Classic Souvlaki Recipe
Souvlaki is a beloved Greek dish made with skewered and grilled meat, often served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and a flavorful tzatziki sauce. This traditional dish can be made with a variety of meats such as pork, chicken, or lamb and is known for its delicious marinade that infuses the meat with robust Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue, Souvlaki brings the taste of Greece right to your table.
Equipment
- Skewers
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Basting brush
- knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 Ib Pork tenderloin (or chicken/lamb)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper
- Wooden skewers soaked in water if using
Instructions
- 1. Prepare the marinade:In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This fragrant mixture will serve as the marinade for the meat.2. Marinate the meat:Add the pork (or chicken/lamb) pieces to the bowl, tossing them in the marinade until fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the meat for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight for more intense flavors.3. Prepare the skewers:Once the meat has marinated, thread the pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.4. Preheat the grill:Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.5. Grill the Souvlaki:Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the meat is golden brown and cooked through. Use a basting brush to occasionally brush on any leftover marinade while grilling for extra flavor.6. Assemble the Souvlaki:Warm the pita breads on the grill or in a pan for 1-2 minutes. Serve the grilled Souvlaki skewers with pita bread, thinly sliced onions, cucumber, tomatoes, and a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
Notes
- Marinate Longer: For even more flavorful meat, marinate the pork, chicken, or lamb overnight.
- Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Homemade tzatziki is a great complement to Souvlaki. You can make it by mixing Greek yogurt with minced garlic, grated cucumber, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Vegetarian Option: You can make a vegetarian version by using chunks of halloumi cheese or vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
