Keto Hamburger and Onion Gyros: A Low-Carb Greek-Inspired Feast

Craving the bold flavors of Greek cuisine but sticking to your keto lifestyle? Look no further! Our Keto Hamburger and Onion Gyros are here to satisfy your taste buds without derailing your low-carb journey. This innovative twist on the classic gyro combines the succulence of seasoned ground beef with the sweetness of caramelized onions, all wrapped in a keto-friendly flatbread. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport you to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean – minus the carbs!

A Keto-Friendly Fusion of Flavors

Traditional gyros are typically made with lamb or a mixture of lamb and beef, slow-roasted on a vertical rotisserie. Our keto version takes a delicious detour by using well-seasoned ground beef, making it more accessible and budget-friendly without compromising on taste. The addition of caramelized onions brings a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory meat, creating a harmony of flavors that will dance on your palate.

The Perfect Keto Meal for Any Time of Day

While gyros are often enjoyed as a quick lunch or late-night snack, our Keto Hamburger and Onion Gyros are versatile enough to be served for lunch or dinner. They make for a satisfying and filling meal that will keep you energized throughout the day or provide a comforting end to your evening. Pack them for a picnic, serve them at your next family gathering, or enjoy them as a romantic dinner for two – the possibilities are endless!

Now, let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering keto recipe.

Ingredients

 

 

For the Keto Flatbread (makes 4 servings):

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 2 tablespoons psyllium husk powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Hamburger Filling:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Toppings:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Grater
• Small bowl for tzatziki
• Garlic press (optional)

Detailed Preparation Method

Step 1: Preparing the Keto Flatbread

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, psyllium husk powder, baking powder, and salt. Ensure there are no lumps in the dry ingredients.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add the warm water and olive oil to the eggs and whisk to combine.
3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a spatula or your hands until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
4. Divide the dough into 4 equal portions and shape each into a ball.
5. Place a ball of dough between two sheets of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll it out into a thin, round flatbread about 1/8 inch thick.
6. Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and slightly crispy. Repeat with the remaining dough balls.
7. Set the cooked flatbreads aside and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and pliable.

Step 2: Caramelizing the Onions

1. In the same skillet used for the flatbreads, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with salt. Stir to coat the onions evenly with butter.
3. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 25-30 minutes. The key to perfectly caramelized onions is patience – don’t rush this process!
4. As the onions cook, they will release their moisture and begin to turn golden brown. If they start to stick to the pan, add a tablespoon of water and scrape up any browned bits.
5. Continue cooking until the onions are a deep golden brown and have a sweet, mellow flavor. Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 3: Preparing the Hamburger Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
2. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks.
4. Cook the beef for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. The meat should have a nice crust in some areas for added texture and flavor.
5. Drain any excess fat if desired, but leaving some will add to the juiciness of the gyros.

Step 4: Making the Tzatziki Sauce

1. Grate the cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
2. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, drained grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, and lemon juice.
3. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5: Assembling the Keto Hamburger and Onion Gyros

1. Warm the keto flatbreads if they’ve cooled down by placing them briefly in a hot, dry skillet.
2. Lay a flatbread on a plate and spread a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce down the center.
3. Add a portion of the cooked hamburger meat on top of the tzatziki.
4. Top the meat with a spoonful of caramelized onions.
5. Add some halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
6. Carefully fold or roll the flatbread around the filling, creating a pocket or wrap.
7. Repeat with the remaining flatbreads and ingredients.
8. Serve immediately while still warm, with extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 620
• Total Fat: 48g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 170mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 12g
• Dietary Fiber: 6g
• Net Carbs: 6g
• Total Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 38g

Please note that these nutritional values are approximate and may vary slightly depending on specific brands of ingredients used and any modifications made to the recipe.

Recipe Notes and Tips

1. Meat variation: While this recipe uses ground beef for accessibility and flavor, you can experiment with ground lamb or a mixture of beef and lamb for a more traditional gyro taste.
2. Make-ahead options: The keto flatbreads can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them briefly in a dry skillet before assembling the gyros.
3. Leftover management: Store any leftover components separately in the refrigerator. The meat and onions will keep for 3-4 days, while the tzatziki sauce can last up to 5 days.
4. Spice adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices in the meat mixture to your taste preferences. Add a pinch of cinnamon for an authentic Greek touch, or increase the garlic and cumin for a bolder flavor profile.
5. Vegetable additions: For extra nutrients and color, consider adding thinly sliced cucumbers or shredded lettuce to your gyros.
6. Dairy-free option: To make this recipe dairy-free, omit the feta cheese and replace the Greek yogurt in the tzatziki with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
7. Flatbread thickness: The thickness of your keto flatbread can be adjusted to your preference. Thinner flatbreads will be crispier and more wrap-like, while thicker ones will be softer and more pita-like.
8. Onion cooking tip: If you’re short on time, you can speed up the onion caramelization process by adding a pinch of baking soda to the onions. This will help them brown faster, but be careful not to add too much, as it can affect the taste.
9. Serving suggestion: For a complete keto-friendly meal, serve these gyros with a side of Greek salad or cauliflower rice pilaf.
10. Freezing instructions: The cooked meat filling can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and assembling your gyros.

This Keto Hamburger and Onion Gyros recipe is a testament to the fact that following a ketogenic diet doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or variety. By reimagining this classic Greek street food with low-carb ingredients, we’ve created a dish that’s not only delicious but also aligns with your dietary goals. The combination of seasoned ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy tzatziki sauce wrapped in a soft yet sturdy keto flatbread offers a satisfying meal that will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch, a filling dinner, or an impressive dish to serve at your next gathering, these keto gyros are sure to please. They’re packed with protein, healthy fats, and a modest amount of net carbs, making them an excellent choice for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle. Plus, with the ability to prepare components in advance, this recipe can easily fit into your busy schedule.

So, fire up your skillet, embrace the aromatic spices, and get ready to indulge in a keto-friendly culinary adventure. Your journey to a healthier lifestyle has never tasted so good!