Description
Gyros Smashed Tacos are crispy, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired tacos featuring seasoned beef or lamb smashed onto tortillas and pan-fried until golden, then topped with tzatziki, fresh vegetables, and herbs for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
500 g (1 lb 2 oz) minced (ground) beef or lamb (20% fat)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp sea salt flakes
½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
8 mini flour tortillas (15 cm / 6 inches)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup tzatziki
2 tomatoes, sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced and tossed with sumac and olive oil
¼ bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
1 cup air-fryer or freezer fries
Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine minced beef or lamb, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well by hand until evenly combined.
- Divide the mixture into eight equal portions.
- Lay the tortillas flat on a work surface and press one portion of meat evenly over each tortilla, spreading it to the edges.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large frying pan over medium–high heat. Place the tortillas meat-side down and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned and crispy.
- Flip and cook for another 30 seconds until the tortilla is golden. Repeat with remaining tacos, adding more oil as needed. Keep cooked tacos warm in a 120°C (250°F) oven.
- Top each taco with tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, sumac onions, chopped parsley, and fries.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon and serve immediately.
Notes
Use lamb for a more traditional gyro flavor, or beef for a milder taste.
For a lighter version, substitute with chicken mince or plant-based mince.
To make the tacos spicier, add chili flakes or cayenne to the meat mixture.
Reheat leftovers in a skillet to restore crispiness—avoid microwaving.
Can be baked at 200°C (400°F) for about 10 minutes per side as an alternative to frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
