Are you a fan of both gyros and tacos? Imagine combining the best features of both dishes into one amazing creation. Well, that’s exactly what Gyros Smash Tacos do! This fun and flavorful fusion dish brings the juicy, savory meat of a gyro together with the crispy, handheld convenience of a taco shell. What do you get? A delicious taco filled with seasoned gyro meat, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s a mouthwatering twist that will surely become your new favorite meal.
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just craving something new, Gyros Smash Tacos are the perfect option. we’ll take a deep dive into the world of Gyros Smash Tacos. We’ll guide you through the ingredients, the cooking process, and offer some useful tips to make your tacos stand out. Let’s get started!
Contents
What Are Gyros Smash Tacos?
Gyros Smash Tacos are exactly what they sound like—a combination of two classic dishes: the gyro and the taco. A traditional gyro is a popular Greek dish made from seasoned meat (typically lamb, beef, or chicken) that’s slow-cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It’s served on pita bread or flatbread with fresh veggies and a creamy yogurt-based sauce called tzatziki.
On the other hand, tacos are a beloved Mexican food, often made with seasoned fillings (such as beef, chicken, or beans) inside a folded tortilla shell, usually topped with fresh veggies, cheese, and sauces. By fusing these two dishes together, Gyros Smash Tacos are born! These tacos take the juicy, flavorful meat from a gyro and put it inside a taco shell. It’s a fun, fresh twist on both Greek and Mexican cuisine.
The result is a satisfying taco filled with gyro meat, fresh vegetables, tzatziki sauce, and optional toppings like feta cheese or herbs. The best part? You get to enjoy the delicious flavors of both cuisines in a single bite!
Ingredients You Need
To create your very own Gyros Smash Tacos, you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients. Most of the ingredients are easy to find and simple to prepare. Below is a list of what you’ll need to get started:
For the Gyros Filling:
- 1 lb of ground beef, chicken, or lamb: Choose the meat that best suits your taste. Beef and chicken are the most common options, but lamb adds a classic gyro flavor. You can also mix meats for a unique twist!
- 1 medium onion: Chopped finely. The onion adds sweetness and depth to the flavor of the meat.
- 2 cloves of garlic: Minced. Garlic is essential for adding an aromatic, savory touch to the meat.
- 1 tsp cumin: This earthy spice will give the meat that signature gyro flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a mild smokiness to the meat.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: A common herb used in Mediterranean cuisine, oregano brings a savory, slightly bitter taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season the meat and balance the flavors.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the meat and veggies.
For the Tacos:
- Taco shells: You can choose between soft tortillas or crispy taco shells, depending on your preference. Both work perfectly with the gyro meat.
- Fresh lettuce: Chopped or shredded for added crunch and freshness.
- Tomatoes: Diced. Tomatoes bring a juicy, fresh element to the tacos.
- Cucumber: Thinly sliced. The cool cucumber balances the richness of the meat and sauce.
- Tzatziki sauce: A creamy yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and lemon juice. Tzatziki is the heart of the gyro and adds a refreshing creaminess to the tacos.
- Feta cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for an extra salty, tangy flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley or dill work great to garnish the tacos and add a pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Gyros Smash Tacos
Making Gyros Smash Tacos at home is simple, and the process is quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide that will help you prepare these tasty tacos from scratch:
Step 1: Cook the Gyros Meat
Start by heating a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add your ground meat of choice—beef, chicken, lamb, or a combination of these—and begin cooking it. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the meat into small crumbles as it cooks. Brown the meat for about 5–7 minutes, ensuring it’s fully cooked and no longer pink.
Next, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Stir everything together and cook for a few more minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its aroma. Now, it’s time to season the meat with cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until the spices are well incorporated. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2–3 minutes so the spices have a chance to blend in and flavor the meat fully.
Once done, remove the pan from the heat, and your gyro-inspired meat filling is ready to go!
Step 2: Prepare the Taco Shells
While the meat is cooking, take the time to warm up your taco shells. If you’re using soft tortillas, warm them in a pan or on a griddle for about 30 seconds on each side. This will make the tortillas soft and pliable, perfect for folding around the filling.
If you prefer crispy taco shells, you can place them in the oven at 375°F for about 5–7 minutes, or until they become crispy. Be sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t burn. Once heated, your taco shells will be ready for filling.
Step 3: Assemble the Gyros Smash Tacos
Now that the meat is ready and the taco shells are prepared, it’s time to assemble your Gyros Smash Tacos! This is the fun part.
- Start by spooning a generous portion of the gyro meat into each taco shell.
- Add a layer of fresh lettuce for a crunchy base.
- Top the meat with diced tomatoes and thinly sliced cucumbers. These veggies add a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements the savory meat.
- Next, drizzle some cool and creamy tzatziki sauce over the filling. The tzatziki sauce will bring everything together with its smooth, tangy flavor.
- If you love cheese, sprinkle some crumbled feta on top for a salty, tangy kick.
- Garnish your tacos with fresh parsley or dill for a burst of color and flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Your Gyros Smash Tacos are now ready to serve! They’re best enjoyed while still warm. These tacos are perfect for taco night, casual dinners, or whenever you want to try something new. You can even make a big batch for a fun family meal or a gathering with friends.
Why You Should Try Gyros Smash Tacos
Gyros Smash Tacos are a must-try for anyone who loves both Greek and Mexican food. The combination of flavors and textures is unbeatable. You get the savory, spiced meat from the gyro, the freshness of veggies, and the creamy tang of tzatziki, all wrapped in a crunchy taco shell. It’s a flavor-packed experience with every bite.
These tacos are also incredibly versatile. You can switch up the meat to suit your preferences, add different toppings, or adjust the level of spice. If you like things a little spicier, you can drizzle some hot sauce on top. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using whole wheat tortillas or even lettuce wraps instead of taco shells.
Best of all, Gyros Smash Tacos are easy to make and perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, these tacos will surely impress.
Tips for the Perfect Gyros Smash Tacos
- Add Extra Flavor: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your spices. You can add cinnamon, chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to add some extra warmth and depth to the meat.
- Make Your Tzatziki at Home: While store-bought tzatziki works, making your own at home can elevate the flavor even more. Simply combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and a bit of olive oil for a fresh and tangy sauce.
- Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings. Add sliced olives, avocado, or even a little red onion for extra flavor and texture.
- Make It a Meal: Pair your Gyros Smash Tacos with a side of rice, grilled vegetables, or even some roasted potatoes to make it a full meal.
- Try a Meat-Free Version: If you want a vegetarian option, replace the meat with falafel or roasted vegetables. These options will still give you that delicious Mediterranean flavor.
Gyros Smash Tacos for Any Occasion
Gyros Smash Tacos are incredibly versatile, making them great for any occasion. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, taco parties, or even as a unique dish to serve at a BBQ. The beauty of these tacos is that they can be customized to suit your guests’ tastes, and they’ll likely become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Because these tacos are easy to make, they’re also perfect for weeknight meals when you’re looking for something quick but flavorful. Even though they come together quickly, they taste like a restaurant-quality dish.
FAQs
What is the best meat for Gyros Smash Tacos?
You can use beef, chicken, lamb, or a mix of meats. Chicken and beef are the most common, but lamb adds an authentic gyro flavor.
Can I make Gyros Smash Tacos vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the meat with falafel, grilled veggies, or even tempeh for a meat-free version.
Do I need to use tzatziki sauce?
Tzatziki sauce is a key element of gyros, and it adds a creamy, tangy flavor to the tacos. However, if you prefer, you can use a yogurt-based dressing or even sour cream.
Can I use soft tortillas instead of taco shells?
Yes, soft tortillas work just as well as hard taco shells. You can warm them up and fill them with the gyro meat and toppings.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the gyro meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the meat before assembling your tacos again. Fresh toppings, like lettuce and cucumber, should be stored separately to keep them crisp.
