Slow-Roasted Pork Gyros with Lemon-Garlic Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork slow-roasted with traditional Greek spices, sliced thin and served wrapped in pita with a tangy lemon-garlic sauce. This greek-inspired pork ready in about 195 minutes blends pork shoulder, olive oil, lemon zest into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves 6 Greek cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp lemon zest, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub mixture evenly over 2 lbs pork shoulder.
  2. Step 2: Place pork in roasting pan and cover with foil. Roast in oven for 3 hours until very tender and easily shredded.
  3. Step 3: While pork roasts, mix 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 2 tbsp chopped parsley in a bowl to create lemon-garlic sauce. Season with salt to taste.
  4. Step 4: Remove pork from oven, shred with two forks, and keep warm. Warm 4 pita breads in oven for last 5 minutes of roasting.
  5. Step 5: To serve, pile shredded pork on each warm pita, drizzle with lemon-garlic sauce, and fold into wraps.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Roasted Pork Gyros with Lemon-Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 195 minutes (15 min prep + 180 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Slow-Roasted Pork Gyros with Lemon-Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Roasted Pork Gyros with Lemon-Garlic Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Roasted Pork Gyros with Lemon-Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Roasted Pork Gyros with Lemon-Garlic Sauce?

Greek pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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