Authentic Greek Beef Souvlaki: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

1.5 pounds of beef tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1 red onion, cut into chunks
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
4 pita breads
Tzatziki sauce for serving

Steps and instructions

Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Add the beef cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let the beef marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
After marinating, thread the beef cubes onto skewers, alternating with chunks of red onion and bell peppers.
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Grill the skewers for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness and the vegetables are tender.
While the skewers are grilling, warm the pita breads on the grill or in the oven.
Once the skewers are done, remove the beef and vegetables from the skewers and serve them in the warmed pita breads, topped with tzatziki sauce.

Tools for making

Skewers - Needed to thread the beef cubes, red onion, and bell peppers for grilling.
Grill or Grill Pan - Used to cook the beef souvlaki skewers.
Bowl - Used to combine the marinade ingredients.
Tongs - Necessary for flipping and handling the skewers on the grill.
Knife - Required for cutting the beef into cubes and slicing the vegetables.
Cutting Board - Used as a surface for cutting the beef and vegetables.
Measuring Spoons - Required to measure the red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Grill Brush - Used to clean the grill before and after cooking.
Aluminum Foil - Optional, but can be used to cover and keep the cooked skewers warm.

Recipe variations

Use chicken instead of beef for a chicken souvlaki option.
Replace the beef with lamb for a traditional lamb souvlaki.
Add vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms to the skewers for a more diverse flavor.
Experiment with different marinades such as lemon-herb marinade or a yogurt-based marinade.
Instead of grilling, try cooking the skewers in the oven or on a stovetop grill pan.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with tofu or halloumi cheese and marinate them accordingly.
Serve the souvlaki in lettuce wraps instead of pita bread for a low-carb version.
Add spices like paprika, cumin, or coriander to the marinade for an extra kick of flavor.
Try different sauces or dips such as hummus or tahini sauce instead of tzatziki.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pita bread or serve the souvlaki over a bed of rice or quinoa.

Recipe overview

This delicious Beef Souvlaki recipe captures the flavors of the Mediterranean in a simple yet flavorful dish. Tender cubes of beef are marinated in olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and oregano, then threaded onto skewers with chunks of red onion and bell peppers. The skewers are then grilled to perfection, creating a meal that is both savory and satisfying. Wrapped up in warm, soft pita bread and topped with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, this souvlaki is a true treat. Expect a burst of flavor with every bite and a meal that transports you directly to a sunny Greek isle. Whether you're an experienced chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and sure to impress. Enjoy it for a family dinner, or make it for your next barbecue gathering. It's a versatile dish that's perfect for any occasion.

Common questions

How long should I marinate the beef? - The beef should be marinated for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best flavor.
Can I use a different cut of beef? - Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as sirloin or ribeye if you prefer. Just make sure to cut them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
Can I use a different type of meat? - While traditionally souvlaki is made with beef, you can also use chicken, pork, or lamb if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the meat you choose.
Can I grill the skewers indoors? - Yes, you can use a grill pan or even a broiler to cook the skewers indoors if you don't have access to an outdoor grill.
What can I serve with beef souvlaki? - Beef souvlaki goes well with a variety of sides such as Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or rice pilaf. Tzatziki sauce is a classic accompaniment.
Can I make the marinade in advance? - Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to marinate the beef, simply pour the marinade over the meat and let it marinate as instructed.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill or Grill Pan - Used to cook the beef souvlaki skewers.
Skewers - Used to thread the beef cubes, red onion, and bell peppers for grilling.
Tongs - Used to flip and handle the skewers on the grill.
Bowl - Used to mix and marinate the beef.
Knife - Used to cut the beef into cubes and chop the vegetables.
Cutting Board - Used as a surface to chop and prepare the ingredients.
Grill Brush - Used to clean the grill before and after cooking.
Measuring Spoons - Used to measure the ingredients accurately.
Plates - Used to serve the cooked beef souvlaki skewers and pita breads.

Origin stories

Souvlaki, a popular fast-food type of dish in Greece, has been a part of Greek cuisine since ancient times. References to meat and bread recipes, similar to the modern day Souvlaki, can be found in the writings of Aristophanes, Xenophon, and Aristotle. The name Souvlaki comes from the Greek word 'Souvla' which means skewer, the tool that was used to grill the meat. In ancient Greece, small pieces of meat were grilled on a spit and it was a popular dish served at festivals. Today, Souvlaki is enjoyed in many parts of the world with various adaptations, making it a beloved and versatile culinary treasure.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.