Souvlaki
Greek Grilled Meat Skewers
Tender cubes of pork shoulder marinated in a vibrant blend of lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano, then grilled to perfection on skewers until beautifully charred. Served traditionally in warm pita bread with fresh tomato, red onion, and creamy tzatziki sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 700 g Pork shoulder(Cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes. Pork shoulder is ideal for its fat content, which keeps the meat moist during grilling.)
- 120 ml Extra virgin olive oil(Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor.)
- 60 ml Fresh lemon juice(About 2 medium lemons. Freshly squeezed juice is essential.)
- 2 tbsp Dried oregano(Preferably Greek oregano for authentic flavor. If using fresh, use 4 tbsp chopped.)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Minced or finely grated.)
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
- 8-12 Wooden or metal skewers(If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.)
- 4 Pita bread(Thick, fluffy pita bread is best for wrapping.)
- approx. 200 g Tzatziki sauce(Store-bought or homemade, for serving.)
- 2 Tomatoes(Medium, ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced or diced.)
- 1 Red onion(Small, thinly sliced. Soaking in cold water for 10 minutes can mellow its sharpness.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the garlic is finely minced or grated for even distribution.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Marinate the pork: Add the cubed pork shoulder to the marinade. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or preferably overnight (up to 24 hours), to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
⏱️ 3-24 hours - 3
Prepare for grilling: If using wooden skewers, drain them after soaking. Thread the marinated pork cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Aim for 4-6 pieces per skewer, depending on size. Discard any excess marinade.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Preheat the grill: Prepare your grill for direct, high-heat cooking. For a charcoal grill, arrange coals for a hot zone. For a gas grill, preheat to high, around 230-260°C (450-500°F). Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 5
Grill the souvlaki: Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the pork is cooked through and has a nice char on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 71°C (160°F).
⏱️ 10-15 minutes - 6
Rest the meat: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Warm the pita: While the meat rests, lightly warm the pita bread on the grill for about 30 seconds per side, or in a dry skillet until pliable. This makes them easier to fold and enhances their flavor.
⏱️ 1 minute - 8
Assemble the souvlaki: Carefully remove the pork from the skewers. Lay a warm pita flat. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce, then add some souvlaki pork, sliced tomatoes, and red onion. Fold the pita to create a wrap.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 9
Serve immediately: Enjoy your homemade souvlaki while it's warm and fresh.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes in water to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the skewers; leave a small space between meat pieces for even cooking and better charring.
- ✓Grilling over high heat is crucial for achieving that signature smoky flavor and attractive char.
- ✓For an even richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of dried mint to the tzatziki.
- ✓If you don't have a grill, you can cook the souvlaki under a hot broiler or in a very hot cast-iron skillet.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Chicken Souvlaki: Substitute pork with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into cubes. Adjust marinating time to 1-4 hours.
- Lamb Souvlaki: Use lamb shoulder or leg, cut into cubes. Marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Vegetarian Souvlaki: Marinate halloumi cheese, firm tofu, or large chunks of vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini, and grill them.
🏷️ Tags
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