Vegan Smoky Tofu Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce

 

I used tofu instead of the usual beef for this gyro recipe.  I wanted it to be tasty and smoky.  This simple rub I used for the tofu is pretty good. Smoky but not overwhelming.  The rub penetrated through the tofu and you can taste it when biting into the semi crisp top of the tofu.

The pita bread is a must for me.  I bought the pita bread from a gyro shop when I had this craving for a good old gyro that is vegan.  The shop did not have a vegan gyro offering and I am glad they sold me the pita bread so I can make my own.

The tzatziki sauce makes the gyro completely satisfying.  The recipe I used did not have cucumber since I did not have any but I was still happy and so was picky taster, my husband, who had two of the fabulous gyros.

Vegan Smoky Tofu Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce

Smoky Tofu

• 1 tsp baking powder (not baking soda)
• 1 tsp each garlic, onion, coriander, smoked paprika powders 
• 1/4 tsp each salt and black pepper
• one 16 oz block tofu cut into eight pieces

Mix all ingredients except the tofu in a small bowl.  Spread this dry rub mixture on a plate and press both sides of tofu pieces on top of the rub. 

Air fry the tofu slices at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes then flip and air fry for 5 or more minutes till top is crispy

Tzatziki Sauce

• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 3 tbsp vegan mayo (I used Hellman Vegan Mayo or use an oil free one from recipes  below)
• 1 large clove of garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp white vinegar
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp dry dill
• 1/4  English cucumber, peeled (I did not add)

Add all ingredients in a blender.

Gyro Assembly

• 4 pita bread
• lettuce
• tomatoes. chopped
• tzatziki sauce
• air fried smoky tofu, cut into strips or cubes

Place all the ingredients in the pita bread.

Oil Free Cashew Based Vegan Mayo

from this site

• 1 cup raw unsalted cashews (150 g)
• 1/2 cup water (125 ml)
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 3/4 tsp sea salt

Oil Free Tofu Based Mayo

• l 16 oz block silken tofu
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tbsp dijon mustard
• 2 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp garlic flakes or 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• black pepper to taste
• 1/8 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp white vinegar

Mix all ingredients in a blender.