Grilled Tofu Gyros Recipe | Homemade Vegan & Vegetarian Gyros (2024)

By Shannon @ Yup, it's Vegan 25 Comments

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This post is sponsored by House Foods. All opinions are my own.

Stuff a warm pita bread with tender spiced tofu, lettuce, tomatoes, and vegan tzatziki to make these delicious grilled tofu gyros!

Grilled Tofu Gyros Recipe | Homemade Vegan & Vegetarian Gyros (1)

I’ve always been of the opinion that there’s no reason for vegetarians to feel left out when it comes to grilling. The majority of plant-based foods taste delicious when grilled, and while it takes a little bit of finesse, grilled tofu is no exception. Here I’ve marinated it in a blend of Greek inspired seasonings and umami ingredients to make it worthy of your grill.

Grilled Tofu Gyros Recipe | Homemade Vegan & Vegetarian Gyros (2)

You can certainly use tahini sauce or hummus instead of vegan tzatziki, but I encourage whipping some up if you can access plain non-dairy yogurt. I tested this with both coconut yogurt (my fave) and almond yogurt (something I eat begrudgingly) and thanks to the punchy vinegar and dill flavors, it tastes great either way.

Grilled Tofu Gyros Recipe | Homemade Vegan & Vegetarian Gyros (3)

I put some french fries in my tofu gyros because they’re sometimes included and I am a potato lover. Optional! Any grilled vegetables you happen to be cooking up would also be nice additions here. I rounded my pita bread out with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, some extra fresh parsley, and a few slivers of red onion.

If you give this grilled tofu gyros a try, let me know! Making it is as simple as firing up the grill, picking up some pita bread and House Foods tofu at the grocery store, and whisking together a simple marinade. I hope you enjoy this gyros minus the meat!

Grilled Tofu Gyros Recipe | Homemade Vegan & Vegetarian Gyros (4)

Grilled Tofu Gyros Recipe | Homemade Vegan & Vegetarian Gyros (5)

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5 from 23 votes

Grilled Tofu Gyros

Tofu is dipped in a Greek-inspired savory marinade, grilled to perfection, and drizzled with dairy-free tzatziki to make these grilled tofu gyros.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean, refined sugar-free

Keyword grilled greek tofu, tofu gyros

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour

Servings 4 servings

Calories 392kcal

Author Yup, it's Vegan

Ingredients

For the vegan tzatziki:

  • 1 cup shredded cucumber (about 1 medium-large cucumber)
  • 1 cup plain, unsweetened non-dairy yogurt (I tested this recipe with both coconut and almond yogurts)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small clove garlic minced or grated
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or use lemon juice)
  • 2 tbsp minced fresh dill

For the savory grilled tofu:

For the grilled tofu gyros:

  • 4 pita breads
  • vegan tzatziki (recipe above)
  • savory grilled tofu (recipe above)
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced
  • cooked French fries (optional)

Instructions

For the vegan tzatziki:

  • Sprinkle the shredded cucumber with salt and place it in a colander to drain for 10-15 minutes.

  • Stir together the yogurt, oil, garlic, salt, and vinegar in a bowl. Take the cucumber and squeeze out any more excess liquid using your hands or cheesecloth. Stir it into the mixture until well-incorporated. Finally, stir in the fresh dill. Season to taste and store cold.

For the savory grilled tofu:

  • Open the tofu, drain liquid from the package, and then wrap it in a clean towel, placing a heavy object on top of it to press out excess liquid from it. (Or use a tofu press). Let the tofu press for 10-15 minutes.

  • Preheat your grilling implement and make sure the grates are cleaned and well-seasoned with oil.

  • Mix together all of the ingredients for the tofu marinade until smooth. Cut the tofu width-wise into 8 approximately-equal slices. Use a baking dish or a large plate to pour the marinade over the tofu slices, then turn them over to coat both sides.

  • Grill the tofu pieces on an outside edge of the grill (don't use the hottest part; low-and-slow helps make the tofu a little chewier and crispier). Cook for 6-8 minutes per side, flipping halfway through. You want to see the tofu getting a little bit crisp on the outside with nice browning.

  • If desired, brush the tofu with a little bit more of the extra marinade after cooking.

For the grilled tofu gyros:

  • If desired, warm the pitas on the grill or however you prefer. Add two slices of tofu to each pita, along with plenty of lettuce, tomato, tzatziki, French fries if using, and any other toppings of choice. Enjoy hot.

Notes

Nutrition facts exclude French fries and assume only half of the sauce is used.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pita with tofu and toppings | Calories: 392kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 926mg | Potassium: 1099mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 2950IU | Vitamin C: 45.4mg | Calcium: 310mg | Iron: 7mg

Grilled Tofu Gyros Recipe | Homemade Vegan & Vegetarian Gyros (2024)

FAQs

What is a good substitute for gyro meat? ›

Beef flank steak: While traditional gyros are made with lamb, beef is a wonderful, crowd-pleasing alternative. Cucumber: Peel, grate, and strain this before incorporating into your tzatziki sauce so the condiment doesn't get too watery.

What is authentic gyro meat made of? ›

In this traditional kebab dish, the lamb is seasoned, pressed into a cylinder, and continuously rotated until fully cooked. When the lamb is too lean, layers of fat are sometimes added. Lamb is the most common and traditional meat used in Gyros.

What makes a gyro Greek? ›

Different Types Of Greek Gyro

Currently, Greek gyro typically includes a combination of lamb, pork, or chicken that has been seasoned with oregano, garlic, and vinegar and then grilled. The pita pocket is filled with vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and lettuce and then topped with tzatziki sauce.

What vegetables go well with gyros? ›

A traditional Greek salad includes tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, all mixed in a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano. The combination of fresh, crunchy vegetables, salty olives, and feta cheese contrasts the warm, savory gyro.

Do they have vegetarian gyros in Greece? ›

Popular Vegetarian food in Greece:

I also found vegetarian food on Polco's cruise boat in Milos! Gyros: These are wraps with stuffings of vegetables (tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, onions), fresh fries, mayo, and ketchup. Pies: The easiest vegetarian option in Greece is Spinach and Feta Cheese pies (Tiropita).

Why are gyros unhealthy? ›

One of the main concerns about gyro meat is its relatively high fat content, especially when made with lamb or a combination of lamb and beef. Saturated fat, in particular, increases LDL cholesterol levels and elevates the risk of heart disease. However, this issue can be mitigated by choosing leaner meat options.

What is the difference between gyro and Greek gyro? ›

In the United States, gyro meat is often ground beef, but in Greece, it's a blend of lamb and beef. Tzatziki sauce is a refreshing and flavorful accompaniment that adds a pop of freshness to the sandwich. Traditional gyro meat is cooked on a vertical spit, then sliced off.

What is the difference between Greek gyros and American gyros? ›

In Greece, gyros are traditionally made with pork, but chicken is also common, and the slices of meat are stacked on a spit. American gyros, meanwhile, are typically made from a loaf comprised of ground beef and lamb.

Why are there no lamb gyros in Greece? ›

Following World War II, Gyros made with lamb (called as döner kebab by some restaurants) was present in Athens. It was likely introduced by immigrants from Anatolia and the Middle East. The Greek version is normally made with pork and served with tzatziki, and became known as gyros.

How do you cut an onion for gyros? ›

Grilled Beef Gyros with Marinated Onions

Cut the onion in half from stem to root and peel. Thinly slice one half of the onion and place the slices in a medium bowl. Add the lemon juice, dill, and salt. Toss to coat the onion slices and let marinade while you continue with the sauce and gyros.

What kind of meat is Arby's gyro? ›

About the Sandwich

Nothing says “I am an adventurous eater and interesting person” like eating a gyro at Arby's. Our classic thinly sliced roast beef is topped with lettuce, onions and tomatoes, cool creamy tzatziki sauce, and authentic Greek seasonings all hugged by a warm pita.

What to eat with tzatziki vegetarian? ›

Creamy, tangy, delicious tzatziki ready to be spread on all the things. This would make the perfect dip for fresh vegetables and olives. It also pairs especially well with dishes like my Traditional Vegan Falafel, Chickpea Shawarma Sandwich, Red Pepper Tabbouleh, and even Vegan Naan and Flatbread.

Are gyros made with processed meat? ›

processed meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie (The.

Are gyros just Greek tacos? ›

You just can't visit Greece and not go for a gyros pita, the “Greek taco”! You might see it as gyros, because the word follows the spelling of the Greek word γύρος, but you pronounce it yeeros. Still confused about its pronunciation? Don't worry, many people are.

How many calories in a vegan gyros? ›

Energy: 208 calories
Protein14.6g
Carbs13.1g
Fat9.5g

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