Publised on 20/06/2024. Last Updated on 21/06/2024 by Richard
Delicious vegan gyros packed with dairy-free tzatziki, vegan chicken or tofu, fresh veggies and crispy fries!
Vegan Gyros are the best thing since sliced bread. Actually, scratch that – they’re better! Think marinated “chicken,” fresh veggies, and tangy tzatziki sauce all snugly wrapped in warm pita bread with a side of crispy fries. It’s the closest I’ll come to a luxury Greek vacation this year, and It’s honestly a pretty good trade off!
Let me tell ya, I am absolutely chuffed to share this Vegan Gyro recipe with you lot! I’ve been on a mission to veganise all my fave Greek dishes, and this one’s a corker. If you’ve been hankering for the convenient, savoury goodness of traditional gyros but want to keep it plant-based, you’re in for a treat. These Vegan Gyros are packed with flavour, have the perfect chewy texture, and are so darn delicious you’ll be making them on the reg.
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Where Do Gyros Come From?
Ah, gyros – the delectable street food that makes you feel like you’re walking through the sun-soaked streets of Athens! But where exactly do these delicious wraps come from? The word "gyro" comes from the Greek word "gyros," meaning "turn" or "revolution," referring to the way the meat is traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, slowly turning and roasting to perfection.
The concept of meat cooked on a vertical spit actually has roots in the Middle East with dishes like shawarma and doner kebab. However, gyros as we know them today became popular in Greece in the early 20th century. Greek immigrants brought the recipe to the United States in the 1960s, and since then, gyros have become a beloved staple in Greek restaurants and street food joints worldwide.
Typically, traditional gyros are made with pork or chicken, seasoned with a medley of herbs and spices, and served in fluffy pita bread with fresh veggies and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. My vegan version pays homage to these traditional flavours, while swapping out the meat for plant-based alternatives that are just as tasty and satisfying.
What are Vegan Gyros?
These Vegan and Vegetarian Gyros are the plant-based answer to the classic Greek street food we all know and love. Traditional gyros are made with meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, but we’re swapping that out for marinated and grilled vegan “chicken” or tofu. Toss in some fresh veggies, tangy tzatziki sauce, and crispy fries, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Now, why is this recipe better than the rest? Well, it’s all about the details, my pal! We’ve got marinated “chicken” (one of my favourite seitan recipes out there) that’s grilled to crispy perfection, a homemade vegan tzatziki sauce that’s to die for, and the whole shebang is wrapped up in warm, fluffy pita bread with fresh veggies and crispy fries. Serve with a side of Greek salad, or just enjoy on its own! Either way, you'll be satisfied!
Equipment You'll Need
- Oven with a built-in grill (or broiler if you’re in the US)
- Large bowl
- Small bowl
- Baking sheet
- Skillet
Ingredients You'll Need
Let’s keep it simple. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need. As usual, the full recipe is at the bottom of the page in the recipe card, so if you’re in a rush, scroll away!
- My vegan chicken (or store-bought vegan chicken or extra firm tofu)
- Vegan yoghurt
- Lemon (juice and zest)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Assorted spices (coriander, cumin, paprika, oregano, thyme, cayenne, black pepper, sea salt)
- Vegan Greek pitas or flatbreads
- Vegan tzatziki sauce
- Tomatoes, cucumber, red onion
- Fresh herbs (like fresh dill, parsley, or mint)
- French fries (I used frozen, air-fried fries, tossed in greek herbs)
What is Vegan Gyro Meat Made From?
Here’s the lowdown on what you can use for your vegan gyros meat:
- Vegan chicken: For vegan seitan gyros, go for my homemade "chicken" recipe or use store-bought – no judgement here. Texture-wise, this is the closest you'll come to traditional gyro meat!
- Extra firm tofu: Great texture when marinated and grilled. Thanks to its spongey texture it's great for soaking up all the flavours of Greek food!
- Soy curls: A fab option for that classic chewiness. You’ll need to rehydrate in advance though.
- Tempeh: A unique texture and flavour for anyone looking to add a probiotic friendly element to this dish.
How to Make Vegan Gyros
Alright, here’s how we’re gonna whip up these bad boys. Remember, the full recipe is at the bottom of the page, but here’s a simple breakdown to get you started:
1. Marinate the “Chicken”: In a large bowl, mix together the vegan yoghurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices. Add your vegan “chicken” or tofu and give it a good mix. Let it marinate in an airtight container for at least 1 hour, or better yet, overnight. The longer, the better! You can also do this in a freezer bag, to help make sure the "chicken" is thoroughly coated!
2. Grill the “Chicken”: Preheat your grill. Arrange the marinated vegan “chicken” on a baking sheet and grill for 5-7 minutes per side until slightly crispy and browned. Keep an eye on it to prevent any sad burnt bits.
3. Prep the Veggies: Slice up those tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Pop them in a small bowl and set aside.
4. Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita bread until it’s all nice and fluffy. Spread a generous amount of vegan tzatziki sauce on each pita, add the grilled “chicken,” top with fresh veggies, and don’t forget a handful of crispy fries. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, roll it up, and Bob’s your uncle!
Vegan Gyros FAQs
A: You can use extra firm tofu, soy curls, seitan, or tempeh. Each offers a unique texture and flavour, so feel free to play around!
A: You bet! The marinated “chicken” can be prepped a day in advance and stored in an airtight container. It actually tastes even better the next day!
A: Be sure to reheat the elements of these gyros separately, or you’ll spoil the texture. Reheat the “chicken” in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also warm the pita bread in the oven or on a skillet.
A: Absolutely! Store-bought is fine, but if you’ve got the time, homemade tzatziki sauce always adds that extra fresh flavour!
And there you have it, my friends! An irresistible Vegan Gyros recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to snap some pics of your creations and tag @schoolnightvegan on social media – I love seeing your versions of my recipes!
If you’re craving more, why not try my Vegan Spanakopita or Perfect Vegan Mushroom Risotto next?
Vegan Gyros
Equipment
- Grill (or broiler)
- Large bowl
- small bowl
- Baking sheet
- Skillet
Ingredients
For The Marinated “Chicken”
- 450 g vegan chicken use my recipe or extra firm tofu or store-bought vegan chicken
- 200 g vegan yoghurt unflavoured and unsweetened
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 50 ml extra virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves very finely minced or crushed
- ½ tablespoon ground coriander
- ½ tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ tablespoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed black pepper
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon MSG optional
For Serving
- 4 Vegan Greek Pitas or store-bought flatbreads use my recipe or store-bought
- 240 ml vegan tzatziki use my recipe or store-bought
- 3 tomatoes sliced
- ½ a cucumber sliced
- 1 red onion peeled and sliced
- Fresh dill, parsley or mint
- Ground black pepper
- 200 g french fries cooked
Instructions
To Make the Marinated “Chicken”
- Pull apart or slice the vegan chicken into large shreds. If using extra firm tofu, break it into large chunks.450 g vegan chicken
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the remaining marinated “chicken” ingredients. Mix well to create a smooth marinade.200 g vegan yoghurt, 1 lemon, 50 ml extra virgin olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, ½ tablespoon ground coriander, ½ tablespoon ground cumin, ½ tablespoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon crushed black pepper, ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, ½ teaspoon MSG, Ground black pepper
- Add the vegan “chicken” or tofu to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat your grill (broiler) on high. Arrange the marinated vegan chicken or tofu on a baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet under the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until slightly crispy and browned on the edges. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Remove from the grill and slice.
To Serve
- Warm the vegan Greek pitas or flatbreads in a skillet or oven until they are soft and pliable.4 Vegan Greek Pitas or store-bought flatbreads
- Place a generous amount of vegan tzatziki on each pita, followed by some cooked vegan “chicken”.240 ml vegan tzatziki
- Top with sliced tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Sprinkle with fresh dill, parsley, or mint and add a handful of cooked french fries directly into each gyro.3 tomatoes, ½ a cucumber, 1 red onion, Fresh dill, parsley or mint, 200 g french fries
- Fold the pitas to encase the fillings and serve.
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