Description
These Gyros Smashed Tacos combine flavorful spiced minced beef or lamb pressed thinly into mini flour tortillas and pan-fried until crispy, topped with refreshing tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, sumac onions, and parsley. Perfectly crispy and packed with Mediterranean flavors, they are served with air-fried chips and lemon wedges for a tasty fusion taco experience.
Ingredients
Scale
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 & Toppings
- 8 mini flour tortillas (15 cm/6 inches)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- The BEST Tzatziki (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- Sumac onions (red onions soaked in sumac and lemon juice)
- ¼ bunch flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- Air-fryer chips (fries) or frozen 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 so 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 surface, such as a sheet of baking or parchment paper. 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, flattening it to create a thin 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 in the hot pan. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the meat is browned and crispy. Flip the tacos and cook the tortilla side for an additional 30 seconds or until golden. Repeat this process in batches, adding the remaining oil as needed. Keep the cooked tacos warm in an oven set to 120°C (250°F) or 100°C (200°F fan-forced) if desired. This will further crisp the tacos without drying out the meat. Optionally, spray or brush the tops with extra olive oil before warming, though it’s typically not necessary.
- Assemble and serve: Top each crispy taco with a dollop of tzatziki, followed by sliced tomatoes, sumac onions, and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley. Add a few air-fryer chips or fries on the side, and serve with lemon wedges to squeeze over. Enjoy your flavorful Gyros Smashed Tacos immediately!
Notes
- Using 20% fat mince is important to keep the meat juicy and flavorful while crisping the tacos.
- Sumac onions can be made by soaking thinly sliced red onions in lemon juice mixed with sumac spice for a tangy flavor.
- The tacos can be kept warm and crisped further in a low oven while you finish cooking the rest.
- If you prefer, homemade tzatziki can be made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and olive oil.
- Air-fryer chips or frozen fries are served alongside for a delicious contrast in texture.
