This vegan jackfruit gyros recipe is the perfect option for a healthy yet comforting dinner. The jackfruit in this is super succulent and the mushrooms give an extra umami flavour.
What is Gyros?
Gyros is a traditional Greek kebab that is traditionally made with meats such as pork or chicken- think shawarma style. It’s usually served in thick pita bread along with chips, tzatziki and a simple salad. However, as a Greek Vegan I do miss these flavours, so this jackfruit gyros recipe is a perfect plant-based substitute.
Is this jackfruit gyros healthy?
This jackfruit gyros recipe is a healthier alternative to the traditional version as jackfruit is lower in calories/fat and I also used an air fryer for the chips (you could bake them instead if you don’t have an air fryer). It’s worth noting that jackfruit is also much lower in protein than meat, so I recommend serving this gyros with a source of protein -I added chickpeas to the Greek Salad.
The tzatziki is a really lovely addition to this jackfruit gyros as it gives the whole dish a fresh flavour. Tzatziki is a cucumber and garlic yogurt dip which I made with vegan yogurt. I really recommend making this along side the gyros- it’s super simple too so it’s not much extra effort at all!
What pita should I use?
I used the Deli Kitchen’s greek pita wraps as they’re the perfect size and thickness- you can find these in most UK retailers, alternatively you could use a wrap, flatbread or regular pita instead.
If you enjoyed following this vegan jackfruit gyros recipe, you could also try my other jackfruit recipes…
Jackfruit Gyros with Vegan Tzatziki
This vegan jackfruit gyros recipe is the perfect option for a healthy yet comforting dinner. The jackfruit in this is super succulent and the mushrooms give an extra umami flavour. Served with a greek salad and vegan tzatziki.
Ingredients
For the Jackfruit and mushroom gyros
- 1 tin jackfruit, drained
- 100 g meaty mushrooms, e.g. mini portabello mushrooms, shiitake, oyster etc
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1-2 tbsp dark soya sauce
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper
For the vegan tzatziki
- 1.5 cups vegan yogurt, I used Alpro Greek style
- 1 cup cucumber, grated
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tsp dried mint (optional)
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- salt and pepper to season
To serve
- greek pita wraps
- red cabbage, thinly sliced
- sundried tomatoes, thinly sliced lengthways
- chips, baked or air fried
- Greek salad
Instructions
For the jackfruit gyros
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Cut off the pointy bits of the jackfruit (the really hard bits) and remove the round seeds where you can.
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Heat the oil in a large pan on medium heat. Lightly fry the spices, herbs and garlic. Add 1-2 tbsp water to form a paste.
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Add the jackfruit and fry to coat it in the herbs. Add 1 cup of hot water then once bubbling add the tomato purée.
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Once boiling, cover the pan and leave to simmer for around 10 mins. With a fork press down the jackfruit until it falls apart, add in the mushrooms and mix in the soya sauce and maple syrup until well covered and fry for a couple minutes. Add in more soya sauce or water if it is looking a bit dry.
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Season with salt and pepper. Once the jackfruit is soft and the sauce has thickened lay out the mixture on a baking tray and grill on high heat for 5 mins to slightly crisp up the edges (but not too long to dry it out)
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For the tzatziki
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Add the cucumber on a plate and sprinkle with salt. Leave to stand for half an hour then drain the excess liquid
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Put the crushed garlic in a bowl and mix in the oil and vinegar. Slowly add the vegan yogurt and stir continuously to form a thick cream
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Drain the cucumber and add it in to the yogurt mix along with the mint (if using). Season with salt and pepper and refrigerate.
To serve
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Serve the jackfruit gyros in the pita wraps with the tzatziki, chips and cabbage and wrap them with foil to seal tight. Serve with a Greek salad.
Did you try out this recipe?
If so, tag @basilandvogue on IG!