If you’re craving a fun, flavor-packed meal that blends the best of Mediterranean and taco-night vibes, you’re going to adore this Gyros Smashed Tacos with Tzatziki and Sumac Onions Recipe. It takes classic gyros spices and pairs them perfectly with crispy, flattened tortillas, creamy homemade tzatziki, and tangy sumac onions for a bright, satisfying bite every time. These tacos bring an exciting twist to your weeknight dinners, offering layers of fresh textures and savory richness that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it could quickly become your new favorite way to enjoy gyros flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Gyros Smashed Tacos with Tzatziki and Sumac Onions Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a starring role in creating complex flavor and delightful textures. From the tender, spiced meat to the fresh and creamy accompaniments, every element is thoughtfully chosen and easy to source.
- 500 g regular minced beef or lamb (20% fat): The fat content ensures juicy, flavorful meat that’s tender when cooked.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic base note that’s essential for gyros flavor.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory undertones, rounding out the seasoning.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings that unmistakable Mediterranean herbaceous punch.
- 1 tsp ground cumin: Adds gentle earthiness and depth to the meat mix.
- ½ tsp sweet paprika: Gives a subtle smoky sweetness that balances spices perfectly.
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes: Helps to bring all the meat and toppings alive.
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- 8 mini flour tortillas (6 inches): The perfect size to hold those smashed meat patties and toppings.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For frying and getting that wonderful crispiness on the tacos.
- The BEST Tzatziki: Creamy, cool, and packed with cucumber and garlic for heavenly contrast.
- 2 tomatoes, sliced: Freshness and a little burst of juicy sweetness.
- Sumac Onions: Tangy, vibrant onions that brighten every bite beautifully.
- ¼ bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal note and lively green color.
- Air-fryer chips or freezer fries: Crispy on the side, a perfect salty crunch to accompany your tacos.
- Lemon wedges: For that extra zesty kick to squeeze over before eating.
How to Make Gyros Smashed Tacos with Tzatziki and Sumac Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture
Start by combining the minced beef or lamb with all the spices—garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, paprika, sea salt flakes, and pepper—in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix everything really well so the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Once mixed, divide the mixture into eight equal portions. This step is crucial because well-seasoned meat is the soul of this Gyros Smashed Tacos with Tzatziki and Sumac Onions Recipe, setting the stage for every other component.
Step 2: Shape and Smash the Tacos
Lay out the mini flour tortillas on a flat surface, preferably a sheet of parchment paper for easy handling. Place one portion of the meat mixture in the center of each tortilla, then firmly press down with your fingers to flatten the meat evenly, spreading it right to the edges of the tortilla. This technique creates that signature “smashed” look and helps the meat cook through evenly while crisping the tortilla edges.
Step 3: Cook the Tacos
Heat half of the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium–high heat. Carefully place the tortillas meat-side down into the hot pan and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the meat is browned and crispy. Flip the tacos and cook for another 30 seconds until the tortilla side turns a beautiful golden color. Repeat this process in batches, adding more oil as needed. To keep the cooked tacos warm, pop them in a low oven at about 120°C (250°F). As they rest, the meat deepens in flavor and the tortillas get even crispier without drying out, thanks to the juicy fat content in the mince.
How to Serve Gyros Smashed Tacos with Tzatziki and Sumac Onions Recipe
Garnishes
To really bring this Gyros Smashed Tacos with Tzatziki and Sumac Onions Recipe to life, top each crispy taco with a generous dollop of your homemade or store-bought tzatziki. Add a few slices of juicy tomato and a sprinkle of tangy sumac onions along with fresh parsley. This combination delivers a vibrant mix of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors that balance the richness of the meat perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve these tacos alongside crispy, golden air-fryer chips or your favorite freezer fries for a fun and satisfying meal. A wedge of lemon on the side invites everyone to add a zesty brightness to their tacos, lifting all the flavors together for an unforgettable bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inspired presentation, try stacking the tacos on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of tzatziki and sumac onions for guests to customize their own. Or, line a platter with fresh greens and line up the tacos for an eye-catching and inviting spread at your next casual get-together. The vibrant colors and textures make this dish just as exciting to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers after enjoying these delicious Gyros Smashed Tacos with Tzatziki and Sumac Onions Recipe, store the cooked meat and prepared toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps keep everything fresh and prevents sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked meat patties for longer storage by wrapping them individually in cling film and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Avoid freezing the assembled tacos as the tortillas lose their crispness. When ready, thaw the meat overnight in the fridge then reheat gently.
Reheating
Reheat the meat patties in a hot skillet or oven to revive their crisp exterior and juicy inside. Warm the tortillas separately just enough to soften them without losing structure. Add fresh toppings like tzatziki, tomatoes, and sumac onions after reheating to keep flavors vibrant and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of beef or lamb?
Absolutely! Chicken works well for this recipe. Use ground chicken and season it with the same spices for a lighter but equally flavorful version of these gyros smashed tacos.
What is sumac and where can I find it?
Sumac is a tangy, lemony Middle Eastern spice that adds brightness and color. You can typically find it in specialty spice stores or the international aisle of well-stocked supermarkets.
Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?
Yes! Tzatziki actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld. Just be sure to strain the cucumber well to keep it thick and creamy.
Do I have to use mini tortillas, or can larger ones be used?
The 6-inch tortillas are ideal for making individual smashed tacos that are easy to hold and packed with flavor. Larger tortillas might be trickier to flatten evenly, but you can certainly try if you prefer bigger tacos.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
Definitely! You could substitute the meat with spiced mashed chickpeas or crumbled tofu seasoned similarly to capture those gyros flavors while keeping it vegetarian.
Final Thoughts
This Gyros Smashed Tacos with Tzatziki and Sumac Onions Recipe is an absolute joy to make and an even bigger pleasure to eat. It brings together the bold, savory notes of gyros with the playful fun of smashed tacos, topped off with fresh, creamy, and tangy elements that keep every bite exciting. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe promises smiles and satisfied appetites. Give it a go—you’re going to love how easy it is to create such a memorable meal at home!
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Gyros Smashed Tacos with Tzatziki and Sumac Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 mini tacos)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Greek/Mediterranean
Description
Gyros Smashed Tacos combine the bold, savory flavors of traditional Greek gyros with the fun, handheld format of tacos. Ground beef or lamb is seasoned with classic spices, pressed into mini flour tortillas, and pan-fried until crispy and golden. Served with fresh tomatoes, tangy sumac onions, vibrant parsley, and creamy tzatziki, these tacos deliver a perfect balance of textures and Mediterranean flavors in under an hour.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) regular (20% fat) minced (ground) beef or lamb
- 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
Tacos
- 8 mini flour tortillas (15 cm/6 inches)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Accompaniments
- The BEST Tzatziki (recipe or store-bought)
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- Sumac onions (thinly sliced onions tossed with sumac spice)
- ¼ bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- Air-fryer chips (fries) or freezer chips
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the minced beef or lamb with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, sweet paprika, sea salt flakes, and freshly cracked black pepper. Use your hands to mix thoroughly until the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Divide the mixture into eight equal portions.
- Prepare the tacos: Lay out the mini flour tortillas on a flat work surface, preferably on parchment paper for easy handling. Place one portion of the meat mixture in the center of each tortilla. Using your fingers, press down firmly and spread the meat evenly to the edges of the tortilla, forming a thin, flat-pressed meat layer.
- Cook the tacos: Heat half of the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the tortillas meat-side down into the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until the meat is nicely browned and the bottom tortilla is crispy. Flip each taco and cook for an additional 30 seconds or until the tortilla side is golden. Repeat the process in batches using the remaining oil as needed. To keep cooked tacos warm, place them in a preheated oven at 120°C (250°F) until ready to serve. Optionally, to enhance crispiness, you can lightly brush the tacos with extra olive oil before warming in the oven, although this is not necessary if using 20% fat mince.
- Assemble and serve: Top each cooked taco with a generous dollop of tzatziki, add sliced tomatoes, sumac onions, and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley. Add a few fries on the side or inside the taco for added crunch. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top to add a fresh, citrusy finish.
Notes
- Using 20% fat mince is essential to ensure the meat stays juicy when pressed thin and cooked quickly.
- If you don’t have sumac spice, you can substitute with a squeeze of lemon juice on the onions for a similar tangy flavor.
- Mini flour tortillas of about 6 inches work best to hold the smashed meat and toppings.
- For an easier side, use air-fryer chips or ready-made freezer chips/fries.
- To keep the tacos crispy without drying out the meat, keep them warm in a low oven and optionally brush with olive oil.
