Souvlaki is the quintessential Greek street food, featuring marinated chunks of meat—traditionally pork—skewered and grilled to juicy perfection. Served with warm pita bread, fresh tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and fries, it’s a burst of Mediterranean flavors that’s simple yet irresistible. Whether you’re dreaming of Athens’ bustling markets or hosting a summer barbecue, this dish captures the essence of Greek cuisine in every bite. In this blog post, I’ll take you through an in-depth, authentic recipe that’s easy to follow at home.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Marinade and Meat:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) pork shoulder or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- 4 pita breads, warmed
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade: mix 1 cup Greek yogurt, ½ cucumber grated and drained, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, salt, and dill)
- 2 tomatoes, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- French fries (optional, for authenticity)
- Lemon wedges
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl for marinade
- Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden ones in water for 30 minutes)
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs for flipping
- Serving platter
Prep Time and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 2-4 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding marinating)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. This zesty marinade is the key to Souvlaki’s signature tangy flavor—it’s simple but packs a punch with Greek herbs and citrus. Taste it and adjust if needed; it should be bright and aromatic.
Step 2: Marinate the Meat
Add the cubed pork to the marinade, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a zip-top bag, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum tenderness. Flip the meat halfway through if possible. The acid from the lemon juice helps break down the pork, making it incredibly juicy when grilled.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
While the meat marinates, prep your accompaniments: slice the tomatoes and onions, chop the parsley, and make or ready your tzatziki. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water to prevent burning. Thread the marinated pork cubes onto the skewers, about 4-5 pieces per skewer, leaving a little space between for even cooking. Discard any leftover marinade to avoid cross-contamination.
Step 4: Grill the Souvlaki
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes with tongs. The meat should develop a nice char on the outside while staying tender inside—aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for pork. If you’re indoors, a cast-iron grill pan works wonders for that authentic smoky flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Warm the pita breads on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side. To assemble, spread a generous dollop of tzatziki on each pita, add a few slices of tomato and onion, sprinkle with parsley, and top with the grilled pork (removed from skewers). Fold it like a gyro or serve open-faced. Add fries inside if desired, and squeeze fresh lemon over everything for that final zing. Serve immediately while hot!
Tips for Success
- Meat Variations: While pork is traditional, you can swap for chicken, lamb, or even beef for different twists. Vegetarians love it with halloumi cheese or mushrooms.
- Marinating Time: Don’t skip the marinate—it’s what infuses the flavor. But avoid over-marinating beyond 24 hours, as the lemon can make the meat too mushy.
- Grilling Indoors: No outdoor grill? Use a broiler for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Authentic Touch: For true Greek style, use high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs if available.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Fat: 25 g (saturated fat: 6 g)
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on portion size, meat choice, and additions like fries. Tzatziki adds probiotics from yogurt, making it a balanced meal.
Why You’ll Love Souvlaki
This Souvlaki recipe is more than just food—it’s a taste of Greek hospitality, perfect for casual gatherings or quick weeknight dinners. The combination of smoky grilled meat, creamy tzatziki, and fresh veggies creates a harmony that’s fresh, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. Once you master it, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat, evoking sunny Mediterranean vibes right in your kitchen. Enjoy your homemade Greek feast!
