Mediterranean Tofu Gyros with Creamy Cucumber Sauce
Enjoy a delightful twist on traditional Greek gyros with this Mediterranean Tofu Gyros recipe. Instead of lamb, we've replaced it with marinated extra-firm tofu, offering a deliciously savory and satisfying option for plant-based fans. The tofu is infused with a zesty marinade, then expertly pan-fried to achieve a golden-brown crust. Paired with a refreshing creamy cucumber sauce, each bite bursts with flavor. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack, these gyros are not only easy to make but also hold well in lunch boxes for a tasty meal on the go. Your taste buds will thank you, and it's a fantastic way to impress your family and friends!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra firm tofu
1/2 lb (pressed and sliced)
tamari
2 tablespoons (for marinade)
dried oregano
1 1/4 teaspoons (for marinade)
ground rosemary
1/8-1/4 teaspoon (for marinade)
garlic powder
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (for marinade)
firm silken tofu
1/2 cup (for cucumber sauce)
cucumber
1/2 cup (chopped and peeled)
flax seed oil or olive oil
2 teaspoons (for cucumber sauce)
fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons (for cucumber sauce)
salt
1/8 teaspoon (to taste)
ground black pepper
2-3 pinches (to taste)
whole wheat pita bread
6-8 (8 inch) (for serving)
romaine lettuce
3 cups (finely torn)
plum tomatoes
2-3 (sliced)
green onions or onion
4 green onions or 1 onion (sliced thin)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Tofu Gyros?
They are a plant-based version of traditional Greek gyros using marinated, pan-fried extra-firm tofu instead of lamb, served with a creamy cucumber sauce.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it uses tofu as the primary protein source.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes, the recipe uses plant-based ingredients like silken tofu for the sauce and tamari, making it vegan-friendly.
What can I use instead of lamb in a gyro?
Extra-firm tofu that has been marinated and pan-fried makes an excellent savory substitute for lamb in this recipe.
How do I prepare the tofu for the filling?
The extra-firm tofu should be pressed and sliced before being marinated and cooked.
What type of tofu should I use for the meat substitute?
You should use extra-firm tofu to ensure it holds its shape and achieves a satisfying, firm texture.
What is in the tofu marinade?
The marinade consists of tamari, dried oregano, ground rosemary, and garlic powder.
How is the tofu cooked?
The tofu is pan-fried until it achieves a golden-brown crust.
What is the creamy cucumber sauce made of?
The sauce is made from firm silken tofu, chopped cucumber, oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
What kind of tofu is used for the sauce?
Firm silken tofu is used to create a smooth and creamy consistency for the sauce.
Can I use olive oil in the sauce?
Yes, you can use either olive oil or flax seed oil for the creamy cucumber sauce.
How do I prepare the cucumber for the sauce?
The cucumber should be peeled and chopped before being blended or mixed into the sauce.
What vegetables go inside the gyro?
The gyros are filled with finely torn romaine lettuce, sliced plum tomatoes, and sliced green or regular onions.
What kind of bread is used?
The recipe recommends using 8-inch whole wheat pita bread for serving.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy, plant-based meal featuring whole grains and fresh vegetables.
Can I pack these for lunch?
Absolutely, these gyros hold well in lunch boxes, making them a great option for meal prep.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 15 ingredients used in this Mediterranean Tofu Gyros recipe.
What seasonings provide the Mediterranean flavor?
Dried oregano and ground rosemary provide the classic Mediterranean flavor profile in the marinade.
Can I use soy sauce instead of tamari?
Yes, soy sauce can be used as a substitute for tamari in the marinade.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 2-3 sliced plum tomatoes.
How many gyros does this recipe make?
This recipe is intended to fill 6-8 whole wheat pita breads.
Is the cucumber sauce zesty?
Yes, the fresh lemon juice and black pepper give the sauce a refreshing and zesty taste.
Can I use regular onions instead of green onions?
Yes, you can use either 4 green onions or 1 regular onion, sliced thin.
What is the texture of the cooked tofu?
The tofu has a golden-brown crust with a savory, satisfyingly firm interior.
How do I get a golden-brown crust on the tofu?
Pan-frying the sliced tofu over medium heat will help achieve the desired golden-brown exterior.
To which cuisine does this recipe belong?
This is a Greek-inspired Mediterranean dish.
Can this be served as a snack?
Yes, these gyros are perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack.
What kind of lettuce is best?
Finely torn romaine lettuce is recommended for its crisp texture.
Are there spices in the cucumber sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt and 2-3 pinches of ground black pepper.
Is garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, garlic powder is used in the tofu marinade to add depth of flavor.