Authentic Greek Souvlaki Recipe

Ingredients

500g of pork tenderloin, cut into 2.5cm cubes
4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
2 tablespoons of dried oregano
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 pita breads
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 medium tomato, chopped
1 cucumber, chopped
150g of Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon of fresh mint, chopped

Steps and instructions

In a large bowl, combine the pork, garlic, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until the pork is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
Thread the marinated pork cubes onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
While the pork is grilling, warm the pita breads on the grill or in a warm oven.
Combine the Greek yogurt and fresh mint in a small bowl. Set aside.
To assemble, spread a spoonful of the Greek yogurt mixture onto each pita. Top with the grilled pork, sliced onion, chopped tomato, and chopped cucumber.
Fold the pita over the fillings, and serve immediately.

Tools for making

Grill or Grill Pan - Used to cook the pork skewers to perfection.
Skewers - Needed to thread the marinated pork cubes for grilling.
Large Bowl - Used to combine and marinate the pork with the seasonings.
Knife - Essential for finely chopping the garlic and slicing the red onion.
Cutting Board - Used for chopping the garlic, red onion, tomato, and cucumber.
Grill Tongs - Necessary for flipping and handling the pork skewers on the grill.
Small Bowl - Used for mixing the Greek yogurt and fresh mint.

Recipe variations

Chicken Souvlaki: Substitute pork with chicken breast or thigh meat.
Beef Souvlaki: Substitute pork with beef sirloin or tenderloin.
Lamb Souvlaki: Substitute pork with lamb leg or shoulder meat.
Vegetarian Souvlaki: Use firm tofu or a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
Marinade Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices such as rosemary, thyme, paprika, or cumin in the marinade.
Sauce Variations: Try different sauces or dips like tzatziki, tahini, or hummus to accompany the souvlaki.
Grain Options: Serve the souvlaki over rice, quinoa, or couscous instead of pita bread.
Wrap Variations: Use lettuce leaves or tortilla wraps instead of pita bread for a lighter option.
Additional Toppings: Add feta cheese, Kalamata olives, or roasted red peppers as additional toppings.

Recipe overview

This delightful Souvlaki recipe will take your taste buds on a trip to Greece. Soaked in a tangy lemon-garlic marinade and grilled to perfection, the pork is the star of the show. Its luscious flavours are then enveloped in warm, soft pita bread along with fresh vegetables and a cool, minty Greek yogurt, creating a heavenly combination of tastes and textures. The recipe is straightforward and the preparation mostly involves marinating and grilling. This Souvlaki is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, and is certain to impress your guests. Bon Appétit!

Common questions

How long should I marinate the pork? - Marinate the pork for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
Can I use chicken instead of pork? - Yes, you can substitute pork with chicken breast or thigh meat if you prefer.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried? - Yes, you can use fresh oregano. Double the amount if using fresh.
Do I need to soak the skewers before grilling? - If you are using wooden skewers, it is recommended to soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Can I cook the pork on a stovetop instead of grilling? - Yes, you can cook the pork skewers on a grill pan or even in a regular non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
What can I use instead of pita bread? - If you don't have pita bread, you can use flatbreads, tortillas, or even serve the souvlaki over rice or salad.
Can I make the yogurt sauce ahead of time? - Yes, you can prepare the yogurt sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
What other toppings can I add to the souvlaki? - You can add sliced bell peppers, olives, or feta cheese as additional toppings if desired.
Can I make souvlaki without skewers? - Yes, you can cook the marinated pork directly on the grill or in a grill pan without using skewers.
How should I store leftover souvlaki? - Store any leftover souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best to consume it within 2-3 days.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill or Grill Pan - A grill or grill pan is needed to cook the marinated pork skewers.
Skewers - Skewers are used to thread the marinated pork cubes for grilling.
Large Bowl - A large bowl is needed to combine the pork and marinade ingredients.
Knife - A knife is required to finely chop the garlic and to chop the tomato and cucumber for serving.
Cutting Board - A cutting board is necessary for chopping ingredients.
Grill Tongs - Grill tongs are useful for flipping the skewers while grilling.
Small Bowl - A small bowl is needed to combine the Greek yogurt and fresh mint for the yogurt sauce.
Spoon - A spoon is used to spread the Greek yogurt mixture onto the pita bread.

Origin stories

Souvlaki, a term derived from the Greek word 'souvla' meaning skewer, is a popular street food in Greece with a history that traces back to antiquity. Its popularity has a lot to do with its simplicity and the robust flavors it offers. Ancient Greeks used to grill pieces of meat on a 'souvla'. This practice has been recorded in works of scholars from that era, even Homer in his Iliad mentioned a form of souvlaki. The dish we know today, with its delightful accompaniments of vegetables and sauces, evolved over time. So, when you're relishing souvlaki, you're not just enjoying a meal, you're partaking in a culinary tradition that has been around for thousands of years.

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.