Gyros are a Greek dish that typically aren’t vegetarian-friendly. I’m taking all the flavors you would come to expect from a gyro and packing it into the versatile ingredient that is jackfruit. Jackfruit makes the perfect substitute for a traditional gyro here and also packs a good dose of vitamin C. These Jackfruit Gyros are from my cookbook The Vegetarian Family Cookbook.
I'm a huge jackfruit fan! The texture, the nutrition, the neutral palette it provides...jackfruit is unique and versatile. I'm also a fan of Greek food—who isn't really? I've always loved the spices used in traditional gyros, but being a vegetarian, found the only way to taste and enjoy it to be to take matters into my own hands! The result? These wholesome and nourishing Jackfruit Gyros bursting with flavor and freshness alike.
Jump to:
Jackfruit is the fruit of a tree known as the jack tree indigenous to tropical regions of Asia. The not-so-ripe young jackfruit is most commonly used in vegan and vegetarian dishes such as this chili recipe due to its meat-like texture and rather neutral flavor.
Jackfruit Gyros
- Easy to make.
- Rich, flavorful, fresh.
- Wholesome, filling and nourishing
- Vegan, dairy-free, vegetarian, nut-free, soy-free and gluten-free.
How-to Make Jackfruit Gyros
Step 1: Sauté garlic in olive oil over medium heat. Step 2: Add tomato paste. Step 3: Add oregano, garlic powder, thyme, cinnamon, smoked paprika, chili powder, nutmeg and salt. Step 4: Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Step 5: Add vegetable broth (or water), lemon juice and jackfruit. Step 6: Stir and let simmer for 10 minutes. Step 7: Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes. 
Step 8: Divide the jackfruit among pitas or flatbread. Step 9: Top with tomato, lettuce, and onion. Step 10: Plus, a hefty dollop of tzatziki. Step 11: Enjoy!
FAQs — Recipe Variations, Substitutions, Storage, Tips + Tricks
Are these Jackfruit Gyros spicy?
Nope! They are rich in flavor but not spicy.
Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the jackfruit and keep it stored in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to 1 week. Simply reheat in a 350F oven until warmed throughout. Then serve with pita/flatbread and suggested toppings.
Other Ways to Serve Jackfruit Gyros
You can use the delicious jackfruit filling to top off salads, soups or sandwich-style as a vegan option for this delicious pambazos recipe.
More Jackfruit Recipes You Will Love
Instant Pot Jackfruit Chili (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
📖 Recipe
Jackfruit Gyros
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 10 ounces young jackfruit canned or packaged
- 4 pitas or flatbread gluten-free if necessary
- Romaine lettuce for topping
- Sliced tomato for topping
- Sliced red onion for topping
- Tzatziki for topping, regular or dairy-free/vegan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes.
- Add the tomato paste, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, cinnamon, smoked paprika, chili powder, nutmeg, and salt. Stir and cook for 2 minutes longer.
- Add the vegetable broth, lemon juice, and jack-fruit. Stir and then let simmer for 10 minutes.
- When the jackfruit is done simmering, transfer to a baking sheet. Using the back of a fork, break the jackfruit up a bit into shreds. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Divide the jackfruit among the pitas or flatbread. Top with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a dollop of tzatziki before serving.
Graham says
Fantastic and extremely easy recipe.
I used this for a group of omnivorous and they were all amazed and vowed to even try it themselves.
A real hit that will be used again and again.
THANK YOU
Kristen Wood says
I'm so very happy to hear this! Thank you for taking the time to stop by and share here. 🙂
Shruthi says
I'm always looking for new ways to use up jackfruit, and this was SUCH a hit in my house. Absolutely loved both the flavor and the texture. Great option for an omnivore household (my meat-loving husband also loved it!)
Addison says
I was very pleasantly surprised by the jackfruit! I found some at Trader Joe's and really enjoyed this gyro recipe!
Brooke says
We had this last night and it was delicious! Trying to venture out and try new things. I have been stalking your jackfruit recipes for a while but have just now gotten the courage to try. I am certainly glad we did! This was fantastic! Thanks for teaching this old dog new tricks!
Lisa says
I never would have thought to use jackfruit as a meat substitute but it worked out really well for vegetarian gyros.
Sharina says
Never thought jackfruit gyros make a good meal! Even my kids love it. These gyros were packed with flavors and glad they are healthy. Just added this recipe to my go-to recipes, thanks Kristen!