Description
This Paleo Ground Turkey Gyros recipe offers a delicious and healthy twist on traditional gyros by using ground turkey patties and homemade paleo flatbreads. Infused with aromatic spices and paired with a refreshing tzatziki sauce, these gyros are perfect for a quick, flavorful meal that caters to paleo and gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
Paleo Flatbread:
- Ingredients for paleo flatbread (refer to linked recipe in Notes)
Gyro Filling:
- 1 pound ground turkey (ground chicken can be substituted with slightly shorter cooking time)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt, divided
- ¾ teaspoon cumin (omit for AIP)
- ¾ teaspoon dried ginger powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (use ¾ teaspoon for AIP version; omit for VAD)
- ¼ teaspoon cloves powder
- 1 teaspoon Chinese Five Spice Powder (omit for AIP or VAD versions, use spice mixture instead)
Toppings & Garnishes:
- 1 cucumber, sliced thinly
- ½ red onion, sliced (omit for VAD and Low FODMAP; limit for Keto)
- Fresh parsley, cilantro or mint (use mint for VAD), enough to garnish 4 gyros
- Optional leafy lettuce
Tzatziki Sauce:
- See Notes section below for 3 versions catering to different dietary needs
Instructions
- Prepare Paleo Flatbread Dough: Make the paleo flatbread dough according to the referenced recipe in notes. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes while you shape the meat patties.
- Prepare Spice Mixture: If not using Chinese Five Spice Powder, stir together cumin, ginger powder, cinnamon, and cloves in a small bowl to create the spice mix.
- Form Turkey Patties: Shape the ground turkey into 4 patties, flattening them to about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Form them into half-circle shapes if desired to fit folded flatbreads well.
- Cook First Side of Patties: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon olive oil, distributing it evenly. Place the patties in the skillet and season half of the salt and half of the spice mixture (or Chinese Five Spice Powder) evenly onto each patty. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes on the first side.
- Roll Out & Cook Flatbreads: While patties cook, roll out the flatbread dough or use a tortilla press for faster shaping. Cook flatbreads according to the referenced paleo flatbread cooking instructions, continuing until all flatbreads are done.
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: While patties and flatbreads cook, combine tzatziki sauce ingredients in a small bowl or Pyrex measuring cup. Refer to the notes below for three different versions to suit various dietary needs.
- Cook Second Side of Patties: Flip patties carefully. Add an additional tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet if needed and reduce heat slightly. Season the second side with remaining salt and spices. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes. Turn off heat to prevent drying out.
- Assemble Gyros: Place optional lettuce on one side of each flatbread, then add a turkey patty (cut the patty in half if needed to cover the flatbread), followed by sliced cucumber, red onion, tzatziki sauce, and fresh herbs.
- Serve: Fold the flatbread over the fillings to create the gyro. Serve immediately with optional lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- The paleo flatbread recipe is referenced but not detailed; use your preferred paleo flatbread recipe or the one linked by the author.
- Tzatziki Sauce can be adapted for different dietary preferences. The author suggests checking the notes for 3 versions to meet unique needs such as AIP, vegan, or low FODMAP.
- For AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) and VAD (Vitamin A Deficiency) diets, omit Chinese Five Spice and certain spices like cumin and cinnamon as indicated.
- To keep it keto-friendly, limit the amount of red onion or omit if needed.
- Ground chicken is a suitable alternative but requires slightly less cooking time.
- Optional leafy lettuce adds crunch but can be omitted based on preference or diet.
- If you don’t have a tortilla press, rolling out the dough with a rolling pin works equally well.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint for garnish to enhance flavor and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
