By Marissa Saviano
Backstrap is preferred for this recipe, but really, any prime cut will do. The meat gets a bath in a Greek-style marinade, then hits the hot grill for a fast sear to get it medium-rare. Thinly sliced and piled high on a grilled piece of pita or naan bread and topped with your favorite Gyro accoutrements it makes for a hearty and flavorful sandwich.
Ingredients
Salt and Pepper
Marinade:
1/4 tsp Dill Weed
Tzatziki Sauce:
Salt and Pepper to taste
For Serving:
Crumbled Feta Cheese
Directions
Start by making the marinade. Combine all ingredients except the garlic. Take the clove of garlic and either press through a garlic press or grate on a microplane into the marinade. Whisk vigorously to combine. Pour the marinade over venison making sure all sides are thoroughly coated and let it sit for 1-2 hours.
While the meat is marinating, make the Tzatziki sauce. Combine yogurt, Olive oil and lemon juice, stir to combine. Once again press the garlic clove through a garlic press or grate on a microplane and add to yogurt. Gently stir in the remaining ingredients until combined and salt and pepper to taste. Chill the sauce until you're ready to serve.
Make sure to pull your meat from the fridge approximately 1 hour prior to cooking and let come to room temperature before grilling. Get your grill nice and hot and cook the meat on the grill to medium rare (time will depend on size and thickness of your meat). Baste the meat with any remaining marinade while it cooks for extra flavor. Pull the meat when it reaches medium rare and let it rest. A good rule of thumb is to let the meat rest for the same amount of time that you cooked each side, so if you cooked it for 5 minutes a side, let your meat rest for 5 minutes total before cutting it. While the meat is resting throw your pita or naan bread on the grill to heat for just about 1-2 minutes each side.
Thinly slice the meat (I prefer about an 1/8th inch thick), assemble your Gyros with the Tzatziki sauce and your favorite toppings, and enjoy!