The Best Vegan Gyros (Easy Tofu Recipe) with Creamy Tzatziki

Tofu gyros sounds wrong but tastes incredibly right! Shaved slices of marinated tofu become a tasty, meaty filling in this vegan gyro recipe.

Looking for a delicious and satisfying vegan alternative to traditional Greek gyros? Look no further! In this blog post, I’ll share a recipe for Vegan Gyros made from tofu that will satisfy your Greek cravings.

By using tofu as a meat substitute, you can enjoy all the flavors of a classic gyro without the guilt. Impress your taste buds with this mouthwatering recipe for tofu gyro slices that taste as great as meaty ones. I’ll show you a range of ingredients that you can use to marinade your tofu for meaty flavor and color. 

What Are Gyros?

Gyros are a staple in Greek cuisine which have found their way into hearts and menus across the globe. The meat is traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie to impart a unique flavor and tenderness to the dish. 

The meat, usually lamb, beef, or chicken, is expertly seasoned with a blend of Mediterranean spices, then thinly sliced. These slices are nestled in a soft pita bread, accompanied by slices of fresh tomatoes and onions. Topped with a cooling tzatziki sauce, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. 

The term “gyro” itself, derived from the Greek word for “turn,” aptly describes the circular cooking method. While the conventional gyro revels in its meaty composition, our focus shifts towards a plant-based interpretation. This recipe embraces the essence of the gyro experience without compromising on taste or tradition.

Shawarma vs Gyros

Firstly, shawarma and gyros share a common ground originating from the Mediterranean and Middle East. The spices that season them set the two apart. Shawarma leans into the aromatic world of Middle Eastern spices, employing a mix that often includes cumin and cinnamon. 

Secondly, gyros favor the fragrant herbs of the Mediterranean. Flavors such as oregano and thyme, combined with garlic and lemon, meld to achieve its signature taste. Although both are traditionally served in a flatbread, the seasoning profile of each offers a distinct culinary experience. 

The Benefits of Switching Out Meat with Tofu

Choosing tofu over traditional gyro meat offers a plethora of health and environmental advantages. This plant-based powerhouse is packed with high-quality protein and essential amino acids. It’s an excellent source of iron and calcium, all while being low in calories and devoid of cholesterol. Its impressive nutrient profile supports heart health, weight management, and can reduce the risk of certain diseases. 

Environmentally, tofu production demands significantly less water and land and emits fewer greenhouse gasses. Compared to livestock farming, this makes it a sustainable choice for our planet. Additionally, tofu’s remarkable adaptability in soaking up flavors makes it an ideal substitute in dishes. Ensuring that you can still savor the rich, aromatic spices of Greek gyros without compromising on taste. 

Embracing tofu aligns with a commitment to health and sustainability and also opens up a world of culinary possibilities. This allows for the creation of innovative, plant-based versions of beloved classics.

In addition to the personal health benefits, choosing a plant-based gyro option also contributes to the well-being of the environment. Animal agriculture has a significant impact on greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By opting for a plant-based alternative, such as marinated shaved tofu, you’re making a conscious choice to reduce your carbon footprint and promote sustainability.

So, why not give these marinated shaved tofu gyros a try? Not only will you be treating your taste buds to a burst of flavors, but you’ll also be making a choice that’s better for your health and the environment. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked on these mouthwatering vegan gyros!

• Tofu Ricotta 2.0 – Elevated Plant-Based Cheese
• How To Use Jackfruit As Meat – Jackfruit Meat Substitute Recipe
• Impossible Beef Copycat – Elevated Plant-Based Protein
• Easy Seitan Lunch Meat – Elevated Plant-Based Deli Turkey
• Impossible Breakfast Sausage Copycat – Elevated Plant-Based Protein

Ingredients For The Marinated Shaved Tofu Gyros

• Tofu – I used the regular firm tofu in the water pack, although the extra firm tofu in the vacuum pack would be ideal.
• Olive oil – I used olive oil in the marinade for extra flavor and to keep the tofu from sticking, but it can be omitted.
• Lemon juice – Brightens the flavors in the marinade with a bit of acidity.
• Soy sauce – Gives umami and color in the marinade, can be switched for liquid coconut aminos for a gluten free option.
• Marmite – or other umami source like Vegetarian Mushroom Oyster Sauce.
• Liquid browning – adds to the dark color, but can be omitted for a chick’n gyro.
• Cinnamon – a pinch of cinnamon makes the spice profile uniquely Greek.
• Corn starch – helps some marinade adhere to the surface and helps the tofu get a bit crisp.
• Cumin – a pinch of cumin makes the spice profile uniquely Greek.
• Garlic powder – adds flavor to the tofu slices in the marinade.
• Mushroom powder – or other umami flavor ingredient that you have to use.
• Onion powder – adds flavor to the tofu slices in the marinade.
• Parsley – some herbs help make the spice profile uniquely Greek.
• Paprika – adds flavor to the tofu slices in the marinade.
• Pepper – adds flavor to the tofu slices in the marinade.
• Thyme – some herbs help make the spice profile uniquely Greek.
• Oregano – some herbs help make the spice profile uniquely Greek.
• Powdered smoke flavor – or liquid smoke for a hint of grill flavor.

Instructions For Making The Vegan Gyro Recipe

1. Drain and press the tofu.

2. While the tofu is being pressed you can assemble the ingredients for the plant-based tzatziki.

3. Grate the cucumber and set aside to drain while assembling the other ingredients, give the cucumber a squeeze to remove excess liquid before adding.

4. Blend all of the ingredients and seasoning for the marinade and add to a bowl with the tofu slices.

5. Preheat the oven to 350F. Shave, or thinly slice, the pressed tofu into strips and add them to a bowl with the marinade.

6. Bake the tofu slices for 15 minutes and flip, then return to bake the remaining 15 minutes.

7. The tofu slices can be pan fried in a little olive oil for enhanced flavor or served from the oven as is, additional oil free.

Assembling The Vegan Gyro Recipe

Now that your marinated tofu slices are cooked to perfection, it’s time to assemble your delicious plant-based gyro. The possibilities for toppings and fixings are endless, so let your creativity run wild! Here are some ideas to get you started.

Start by spreading a generous amount of the plant-based tzatziki sauce on your warm gyro bread or pita. The creamy and tangy sauce will serve as the perfect base for all the other flavors to come.

Next, add your cooked marinated tofu slices, layering them evenly across the bread. The tofu will provide a satisfying meaty texture and soak up all the flavors from the marinade.

Now it’s time to load up on the toppings! You can go traditional and add sliced tomatoes, red onions, and crisp lettuce for that classic gyro experience. For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding some pickled red onions or banana peppers.

If you’re a fan of Mediterranean flavors, consider adding kalamata olives, feta-style vegan cheese, or even a sprinkle of za’atar seasoning.

To finish off your gyro, you can drizzle a bit more of the plant-based tzatziki sauce on top and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for an added burst of freshness.

Once your gyro is assembled, take a moment to admire your creation, and then take that first bite. The combination of the savory marinated tofu, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fresh toppings will transport you to gyro heaven. Enjoy every mouthwatering bite and savor the flavors of this delicious plant-based gyro creation.

So, grab your favorite toppings and fixings, assemble your gyro to your liking, and get ready to indulge in a plant-based feast that will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.

The Taste Test: How Does It Compare To Traditional Gyro Meat?

Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for: the taste test! You may be wondering, how does this marinated shaved tofu gyro compare to traditional gyro meat? Well, get ready to be pleasantly surprised!

While it may not be an exact replica of traditional gyro meat, this vegan version is a surprisingly close match. The marinated shaved tofu has a savory, umami-rich taste that perfectly mimics the meaty flavors you would expect from a gyro. The garlic, herbs, and meaty seasoning blend together beautifully, creating a crave-worthy combination of flavors.

The texture of the marinated tofu is also surprisingly similar to gyro meat. It has a slightly chewy and satisfying bite, making each mouthful a delightful experience. Combined with the creamy and tangy plant-based tzatziki sauce, the flavors harmonize to create a gyro that is bursting with deliciousness.

One of the great things about this vegan gyro is that it doesn’t leave you feeling heavy or weighed down like traditional gyro meat can. The tofu is lighter and easier to digest, allowing you to enjoy a satisfying meal without any of the guilt.

So, if you’re skeptical about trying this vegan gyro recipe, I encourage you to give it a chance. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how delicious and satisfying marinated shaved tofu gyro is. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you won’t miss the traditional gyro meat at all.

More Vegan Tofu Recipes

Since using tofu to make gyro slices has been so popular, I’ve been working on some more new recipes to use tofu the same way. Look for new recipes in 2024, like Shawarma and Philly Cheesesteak slices also made from tofu.

More Meat Substitute Recipes

Here’s a few more vegan and plant-based meat substitute recipes that you’ll love making.