This vegan gyro recipe is so delicious you won't be able to have just one! That said, they are very filling because they are packed with protein! The key to my tofu shaved "meat" is using previously frozen tofu for a more chewy and meat-like texture. My vegan tzatziki sauce is made from soft tofu (I explain why below) and the gyro is loaded with the traditional fresh veg!
Packed with protein and whole food ingredients
Creamy vegan tzatziki
Juicy and chewy tofu shaved "meat"
Fresh, filling, and fun to eat!
How To Make Vegan Tzatziki & Gyro Meat
If you're craving a vegan gyro at home then you have come to the right place! The two components to this recipe that you will have to make from scratch are the meat and the tzatziki.
Vegan tzatziki is very simple to make and can be made while the tofu shaved meat is in the oven. Although tzatziki is typically made with yogurt, I have found that non-dairy yogurts can really vary in taste and texture. That is why I make mine using soft or silken tofu.
For the vegan tzatziki you will have to grate cucumber and squeeze the excess water from it. Then blend the tofu with a few more ingredients including garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, and some fresh herbs. Stir the grated cucumber into the tofu dip and you have a creamy vegan tzatziki sauce!
The key to the tofu shaved "meat" is to use previously frozen firm tofu. When the tofu defrosts the texture completely changes. It becomes spongey and chewy which helps it to mimic meat (especially gyro meat) a little better.
You will slice the tofu as thinly as you can and then mix a quick marinade. Coat the tofu in the marinade and bake it for 30 minutes. The tofu will be dry and crispy so just before you are ready to build your gyro you will rehydrate it in a bit of vegetable broth. Now the tofu meat is juicy and ready for your gyro!
How To Build Vegan Gyro
In addition to your vegan tzatziki and tofu shaved meat, you will need:
- Greek pita
- Romaine lettuce (shredded)
- Tomato (sliced)
- Red onion (sliced)
Once all of your ingredients are ready:
- Warm your pita according to the package instructions.
- Lay the pita fluffier side down.
- Spread vegan tzatziki.
- Then add lettuce, tomato, and onion.
- Top with the tofu shaved meat.
- More tzatziki.
- And enjoy!
Recipe Cost
This vegan gyro recipe makes 4 gyro and costs me approximately $13.95 Canadian.
The tofu shaved meat costs me $5.15 and the vegan tzatziki $1.80. The remaining ingredients add another $7 to the cost. Considering we would probably pay at least $10 for a vegan gyro out (if we could find it), I think this cost is pretty great for a really fun meal.
Let me know in the comments below if you make your own and remember to rate it with 5 stars if you love it! You might also love my falafel pita and my BLT with crispy tempeh bacon and oil-free "mayonnaise"!
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Vegan "Gyro" with Tofu Shaved "Meat"
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delicious vegan gyro recipe made with juicy tofu shaved meat and a simple vegan tzatziki sauce. You won't be able to eat just one!
Ingredients
Tofu Shaved Meat (makes 200 g)
- 350 g firm tofu (best if frozen & defrosted)
- 2 tbsp + ½ teaspoon tamari (or soy sauce)
- 1 tbsp vegan worcestershire sauce (or more tamari)
- 1 tbsp water
- ½ tbsp neutral oil (to prevent sticking in oven)
- ½ tsp liquid smoke
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup vegetable broth (homemade for extra savings)
Vegan Tzatziki Sauce (makes 350 g)
- 170 g cucumber, grated and drained (about ⅓ of an english cucumber)*
- 200 g soft tofu (or 1 cup dairy-free unsweetened yogurt)
- 1-2 cloves garlic (or ¼ tsp garlic powder)
- 2 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or mint)
- ¾ tsp salt (more to taste)
- Pinch black pepper (to taste)
Remaining Ingredients
- 2 tomatoes, sliced*
- ½ red onion, sliced*
- 4 leaves romaine lettuce, shredded*
- 4 Greek pitas*
- optional (add roasted potatoes or fries)
*Fresh ingredients you need that are not part of our pantry and freezer tips.
Instructions
- To make the tofu shaved meat you can visit this blog post for more detailed information. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Slice defrosted tofu as thinly as possible. Make the marinade by mixing 2 tablespoon tamari with the remaining ingredients up until the vegetable broth. Coat the tofu slices in the marinade and lay in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes turning the slices and basting them with leftover marinade at the 20 minute mark. The tofu will be golden and crispy. To rehydrate the slices just before building your gyro, bring the ½ cup vegetable broth and the remaining ½ teaspoon tamari to a boil. Add the tofu meat and simmer until the tofu has absorbed the broth. Now your tofu shaved meat will be juicy and ready to use in your gyro.
- Make the vegan tzatziki while the tofu shaved meat is in the oven. Grate the cucumber and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt to draw out more liquid. Let sit for a couple of minutes then use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to squeeze as much water from the cucumber as possible. Blend the remaining ingredients then stir the cucumber into the blended tofu sauce.
- To build your gyro, warm up the pita according to the package instructions. Lay the warmed pita fluffier side down and spread tzatziki on top. Then add lettuce, tomato, onion, and your tofu shaved meat. Top with more tzatziki and enjoy!
Notes
Approximate Cost: $13.95 Canadian for 4 vegan gyro. $5.15 for the tofu shaved meat, $1.80 for the vegan tzatziki, $7.00 for the remaining ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Burgers & Sandwiches
- Method: Various
- Cuisine: Greek Inspired
Brigitte
Never had gyro in my life (not a meat eater here 😜) but I love this sandwich now. I made it accidentally with naan bread but no regrets and no difference really. It was so good that I make it at least once a week now.
Thank you so much
B
Kathryn Alexandre
Awesome! I'm so glad you love it Brigitte and it's become a weekly staple for you. I will never say no to naan bread haha so definitely no harm done there! We really appreciate you taking the time to write a 5 star review. That means a lot!