Sep 20, 2014

gyro tempeh burger




Day 15 VeganMoFo is all about gyros and tempeh. Making this Gyro Tempeh Burger was just like eating a wonderful gyro, burger style. The tempeh is marinated in a Greek seasoned oil and is then served with a Cucumber Tzaziki.




I served these burgers on flat rounds, which mimic a pita quite nicely, but you can, of course, serve them in pita bread. Even if you use regular pita, make sure to toast it well to offer some desired crunch.

The tzaziki adds enough of a sauce-feel that there is no actual need for anything additional.  Gyros were one of my most favorite sandwiches pre-veg days, so I wouldn't steer you wrong.






If you happen to have Everyday Vegan Eats, make sure to check out my Greek Gyro with Tzaziki Sauce (page 77) for a more authentic version of a gyro.

Just as Tami Noyes (Vegan Finger Foods and American Vegan Kitchen) will make a Reuben out of anything, (really ANything,  I mean ANYTHING), I'll do the same with a gyro, hence this not-so-traditional burger.



This is the very last day to enter the giveaway for "Vegan Tacos" by Jason Wyrick. Enter HERE!









Gyro Tempeh Burger with Cucumber Tzaziki
Makes 4 burgers
1 (8-ounce) package tempeh
4 tablespoons Gyro Seasoned Oil, divided, recipe below
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
¼ teaspoon sea salt
Fresh ground black pepper
1 medium cucumber, peeled into thin stips
¼ cup unsweetened plain vegan yogurt
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
4 thin burger rounds or two pita bread, halved and split
Lettuce, tomato and onion, as needed

1. Cut the tempeh in half. Cut each half in half diagonally. Cut each quarter in half through the middle so that you have 8 thin slices of tempeh. Combine 2 tablespoons oil, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, salt, black pepper and sliced tempeh in a large bowl. Set aside for 10 minutes.
2. Squeeze the cucumber slices with your hand to eliminate much of the liquid. Make the tzaziki by combining the cucumber, remaining 2 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon lemon  juice, yogurt, and chili flakes in a medium bowl. Set aside.  
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the tempeh in the skillet until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Take care adding the tempeh to the hot skillet; the marinade will sputter.
4. Add the reserved marinating onion and herbs to the skillet and cook until golden.
5. Oil the rounds with the seasoned oil and toast in the skillet until golden.
6. Assemble the burgers by layering lettuce, tomato onion, 2 tempeh slices and tzazki on each bottom toasted round and finish with the top buns. Serve.
Gyro Seasoned Oil
½ cup neutral oil
10 garlic cloves, minced
½ medium onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon Rosemary

1. Combine the oil, garlic, onion, oregano and Rosemary in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
2. Strain the oil, reserving the vegetables.
3. The oil will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

© 2014 Copyright Zsu Dever. All rights reserved.

9 comments:

  1. Oh, that looks so good! I love your gyro in Everyday Vegan Eats, and so I'm sure I'd be all over this burger!

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  2. Hi Zsu! I've nominated you for a Liebster Award! Check it out here: http://myapologiesforthenovel.blogspot.com/2014/09/bonus-post-liebster-award.html

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  3. That looks amazing! Reminds me of the gyros I had at Viasko in Berlin...definitely giving this a try

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  4. Yum! That looks both refreshing and comforting, love it.

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  5. How awesome a recipe is this!
    The oil is a great idea, and I love that you re-use the onion and herbs.
    This one is on the To Make list.

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  6. Wow those look incredible! Thanks for the recipe. I will definitely be trying these.

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  7. I have never had a gyro - pregan or post vegan. These look so delicious.

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  8. Love the sound of this. It looks so good! I've never had anything gyro like before, but love the sound of it =)

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Thanks for your comment! I'll check if it's spam and post if it is not. I appreciate your time and effort for commenting! ~ Zsu