Greek Souvlaki Recipe (Tender and well-marinated pork or chicken grilled and served with Tzatziki sauce)
This classic Greek street food features tender and flavorful pieces of marinated meat, skewered and grilled to perfection, then served with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and tangy tzatziki sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1-2 hours
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Number of Servings
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Wooden or metal skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes (if using wooden skewers)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
+ Warm pita bread, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, and tzatziki sauce for serving
Directions
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the cubed chicken breasts or pork loin in a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it is well coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
- Thread the marinated meat onto the soaked skewers, dividing evenly.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the meat is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Once the skewers are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve Greek Souvlaki hot off the grill with warm pita bread, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, and tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 35g
Historical and Cultural Significance
Souvlaki is a popular Greek street food. It is made with skewered and grilled meat, such as chicken, pork, or lamb, and is often served with pita bread, vegetables, and tzatziki sauce. Souvlaki is a symbol of Greek culinary culture.
Special Tips
- For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice over the grilled meat just before serving.
- Greek Souvlaki pairs perfectly with a glass of chilled white wine or a cold Greek beer, such as Mythos or Alpha, to complement the Mediterranean flavors and refresh the palate.
- For a traditional Greek touch, serve Greek Souvlaki with a side of Greek salad, consisting of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Can’t find tzatziki sauce? You can make your own by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Download the printable recipe
Greek Souvlaki Recipe
This classic Greek street food features tender and flavorful pieces of marinated meat, skewered and grilled to perfection, then served with warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and tangy tzatziki sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or pork loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
Wooden or metal skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes (if using wooden skewers)
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Warm pita bread, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, and tzatziki sauce for serving
Directions
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the cubed chicken breasts or pork loin in a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it is well coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
- Thread the marinated meat onto the soaked skewers, dividing evenly.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the meat is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
- Once the skewers are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve Greek Souvlaki hot off the grill with warm pita bread, sliced tomatoes, sliced onions, and tzatziki sauce for dipping.
Notes
- + For extra flavor, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice over the grilled meat just before serving.
+ Greek Souvlaki pairs perfectly with a glass of chilled white wine or a cold Greek beer, such as Mythos or Alpha, to complement the Mediterranean flavors and refresh the palate. - + For a traditional Greek touch, serve Greek Souvlaki with a side of Greek salad, consisting of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Can't find tzatziki sauce? You can make your own by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
