Souvlaki Recipe

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Cook Time: 10 minutes

This homemade souvlaki recipe is flavorful, tender, and easy to make on your outdoor grill.

What Is Souvlaki?
Souvlaki is a popular Greek fast food made of meat grilled on a skewer. Traditionally made with pork, it can also be prepared with chicken, beef, or lamb. It is typically served either on its own or wrapped inside a pita.

What Youll Need:
- Oil: cup olive oil
- Soy sauce: cup soy sauce for a savory, umami-rich flavor
- Lemon juice: Fresh juice from 1 lemon to add brightness and help tenderize the meat
- Seasonings: 3 cloves of crushed garlic and 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pork: 3 pounds of pork tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Vegetables: 2 medium yellow onions and 2 medium green bell peppers, both cut into 1-inch pieces
- Skewers: Wooden skewers, soaked in water

How to Make Souvlaki:

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine cup olive oil, cup soy sauce, juice of 1 lemon, 3 crushed garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Marinate the ingredients: Add the cubed pork, onions, and bell peppers to the marinade. Stir until everything is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to develop.
3. Preheat the grill: While the ingredients are marinating, preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.
4. Prepare the skewers: After marinating, remove the pork and vegetables from the bowl and shake off any excess marinade. Thread the pork, onions, and bell peppers onto the soaked wooden skewers, alternating between the pork and vegetables.
5. Grill the souvlaki: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning frequently. The souvlaki is done when the pork is no longer pink in the center, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the middle of the meat reads 145F (63C).

How Long to Grill Souvlaki:
Grill the souvlaki for about 10 to 15 minutes over medium-high heat. Check for doneness by ensuring the pork is no longer pink inside and reaches an internal temperature of at least 145F (63C).

What to Serve With Souvlaki:
Serve your souvlaki with warm pita bread, refreshing tzatziki sauce, and a side of rice for a complete meal. For extra flavor, try pairing it with these Greek side dishes:

• Greek-Style Lemon Roasted Potatoes
• Greek Orzo Salad
• Greek Green Beans

How to Store Souvlaki:
Leftover souvlaki can be stored in an airtight in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until the pork is warmed through.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- 189 Calories
- 8g Fat
- 4g Carbs
- 24g Protein
- 65mg Cholesterol
- 354mg Sodium
- 25mg Vitamin C

Community Tips:
- It was delicious with lots of leftovers, says one reviewer. We paired it with grilled potato salad and grilled zucchini. We will definitely make this again as pork is inexpensive.
- Amazing flavor, raves another. Strong enough to season bell peppers and onions, but gentle enough to let the pork shine.
- This recipe turned out amazingly, shares another. I made it with both chicken and pork, and marinated the meats for 24 hours in the fridge. Will definitely make this again!

Souvlaki, a quintessential Greek dish, has a long and cherished history in Greece. The word "souvlaki" comes from the Greek word "souvla," which means skewer, reflecting the method of preparation where pieces of meat are grilled on skewers. Its origins trace back to ancient Greece, where skewered meats were cooked over an open flame, a technique still prevalent today. While the modern version of souvlaki, often made with pork, chicken, or lamb, became popular in the 20th century, its roots go back to the Greek traditions of roasting meat on skewers, enjoyed by all social classes, from soldiers to the common folk.

Regional Variations

Though souvlaki is enjoyed throughout Greece, it does have some regional differences. In southern Greece, particularly in Athens, pork is the most common meat used for souvlaki, while in northern Greece, particularly in Thessaloniki, lamb and beef versions are more common. The Greeks in the islands also prefer chicken or seafood variations, sometimes even grilling them with local herbs and spices. Additionally, in Cyprus, souvlaki is typically served with pita bread and a variety of fresh salads, creating a slightly different experience compared to the mainland Greek version, where it may be paired with rice or vegetables.

Distinguishing Features from Similar Dishes

Souvlaki is often confused with other Mediterranean grilled meats such as kebabs or shashlik. However, there are some key differences. Kebabs, commonly found in the Middle East and South Asia, tend to feature larger chunks of marinated meat, whereas souvlaki uses smaller pieces, often accompanied by vegetables such as onions and peppers. Additionally, while souvlaki's marinade is typically a blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano, kebabs often use more complex spice mixtures, which may include cumin, coriander, or paprika. In contrast to the heavy use of spices in other kebab varieties, souvlaki focuses on simplicity, letting the natural flavors of the meat shine through.

Where Is Souvlaki Typically Served?

Souvlaki is a popular street food in Greece, commonly served at roadside kiosks, or souvlatzidika, where its offered in pita wraps or as a platter. These small, casual eateries are a staple of Greek culinary culture, and youll often find people enjoying souvlaki during lunch breaks or as a late-night snack after a long day. In Greek restaurants around the world, souvlaki is a beloved menu item, often served with sides like tzatziki, Greek salad, or pita bread. The dish is also frequently served during outdoor events and barbecues, where the grilling aroma brings people together.

Fun Facts About Souvlaki

Here are some fun facts you may not know about souvlaki:

• The Greeks typically refer to souvlaki on skewers as kalamaki, especially when it's served in a pita, which means "little reed" in Greek, referring to the skewer.
• In Athens, souvlaki was originally sold by the handful at street stalls before becoming a widely recognized dish, served in both casual and upscale restaurants.
• While souvlaki is often served with pita, some regions prefer it with rice or fried potatoes. Its not uncommon for souvlaki to be topped with feta cheese or fresh herbs like parsley.
• In modern-day Greece, souvlaki is considered a symbol of Greek street food culture, and its so popular that its often featured in food festivals across the country.

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