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    Home » Mains

    Vegan Gyros With Grilled Tofu And Tzatziki Sauce

    Updated: Jun 28, 2020 by Verna Rindler · This post may contain affiliate links · 14 Comments

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    vegan gyro wrapped in foil being held

    Vegan Gyros! marinated grilled tofu, fresh veggies, topped with 10 minute tzatziki sauce and wrapped in a warm pita! Delicious and easy greek wrap!

    vegan gyro being held

    Wait until you get a hold of my Gyro recipe!! Full of vegetables and tofu making it vegan, scrumptious and healthy! Yummy street style greek food right at home made with whole food ingredients!

    What is a Gyro (pronounced “yee-ros”):

    A gyro is essentially a greek sandwich that derived from the lamb-based doner kebab, it usually consists of grilled or rotisserie style meat like pork or chicken and vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes and onions stuffed in a flatbread (pita bread or naan) and topped with a yogurt sauce (tzatziki).

    There are a lot of vegetarian options to replace the meat in gyros: like portabella mushrooms, seitan, chickpeas, tempeh, jackfruit or tofu.

    For my vegan gyros recipe I’m using marinated grilled tofu to replace the meat, which kind of mimics a chicken Gyro. An it’s seriously good with authentic flavours. You’ll eat the tofu all by itself, that’s how tasty it is! And totally plant based. You certainly won’t find this at any greek restaurants around my area!

    a vegan gyro wrapped in foil on a wooden cutting board

    What is the difference between Gyros and Shawarma?

    Gyros are Greek in origin. Shawarma is Middle Eastern in origin. In Greece gyros are usually made with pork or chicken while in north America they can consist of beef, lamb or chicken. Shwarmas don’t usually contain pork, instead it’s beef, lamb or chicken, and more diverse toppings like tabouli, fattoush can be added. The sauce is usually a tahini garlic sauce or hummus and not tzatziki like a greek gyro. Spices vary slightly also.

    How to make Vegan Gyros:

    1. First press the tofu then slice the tofu lengthwise so you have 2 thinner slabs cut each slab in half for a total of four pieces. Lay flat in a large freezer bag and pour over the marinade. Marinade for minimum 1 hour, overnight or up to a couple of days.
    2. While the tofu is pressing make the marinade: add ingredients to a bowl and whisk until the sugar has dissolved,
    3. While the tofu is marinading prep the vegetables: shred lettuce, slice cucumbers, tomatoes and red onions, set aside
    4. Make one recipe of vegan tzatziki and set aside in the fridge until needed (or prepare a day ahead)
    5. To grill the tofu: remove from marinade, oil both sides of tofu, I use a pastry brush and grill over medium heat on your preheated and oiled grill pan or bbq. (if using bbq make sure the grates are clean and oiled) Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until you get some good char marks for extra flavour! Remove to plate and drizzle on more marinade (it’s so fabulous) Cut each tofu steak into 4 pieces.
    6. To assemble the gyros: lay a pita on a piece of tin foil or parchment paper. Add some shredded lettuce down the middle followed by some grilled tofu, veggies and tzaziki sauce and a twist of cracked black pepper and salt or seasoning salt. Wrap up in the foil, twisting and folding up the end. Enjoy! For full recipe ingredients and instructions see recipe card below.

    step by step photos how to make and assemble vegan gyros

    vegan gyro wrapped in foil on a wooden cutting board beside a plate of grilled tofu and veggies

    These are the best enjoyed a long side of crispy French fries, or feel free to add some fries right in your gyro if desired, that’s what they do for street style gyros in the food trucks -super yum!! Add a side of tzaziki and or hummus to your plate and your good to go!

    I use store bought frozen french fries, any variety, cooked up crispy then season with a little seasoning salt and celery salt, mmm!

    OK GUYS LET'S MAKE VEGAN GYROS, THEY'RE:

    simple

    healthy

    satisfying

    a tasty mediterranean meal

    full of flavour

    little garlicy

    fresh

    Enjoy guys! Happy day to you! feel free to leave a comment and a rating below. I would love to hear from you.

    Follow me on PINTEREST and INSTAGRAM for more tasty Plant Based Vegan Recipes❤️

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    vegan gyro being held

    Vegan Gyros With Grilled Tofu And Tzatziki Sauce


    ★★★★★

    5 from 6 reviews

    • Author: Verna
    • Total Time: 40 minutes
    • Yield: 4 Gyros 1x
    • Diet: Vegan
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Vegan Gyros! marinated grilled tofu, fresh veggies, topped with 10 minute tzatziki sauce and wrapped in a warm pita! Delicious and easy greek wrap!


    Ingredients

    Scale

    For the tofu and marinade:

    • 1 package extra firm tofu, pressed*
    • 2 tablespoons oil, I use grapeseed oil
    • 3 tablespoons tamari
    • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
    • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
    • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • pinch of pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
    • 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

    For the rest:

    • 1 recipe 1o Minute Tzatziki Sauce
    • 4 pitas, naan or your favourite flatbread, warmed or slightly grilled
    • 1 -2 tomatoes, sliced
    • about half English cucumber, cut into slices lengthwise
    • 3 cups or so, shredded lettuce, romaine or iceberg
    • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced in half moon shapes

    Optional add ins:

    • hummus
    • black olives
    • French fries
    • Chopped fresh herbs like dill, mint, parsley, or even cilantro

     


    Instructions

    1. First press the tofu (see notes) for 15-20 minutes then slice the tofu lengthwise so you have 2 thinner slabs cut each slab in half for a total of four pieces. Lay flat in a large freezer bag and pour over the marinade. Marinade for minimum 1 hour, overnight or up to a couple of days in the fridge.
    2. While the tofu is pressing make the marinade: add ingredients to a bowl and whisk until the sugar has dissolved,
    3. While the tofu is marinading prep the vegetables, set aside
    4. Make one recipe of vegan tzatziki and set aside in the fridge until needed (or prepare a day ahead)
    5. To grill the tofu: remove from marinade, oil both sides of tofu, I use a pastry brush and grill over medium heat on your preheated and oiled grill pan or bbq. (if using bbq make sure the grates are clean and oiled) Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until you get some good char marks for extra flavour! Remove to plate and drizzle on more marinade (it’s so fabulous) Cut each tofu steak into 4 pieces.
    6. To assemble the gyros: lay a pita on a piece of tin foil or parchment paper. Add some shredded lettuce down the middle followed by some grilled tofu, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and tzatziki sauce and a twist of cracked black pepper and salt or seasoning salt. Wrap up in the foil, twisting and folding up the end. Enjoy! Makes 4 Gyros. For step by step photos see above post.

    These are the best enjoyed a long side of crispy French fries, or feel free to add some fries right in your gyro if desired, that’s what they do for street style gyros in the food trucks -super yum!! Add a side of tzaziki and or hummus to your plate and your good to go! I use store bought frozen french fries, any variety, cooked up crispy then season with a little seasoning salt and celery salt, mmm!

    Notes

    • To press tofu: wrap tofu in layers of paper towel and place a heavy object on top. I usually use my cast iron frying pan
    • prep time doesn't include marinating time
    • You don’t need to wipe off the marinade before grilling tofu just oil over it
    • tofu can marinade up to 2 days
    • tzatziki can be made a day or 2 ahead
    • Prep Time: 30 Minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 Minutes
    • Category: Mains
    • Method: stovetop
    • Cuisine: Greek

    Keywords: vegan gyros, vegan gyro recipe, vegan greek wrap, vegetarian gyro, veggie gyro, gyro wrap recipe, greek gyros,

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cheeky_chickpea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #cheeky_chickpea_

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Megan

      December 26, 2022 at 9:46 pm

      Just made these tonight and fell in love! The tofu is top notch on its own, when you add that tzatziki it takes it to the next level. A great flavorful meal I felt great about eating. I didn't have tomato paste and didn't want to add the sugar so I used 1 tbsp ketchup instead. Also cut the tofu into thinner slices, just my preference, they came out crispy and chewy and so flavorful. Definitely making this again. Also thinking the tofu would be awesome in a Greek salad

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna Rindler

        December 27, 2022 at 6:45 am

        So glad you enjoyed it Megan, thanks so much for the wonderful feedback 🙂

        Reply
    2. Krystal

      August 08, 2022 at 4:12 pm

      This was wonderful, gyros and tzatziki both! We were thinking that we would like to try this marinade on seitan steaks, then cook them on the grill!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        August 08, 2022 at 9:34 pm

        So glad you enjoyed the recipe! That is an excellent idea -it would make a fabulous seitan marinade!! Thanks for your wonderful feedback Krystal it is so helpful 🙂

        Reply
    3. Ellen

      February 26, 2022 at 1:20 pm

      This recipe is exceptional! All the components work together perfectly. The tofu- wow! That's a winner. Thank you for sharing

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        February 26, 2022 at 2:14 pm

        Thank you so much for your wonderful review!

        Reply
    4. Shaun

      November 12, 2021 at 9:23 pm

      Deliciousness!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        November 13, 2021 at 5:46 am

        Thank you so much!

        Reply
    5. Brielle C

      November 08, 2021 at 7:26 am

      We have made this recipe numerous times, absolutley love it the tofu is amazing!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        November 09, 2021 at 7:28 am

        thank you so much!

        Reply
    6. Midge

      July 01, 2020 at 2:49 pm

      We really enjoyed preparing these and devouring them . We will be definitely be a hit this summer ,

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Verna

        August 24, 2020 at 12:07 am

        Thank you so much Midge! Glad you all enjoyed the Gyro recipe!

        Reply
    7. Sunny

      June 28, 2020 at 3:59 pm

      Thank you, Verna. I've been missing gyros and this recipe looks delicious. I appreciate the time, effort and expertise you put into your posts. Your photos are helpful and mouth-watering. ☺

      Reply
      • Verna

        June 28, 2020 at 4:28 pm

        Aww thank you so much Sunny! That's so nice of you to say, I appreciate it! Enjoy the recipe😊

        Reply

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    Hi, I’m Verna! Major foodie of all things vegan! Welcome to The Cheeky Chickpea; here, you’ll find hundreds of restaurant-worthy easy vegan recipes. Some oil-free and gluten-free, from veggie-powered plant-based comfort foods to decadent desserts. Lots of tricks and tips up my chef sleeve…Grab your apron let’s get cooking!

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