What Are Gyros Discs and Why Do You Need Them?

A frequent question we encounter both in-store and online is, "What are gyros discs, and why do I need them?" Understanding the importance of gyros discs is essential for anyone looking to achieve authentic, delicious results with spit-roasted gyros.

What is Gyros?

Before diving into the role of gyros discs, it's important to clarify what gyros actually is. Gyros is a traditional Greek dish consisting of thinly shaved pieces of meat, typically lamb shoulder or chicken thigh in Australia, stacked tightly on a spit. The meat is cooked slowly on a rotisserie, with the outer layers being shaved off as they cook.

The Role of Gyros Discs

Gyros discs are specialised accessories designed to hold the stacked meat securely on the spit skewer. Unlike standard rotisserie forks, which use prongs to pierce and hold larger cuts of meat, gyros discs are flat, round plates that wedge the thin slices of meat tightly together. This design is crucial for several reasons:

* Securely Holds the Meat: When preparing gyros, it's essential that the meat remains tightly packed together on the spit. Gyros discs are placed on either side of the stack, pressing the meat firmly in place. This ensures that the meat cooks evenly and doesnÕt shift or fall apart during the roasting process.

* Facilitates Easy Carving: One of the key features of gyros is the ability to carve the meat directly from the spit as it cooks. After about 90 minutes of cooking, the outer layer of meat is usually ready to be shaved off. The flat surface of the gyros discs provides a smooth, safe area to carve against, allowing you to slice the meat cleanly without the risk of dodging prongs or spikes. This not only makes the carving process easier but also ensures that each slice is uniform and well-cooked.

How to Use Gyros Discs

Using gyros discs is straightforward but requires some attention to detail to ensure the best results:

*Stack the Meat: Begin by stacking your thinly sliced meat onto the spit rod. Whether you're using lamb shoulder or chicken thigh, make sure the slices are tightly packed to maximise flavour and cooking efficiency.

*Position the Discs: Place one gyros discs on each side of the meat. Wedge them together as tightly as possible. The goal is to compress the meat so that it remains firm and compact during the cooking process.

*Secure the Setup: Push the discs in as tightly as possible to ensure that the meat doesn't loosen or shift.

*Carve and Enjoy: Once the outer layer of meat is cooked, use a sharp carving knife to shave off the cooked meat against the flat surface of the disc. Continue roasting and carving in stages until all the meat is cooked and served.

Why Invest in Gyros Discs?

Investing in gyros discs is essential if you're serious about spit roasting and want to replicate the authentic experience of cooking and serving gyros. They not only make the process more efficient but also ensure that the final result is of the highest quality, juicy, evenly cooked, and perfectly sliced.

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by: Rhiannon Peterson