ready for the Cyprus Pit
For a proper lamb gyros, you'll want to start with a deboned lamb shoulder. Your local butcher can sort this for you, or you can grab one from the supermarket that's already been deboned and netted.
Here's how to prep it:
1. Remove the netting from your lamb shoulder
2. Trim off any excess fat (a bit of fat is good for flavour, but too much will cause flare-ups)
3. Slice the meat into thin strips about 1 cm thick
4. Make sure no piece is larger than your gyros disc (about 15 cm in diameter)
The thin slices help the seasoning penetrate better and ensure even cooking throughout your gyros stack.
Seasoning Your Lamb Gyros Like a Pro
Once your lamb is sliced, it's time to add the flavour. A proper Greek gyros rub should be ground quite fine so it really gets into the meat.
For best results, season your meat the night before and let it sit in the fridge. This gives the flavours time to really sink in and work their magic.
If you're short on time, even an hour or two will make a difference. Just make sure you bring the meat back to room temperature before it goes on the spit.
Setting Up Your Cyprus Grill for Perfect Gyros
Getting your fire right is crucial for gyros. You want hot, even coals across the base of your Cyprus grill.
When loading your gyros onto the spit:
1. Place one disc on the spit
2. Stack your seasoned meat pieces, pressing down firmly as you go
3. Place the second disc on top
4. Press everything together tightly so it doesn't shift during cooking
To check if the meat is at the right height, you might use the "7-second rule" - Hold your hand just below the meat, and if you can keep it there for 7 seconds, you are good to go.
The Secret to Amazing Lamb Gyros: Proper Basting
After about 30 minutes of cooking, your gyros will be ready for its first baste. A simple mix of olive oil and lemon juice (50/50 ratio) does wonders here.
Apply the baste generously with a brush, making sure to coat all sides as the spit turns. For extra flavour, some blokes like to use rosemary sprigs as natural basting brushes.
Just watch out for flare-ups when the oil hits the coals. Keep a rake handy to spread out the coals if things get too fiery.
Carving Your Gyros – When and How
After about 90 minutes, your gyros will be ready for its first carve. This is where a Cyprus grill really shines.
For the best results:
1. Use an electric carving knife if you have one – it makes the job much easier
2. Hold a large carving tray or plate under the meat to catch all those tasty shavings
3. Carve thin slices from the outside, going only about an inch deep
4. Re-baste the newly exposed meat surface and add a bit more seasoning
5. Let it continue cooking for the next batch
The beauty of gyros on a Cyprus Spit is you can control the cooking speed. If you've got plenty of carved meat and want to slow things down, just raise the height of your spit. Need to feed hungry mates quicker? Lower it closer to the coals to speed up cooking.
The Perfect Partner: Roasted Eggplant and Garlic Dip
While your gyros is spinning away, why not whip up a traditional side? A roasted eggplant and garlic dip is dead easy and goes perfectly with lamb.
Here's how:
1. Make small cuts in whole eggplants to stop them from exploding
2. Place them directly on the hot coals or on a grill plate until soft
3. Cut them in half and scoop out the soft flesh
4. Mash it up with crushed garlic, chopped parsley, salt, lemon juice and olive oil
5. Adjust the lemon and oil to taste
This dip is perfect for grazing – just grab a bit of freshly shaved lamb, dip it in, and you're sorted.
Why the Cyprus Grill Makes Cooking for a Crowd Easy
One of the best things about cooking gyros on a Cyprus spit is how it handles feeding a crowd. When you've got people coming and going all day – like at birthday parties or Easter gatherings – it's perfect.
Because you're constantly cooking and carving fresh layers, nobody gets cold or dried-out meat. Your first guests get fresh hot gyros, and so do your mates who rock up two hours later.
With 60-day returns and a 1-2 year warranty on our Cyprus grills, you can cook with confidence, knowing you're backed by a company that's been the outdoor cooking specialists for nearly two decades.
Get Your Own Cyprus Grill and Start Cooking Souvla at Home
Ready to bring authentic Greek-style cooking to your backyard? Our Cyprus spits are designed to last, with over 20,000 reviews from happy customers Australia-wide.
Whether you're planning Easter lunch, a weekend barbie with mates, or just want to try something different, cooking lamb gyros on a Cyprus spit is a game-changer for your outdoor cooking.
Don't just take our word for it – our customers across Australia have been turning ordinary gatherings into memorable feasts with our Cyprus grills for years.
Check out our range of Cyprus grills and accessories and get ready to cook like a Greek at your next gathering.
*For more recipes and cooking tips, browse through our blog or reach out to our team of outdoor cooking specialists.*