Vegan Gyros are a plant-based take on the classic Greek street food. Instead of lamb or chicken, these gyros are filled with flavorful marinated seitan or tofu, and topped with fresh, crispy veggies and a creamy, dairy-free tzatziki sauce. This recipe brings together the classic Mediterranean flavors of garlic, lemon, oregano, and cucumber, giving you all the savory goodness of a traditional gyro, without any animal products. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun, healthy twist on a classic favorite, these Vegan Gyros are sure to be a hit with both vegans and non-vegans alike!

Ingredients:

For the Vegan “Meat”:

  • 1 package of seitan (about 8 oz), or 1 block of firm tofu, pressed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup dairy-free yogurt (such as coconut or almond yogurt)
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp dried dill (or fresh dill, chopped)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Gyro:

  • 4-6 pita or flatbreads
  • 1 tomato, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Vegan feta cheese (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Vegan “Meat”:
    • If using seitan: Slice it into thin strips or small chunks. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the seitan and cook for 5-7 minutes, until it’s crispy and golden brown. Add the soy sauce, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the seitan with the marinade, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the flavors are absorbed.
    • If using tofu: Slice the tofu into thin strips. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then marinate it with olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. After marinating for about 10-15 minutes, sauté the tofu in a hot pan for 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy on the edges.
  2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, mix together the dairy-free yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess water squeezed out), lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Chill in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  3. Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita or flatbreads in the oven or on a pan for 1-2 minutes until soft. To assemble each gyro, layer the cooked vegan “meat” in the center of the pita, then add slices of tomato, onion, cucumber, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce on top. Garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled vegan feta if desired.
  4. Serve: Serve the vegan gyros immediately with a side of roasted potatoes or a Greek salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

  • Calories: ~350-400 kcal
  • Protein: ~25-30 g (depending on the type of vegan “meat” used)
  • Fat: ~18-20 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~30-35 g
  • Fiber: ~5-7 g
  • Sugars: ~5-7 g
  • Sodium: ~700-900 mg (depending on soy sauce and other seasonings)
  • Vitamin A: ~10-15% of the Daily Value (from fresh vegetables)
  • Calcium: ~8-12% of the Daily Value (from dairy-free yogurt)

Notes:

  • Seitan vs Tofu: Seitan gives a more traditional “meaty” texture, but tofu is a lighter, softer option. If using tofu, ensure to press it well to remove excess moisture for better texture.
  • Tzatziki Variations: You can use cashew yogurt or another non-dairy yogurt as a base if you don’t have access to coconut or almond yogurt.
  • Additional Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings such as Kalamata olives, shredded lettuce, or even a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
  • Make-Ahead: The tzatziki sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The vegan “meat” can also be prepared in advance and stored for up to 2 days in the fridge.

These Vegan Gyros are a fresh and satisfying meal that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavor. They are perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or casual get-together. Enjoy the delicious combination of seasoned “meat,” crunchy veggies, and creamy tzatziki in every bite!