Discover the delicious world of Greek cuisine with this vegetarian gyros recipe featuring shredded portobello mushrooms.
These gyros offer a satisfying, plant-based alternative to traditional meat-filled versions, combining rich, savory mushrooms with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch, these gyros are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Gyros
- Portobello mushroom caps: 2 large or 3 medium
- Avocado oil or olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Greek seasoning: 1 tablespoon (store-bought or homemade)
- Pita bread rounds: 4 (use gluten-free if needed)
- Toppings: Sliced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, sliced cucumber, crumbled feta cheese
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- Grated English cucumber: ½ cup (squeezed to remove water)
- Plain Greek yogurt: ½ cup
- Lemon juice: 1½ tablespoons
- Extra virgin olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Fresh dill: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic cloves, minced: 2
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
How To Make Vegetarian Gyros
Step 1: Prepare the Mushrooms
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, take the portobello mushrooms and gently rub the caps with a paper towel to remove any dirt.
It’s not necessary to remove the gills as they add flavor to the dish. Next, slice each portobello into ¼-inch-thick strips, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
Step 2: Season and Bake the Mushrooms
In a bowl, combine the mushroom strips with the avocado oil and Greek seasoning. Toss them gently to ensure each strip is evenly coated.
Spread the seasoned mushrooms on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Place the sheet in the oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the mushrooms are crispy and golden.
Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the mushrooms are baking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, mix the grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess water to prevent a watery sauce), Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
Once the mushrooms are ready, warm the pita bread rounds. You can do this by placing them directly on the oven rack for about 1 minute until they are soft and pliable.
To build your gyros, start by placing a generous amount of the baked mushroom strips on each pita round. Top with fresh slices of tomato, thinly sliced red onion, cucumber slices, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with the prepared tzatziki sauce to finish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the gyros immediately to enjoy them at their best. The combination of warm, crispy mushroom strips, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures.
These gyros make a fantastic meal for any occasion, offering a healthy and satisfying alternative to traditional meat versions.
Tips and Variations
Make it Vegan
For a vegan version of these gyros, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. Additionally, use a plant-based yogurt to make the tzatziki sauce.
Make it Gluten-Free
To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pita rounds. Alternatively, you can serve the gyro fillings in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option that still delivers on flavor and texture.
Make Ahead
You can prepare the tzatziki sauce up to three days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste. Additionally, you can slice and prepare the gyro toppings a day ahead to save time when assembling the gyros.
Nutritional Benefits of Mushrooms
Mushrooms, especially portobellos, are a nutritious addition to any meal. They are a unique plant-based source of vitamin D and are packed with beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that supports heart health.
Additionally, mushrooms contain antioxidants and are known as adaptogens, helping the body manage stress.
Greek Seasoning Blend (Homemade)
If you don’t have store-bought Greek seasoning, you can easily make your own blend. Combine dried oregano, dried onion flakes (or powder), garlic powder, dried dill, marjoram, and dried thyme. Mix all the spices together and store in an airtight container.
Conclusion
These Greek vegetarian gyros with Shredded Portobello Mushrooms are not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with nutritious ingredients.
Perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet, these gyros are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meat gyros. Enjoy the rich flavors of Greek cuisine in a wholesome, vegetarian format.
