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Mediterranean Steak Pita Wraps with Mint Yogurt Sauce adds protein and flavor to your lunch or Memorial Day BBQ.  The steak is marinated in yogurt and grilled, wrapped in a pita with a lemon hummus spread, mint yogurt sauce, diced tomatoes and fresh parsley.

Mediterranean Steak Pita Wrap with Mint Yogurt Sauce on cutting board.
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These Mediterranean Steak Pita Wraps come together in about 25 minutes of active cooking time, with flank steak marinated in a yogurt-and-mint mixture until it’s tender, then grilled and sliced thin over lemon hummus, fresh tomatoes, parsley, and a cool tahini yogurt sauce. They work for a weeknight dinner, a summer grill night, or a build-your-own pita spread that feeds a crowd.

Growing up in a Lebanese family, yogurt marinades were the standard approach for grilled meats. My grandmother used them for everything from lamb kebabs to chicken thighs, and the science behind it is real: the lactic acid in yogurt tenderizes the meat gently without breaking down the texture the way a harsh acid marinade can. The result is steak that stays juicy all the way through, even at medium-well. Paired with a fresh mint yogurt sauce (a staple in Lebanese cooking), these pitas have a brightness and flavor depth you don’t get from standard gyro-style wraps.

Why This Recipe Works

Julia, author of A Cedar Spoon.

The yogurt marinade does two things most people don’t expect. First, the lactic acid tenderizes the flank steak without making it mushy, which is a real risk with citrus-heavy marinades if you go too long. Second, the yogurt coating creates a light char barrier on the grill that seals in moisture. Flank steak cooked this way stays juicy from edge to edge instead of drying out at the thinner ends.

The mint yogurt sauce is not just a condiment here. In Lebanese cooking, fresh mint stirred into yogurt is a classic pairing for grilled meats, used the same way tzatziki is used in Greek cooking, but with a lighter, more herbal flavor that doesn’t compete with the steak. It brightens the whole wrap without weighing it down.

Recipe Ingredients

  • Flank Steak: Flank steak is the ideal cut for pita wraps because it has a deep, beefy flavor and slices into thin, tender strips when cut against the grain. It cooks quickly on the grill and holds up well to a yogurt marinade without falling apart.
  • For the Yogurt Marinade: Combine these four ingredients in a zip-lock bag with the steak and marinate for at least 2 hours, overnight if possible. The lactic acid in the yogurt tenderizes the meat gently.
  • For the Mint Yogurt Sauce: Stir these four ingredients together right before serving. The yogurt keeps it light and cool, the honey rounds out any sharpness, and the fresh mint is the star. This is a classic Lebanese-style condiment for grilled meats, brighter and more herbal than tzatziki.
  • Pita: Warm your pita before assembling. A quick 20 to 30 seconds wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave, or 1 to 2 minutes on the grill, makes it pliable and much less likely to crack when you fold it.
  • Hummus: Spread on the inside of the pita as the base layer. It adds a creamy, nutty foundation and keeps the steak and toppings from sliding out. Lemon hummus specifically brightens the whole wrap. Plain hummus with a squeeze of fresh lemon works too.
  • Tomato: Adds freshness and a little acidity that cuts through the richness of the steak and sauce. Roma or vine tomatoes hold up better than beefsteak.
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh flat-leaf parsley adds color and a clean herbal finish. It is used throughout Lebanese cooking as a finishing herb, not just a garnish.
Mediterranean Steak Pita Wrap with Mint Yogurt Sauce on cutting board.

How to make Steak Pita Wraps

Step 1: Make the marinade. In a large zip-lock bag, combine the yogurt, honey, chopped mint, and olive oil. Season the flank steak on both sides with salt and cracked pepper, then place it in the bag. Seal tight and shake so the steak is fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best result.

Step 2: Make the mint yogurt sauce. Stir together the yogurt, honey, fresh mint, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This can be made up to 3 days ahead.

Step 3: Prep the pitas. Spread a layer of lemon hummus on one side of each pita and set aside on a large cutting board or platter.

Step 4: Grill the steak. Remove the steak from the refrigerator 15 to 20 minutes before grilling. Preheat the grill for 5 minutes, then turn to medium heat. Place the steak on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the steak reaches your desired temperature. Medium rare is 130 to 135°F and medium is 135 to 140°F.

Step 5: Rest and slice. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Cut diagonally against the grain into thin strips. This step is essential for tenderness, do not skip it.

Step 6: Assemble the wraps. Lay half the steak strips over the hummus on each pita. Drizzle generously with the mint yogurt sauce, then top with diced tomatoes and fresh parsley. Add a few dashes of hot sauce if you like heat. Serve immediately.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using dried mint instead of fresh. Dried mint works in slow-cooked dishes but the sauce needs fresh mint for the right brightness and flavor. It’s worth the extra step.
  • Skipping the resting time after grilling. Flank steak needs to rest for at least 5 minutes before you slice it. Cut it too early and all the juices run out onto the cutting board instead of staying in the meat.
  • Slicing with the grain instead of against it. Flank steak has long muscle fibers that run in one direction. Slicing against that grain (perpendicular to the fibers) is what makes it tender. Slicing with the grain gives you chewy, tough bites.
  • Using cold steak straight from the fridge. Pull the marinated steak out 15 to 20 minutes before grilling so it comes closer to room temperature. This helps it cook evenly all the way through.
  • Overstuffing the pita. Pile the ingredients on in layers and resist the urge to add everything at once. A little hummus, a few strips of steak, a drizzle of sauce, and fresh toppings is the right ratio. Overstuffed pitas tear and fall apart.
Mediterranean Steak Pita Wraps with Mint Yogurt Sauce on plate.

Topping Ideas and Variations

The base recipe keeps things simple, but these wraps are easy to expand for a full pita bar setup.

  • Classic additions that work well: sliced cucumber, crumbled feta, pickled red onion, Sumac Onions,marinated olives, shredded romaine. If you have leftover tabbouleh, it goes directly into the pita instead of the tomatoes and parsley, which is actually how my family serves these most often.
  • For heat, a drizzle of harissa or a few dashes of hot sauce along with the mint yogurt sauce adds a nice contrast to the cool, creamy base.
  • If you want to swap the protein, this marinade works well on chicken thighs or lamb chops. The grill time will vary but the flavor profile holds up.

Make-Ahead and Storage

  • Marinade: You can marinate the flank steak for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Overnight is ideal. Do not exceed 24 hours or the texture of the meat starts to break down.
  • Mint yogurt sauce: Make this up to 3 days ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. Stir before using, as it may separate slightly.
  • Grilled steak: Store leftover sliced steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to keep it from drying out. Do not microwave, as it toughens the meat.
  • Assembled wraps: These do not store well once assembled. Build them fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Recipe FAQ

What cut of steak is best for pita wraps?

Flank steak is the best choice because it has a strong, beefy flavor, cooks quickly on a grill, and slices beautifully into thin strips when you cut against the grain. Skirt steak is a close second with a similar texture. Avoid thick cuts like ribeye or New York strip for wraps since they don’t slice as cleanly and tend to make the pita too bulky.

Can I make these steak pita wraps without a grill?

Yes. A cast iron grill pan over high heat gives you close to the same result. Heat the pan until it’s very hot, then cook the marinated steak 4 to 5 minutes per side. You won’t get the same smoke flavor but the crust and texture will be comparable.

Can I make these ahead of time for a crowd?

Yes, with a little planning. Marinate the steak and make the mint yogurt sauce up to a day ahead. Grill the steak, then slice and keep it warm in a low oven (around 200°F) covered with foil while you finish the rest. Set everything out as a build-your-own pita bar so guests can assemble their own wraps. It scales easily, just double or triple the recipe.

Can I use a different protein instead of steak?

Absolutely. The yogurt marinade works well on chicken thighs, lamb chops, or even shrimp. Chicken thighs will need about 6 to 7 minutes per side on the grill. Lamb chops cook similarly to the flank steak. For shrimp, cut the marinade time down to 30 minutes and grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side.

How do I keep the pita from falling apart while eating?

Two things help most: do not overstuff the pita, and wrap the bottom half in a small piece of parchment paper or foil before serving. The parchment gives you something to grip as you eat and keeps everything contained as the wrap loosens up.

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5 from 1 vote

Mediterranean Steak Pita Wraps with Mint Yogurt Sauce

Mediterranean Steak Pita Wraps with Mint Yogurt Sauce adds protein and flavor to your lunch or Memorial Day BBQ.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Marinade time: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4
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Ingredients 

  • 1 pound flank steak

For the yogurt marinade:

  • 1 cup yogurt, low fat
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 1 Tablespoons mint, chopped
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil

For the yogurt sauce:

  • 1/2 cup yogurt, low fat
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 3 Tablespoons mint, chopped

For the wrap:

  • 4 large pita breads
  • 1/2 cup hummus
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup tomato, diced
  • 1/4 cup parsley, stems removed, leaves chopped
  • Hot sauce , {optional garnish}

Instructions 

Marinade steak:

  • In a large zip-lock bag, combine the yogurt, honey, chopped mint, and olive oil. Season the flank steak on both sides with salt and cracked pepper, then place it in the bag. Seal tight and shake so the steak is fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best result.

Make the yogurt sauce:

  • Stir together the yogurt, honey, fresh mint, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This can be made up to 3 days ahead.
  • Prep the pitas. Spread a layer of lemon hummus on one side of each pita and set aside on a large cutting board or platter.

Grill steak:

  • Remove the steak from the refrigerator 15 to 20 minutes before grilling. Preheat the grill for 5 minutes, then turn to medium heat. Place the steak on the grill, close the lid, and cook for 10 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes, until the steak reaches your desired temperature. Medium rare is 130 to 135°F and medium is 135 to 140°F.
  • Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Cut diagonally against the grain into thin strips. This step is essential for tenderness, do not skip it.

Assemble the wraps:

  • Lay half the steak strips over the hummus on each pita. Drizzle generously with the mint yogurt sauce, then top with diced tomatoes and fresh parsley. Add a few dashes of hot sauce if you like heat. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Makes 2 large pita wraps or 4 small pitas. The recipe scales easily: double or triple the steak and marinade for a crowd, and the mint yogurt sauce multiplies well.
  • Cut the steak against the grain after resting for at least 5 minutes. This is the single most important step for tenderness with flank steak.
  • Fresh mint is strongly recommended for the yogurt sauce. Dried mint does not give the same brightness and the sauce will taste flat.
  • The 2-hour marinade time is mostly hands-off. Actual prep is about 10 minutes, and grill time is 15 minutes.
  • Tabbouleh makes an excellent substitute for the diced tomato and parsley if you have it on hand. It’s how this dish is often served at Lebanese family tables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g, Calories: 520kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 36g, Fat: 19g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 80mg, Sodium: 546mg, Potassium: 790mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 861IU, Vitamin C: 11mg, Calcium: 219mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Mention @acedarspoon or tag #acedarspoon!

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33 Comments

  1. Martha @ A Family Feast says:

    I’m loving all of the different flavors you’ve combined in this recipe! I had the huge pleasure of visiting Ohio last fall and learned a lot about the beef industry….you are in the midst of some wonderful foodie inspiration!

    1. Julia says:

      That is fun that you got to come to Ohio and learned about the beef industry. We have a great farming community here.

  2. Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says:

    I love wrapping up anything that is Greek inspired–this look great!

    1. Julia says:

      Me too! The best!

  3. Julie | This Gal Cooks says:

    What a drool-worthy recipe, Julia! Sometimes I think there is nothing better than a soft pita bread filled with delicious ingredients.

    1. Julia says:

      Thanks Julie. I agree–pita wraps are one of my favorite things to make because you can do so many different combinations!

  4. Kim Beaulieu says:

    This is one seriously scrumptious recipe. I love steak pitas. This is fabulous.

    1. Julia says:

      Thanks Kim! We do too.

  5. Laura says:

    I am from (central) Ohio and I live in (southwestern) Ohio and my grandpa was a beef cattle farmer and yet I confess I had no idea that May was Ohio Beef Month lol! Cleveland has a WONDERFUL food scene. I lived there for 3 years and visited it many times growing up. I think it is because Cleveland also has a thriving immigrant population constantly bringing in new and interesting cuisines. There is food there I have never been able to find anywhere else I have lived–and I have lived outside of Ohio too lol.

    I love these wraps–they look like comfort food at its finest!

    1. Julia says:

      Fun! That is so cool that your Grandpa was a beef cattle farmer. My Dad’s Grandparents were farmers in Illinois. And yes, I agree Cleveland has a great food scene. I think it is underrated. I think you are right that there is a lot of immigrants in the area which brings great ethnic cuisines and choices. There are a lot of Lebanese markets and restaurants which I love!

  6. tanya says:

    This wrap is right up my alley! There are so many wonderful flavors. Lemon hummus and mint yogurt? Wow!! And yes, I am “just down the road” from you!

    1. Julia says:

      Thanks Tanya. The lemon humus and mint yogurt go great together! Hope to meet you sometime soon.

  7. Medha @ Whisk & Shout says:

    These look just delicious and that mint yogurt sauce is totally to die for, yum!

    1. Julia says:

      Thanks! I love the mint yogurt sauce too. It adds that extra touch of flavor.

  8. Sue Lau says:

    These wraps look gorgeous! I sometimes do beef koftas with a similar sauce. These are nice on pita as well. There really is nothing like the taste of char-grilled beef, is there? Love how you tied the pita up, clever idea! Great post! ~s

    1. Julia says:

      Beef kofta is a favorite of ours! I love steak paired with Lebanese/Mediterranean flavors-it just adds so much flavor. Thanks for stopping by Sue!

  9. pam (Sidewalk Shoes) says:

    I think beef deserves two months!

    1. Julia says:

      You are so right, Pam! 😉

  10. Kristen @ A Mind Full Mom says:

    Anything wrapped up in a pita and served up with a Greek inspired flavor, I am all in! These look so perfect for summer dinners.

    1. Julia says:

      I totally agree. This is perfect for summer and backyard grilling. Thanks Kristen.

About Julia Jolliff

I'm Julia. Wife, mom to three growing boys, lover of food. Here you will find quick & easy weeknight meal ideas, kid-friendly recipes and a few sweet treats. My roots are from the Mediterranean and many of my recipes incorporate those flavors!

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