How to Make the Perfect Vegan Gyros
Greek · Medium · 45 min · 4 servings
These vegan gyros feature seasoned baked seitan strips tucked into warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a creamy dairy-free tzatziki. A satisfying Mediterranean-inspired vegan dinner that rivals any traditional version.
Why this recipe works
This Vegan Gyros recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 45 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 415 calories with 24g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 8 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 12 ounces store-bought or homemade seitan sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 whole pita breads warmed
- 0.75 cup vegan tzatziki store-bought or homemade
- 1 medium tomato sliced
- 0.5 medium red onion sliced thin
- 1 cup romaine lettuce shredded
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Season the Seitan
In a bowl toss the thinly sliced seitan with oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 2: Cook the Seitan
Heat a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned seitan strips in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a slightly charred and crispy exterior. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Step 3: Make Vegan Tzatziki if Needed
If making from scratch blend together drained vegan yogurt, grated cucumber squeezed of moisture, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and salt until combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Warm pita breads in a dry pan or oven. Spread tzatziki generously on each pita. Layer with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, red onion, and the crispy seitan strips. Wrap tightly and serve immediately with extra tzatziki on the side.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- seitan → thinly sliced and marinated portobello mushrooms for a lighter gyro
- store-bought vegan tzatziki → blended silken tofu with cucumber garlic and dill as a homemade alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcrowding the pan when cooking seitan which causes steaming instead of getting a nice char
- Not squeezing excess water from the cucumber in tzatziki which makes the sauce watery and thin
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 415 calories, 24g protein, 52g carbs, 12g fat, 6g fiber.
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