There are few things as satisfying as biting into a warm, aromatic gyro bursting with flavor. Traditionally a Greek street food delicacy, gyros are famous for their savory, spiced meat wrapped in soft pita and topped with crisp veggies and creamy sauce.
But what if you could enjoy all of that deliciousness in a fully plant-based way? Enter this vegan gyros recipe—a game-changer for anyone craving big Mediterranean flavor without animal products.
In this recipe, we’ll show you how to transform humble ingredients like marinated mushrooms and seitan into juicy, protein-packed gyro “meat,” then build your wraps with all the classic toppings and a tangy vegan tzatziki.
Whether you’re a long-time vegan, veg-curious, or just looking for a better way to eat more plants, this vegan gyros recipe is for you. Grab your apron, turn up the Greek music, and let’s make magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of spices, garlic, and lemon brings classic gyro taste—without the meat!
- Protein-Packed: Thanks to seitan and mushrooms, each wrap is hearty and filling.
- Customizable: Use your favorite veggies, add or skip toppings, and adjust spice to your liking.
- Easy to Prepare: No fancy techniques—just marinate, sauté, and assemble.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Make the “meat” and sauce ahead for quick lunches or dinners.
- Family-Friendly: Even non-vegans love this meal!
Ingredients
Component | Ingredients & Amounts |
---|---|
For the Vegan Gyro “Meat” |
|
For the Vegan Tzatziki Sauce |
|
For Assembly |
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Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Cast iron skillet or non-stick frying pan
- Cutting board & chef’s knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Spatula or tongs
- Small bowl (for tzatziki)
- Clean kitchen towel (to squeeze cucumber)
- Serving platter or plates
Instructions
-
Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, coriander, onion powder, cinnamon, and black pepper. Whisk well until fully blended.
-
Marinate the “Meat”:
Add sliced seitan and mushrooms to the bowl. Toss gently to coat every piece.
Cover and let marinate for at least 20 minutes (up to 4 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
Tip: The longer the marinade, the richer the flavor! If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will do in a pinch.
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Make the Vegan Tzatziki:
In a small bowl, combine vegan yogurt, grated cucumber (well-squeezed to remove liquid), dill, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy.
Adjust seasoning to taste and chill until ready to use.
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Cook the Vegan Gyro “Meat”:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add the marinated seitan and mushrooms (with any extra marinade).
Sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the seitan is browned and mushrooms are tender. Remove from heat.
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Warm the Pitas:
Wrap the pitas in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes, or heat individually in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes per side.
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Assemble the Gyros:
Lay each warm pita on a plate. Add a generous scoop of vegan gyro “meat,” then top with tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, red onion, and any extras like olives or vegan feta.
Drizzle with vegan tzatziki.
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Wrap and Serve:
Fold pitas around the filling. Serve immediately while hot, with extra tzatziki on the side.
Tips & Variations
- Make-Ahead: The seitan and mushroom “meat” can be marinated and cooked up to 3 days ahead. Just reheat gently in a skillet.
- Oil-Free Option: Use veggie broth in place of olive oil for the marinade and tzatziki.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute seitan with extra mushrooms, jackfruit, or store-bought gluten-free vegan “chicken” strips.
- Try Different Sauces: Swap tzatziki for vegan bechamel for a creamy twist, or use spicy harissa for a kick.
- Homemade Pita: Try making your own pita with this vegan bread machine recipe for a super-soft wrap.
- Extra Veggies: Roasted bell peppers, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced radishes add crunch and color.
- Flavor Booster: Add a sprinkle of sumac or za’atar for even more Mediterranean flair.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Gyro (est.) |
---|---|
Calories | 320 |
Protein | 19g |
Fat | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 38g |
Fiber | 5g |
Sugar | 4g |
Sodium | 700mg |
Note: Nutrition will vary based on brand of seitan, type of pita, and toppings chosen.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of sauteed Swiss chard or a crisp Greek salad for a full meal.
- Pair with baked fries or roasted potatoes seasoned with oregano and lemon.
- Make a mezze platter: Add hummus, olives, dolmas, and fresh veggies for sharing.
- For a Mediterranean feast, serve alongside Peruvian vegetable recipes or creamy vegetable Alfredo.
- Wrap leftovers for a portable lunch or picnic the next day.
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or a seasoned vegan, these homemade vegan gyros will become a staple in your kitchen. With their bold, savory “meat,” crisp veggies, and cool, creamy tzatziki, they capture everything you love about the classic gyro—no compromise required.
The best part? This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so you can personalize every bite to your tastes.
Try serving these vegan gyros at your next gathering and watch the wraps disappear—no one will miss the meat! For more globally-inspired, wholesome vegan meals, check out other favorites like Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Happy cooking, and let us know how your gyros turn out!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Gyros
Description: Enjoy these flavorful vegan gyros made with savory marinated tofu, fresh veggies, and creamy dairy-free tzatziki wrapped in warm pita bread. It's a delicious, plant-based twist on a classic Greek favorite.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block (14 oz) extra-firm tofu, pressed and sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup sliced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup vegan tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Add tofu slices to the marinade and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Arrange marinated tofu on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Warm pita breads in a pan or oven.
- To assemble, layer lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and baked tofu on each pita.
- Top with vegan tzatziki and fold to serve.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 11 g | Carbs: 38 g
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