By Souvlaki is one of Greece’s most iconic street foods, loved for its simplicity, bold Mediterranean flavors, and satisfying grilled aroma. The word “souvlaki” comes from the Greek word souvla, meaning “skewer,” and it traditionally refers to small pieces of marinated meat cooked on wooden sticks over hot charcoal. Whether made with pork, chicken, lamb, or even vegetables, souvlaki captures the essence of Greek cooking—fresh ingredients, minimal spices, and the perfect balance of acidity from lemon and richness from olive oil. In this recipe, you will learn how to prepare authentic Greek souvlaki at home, along with a classic tzatziki sauce and serving suggestions to complete the dish.
Ingredients
For the Souvlaki:
- 500–600 g chicken breast or thigh (or pork shoulder, lamb, or mixed vegetables)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes to avoid burning)
For Tzatziki Sauce (Optional but Traditional):
- 1 cup thick Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint
For Serving:
- Warm pita bread
- Sliced onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Lettuce or cabbage (optional)
- Fries (optional, for authentic Greek street style)
- Extra lemon wedges
Preparing Souvlaki: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Meat
Begin by washing and patting the meat dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken, pork, or lamb into evenly sized cubes—about 1 to 1.5 inches each. Keeping the pieces uniform ensures that everything cooks evenly and stays juicy. If you choose vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, cut them into slightly larger chunks so they don’t overcook on the grill.
2. Make the Marinade
The soul of good souvlaki lies in the marinade. In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Greek cooking uses simple herbs, but it relies heavily on the quality of olive oil and the freshness of the ingredients. Vinegar helps tenderize the meat, while lemon brightens the flavor and garlic adds a delicious punch.
Once the marinade is ready, add the meat cubes and coat them thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight marination gives the richest flavor. If you are using vegetables, marinate them for only 20–30 minutes, as they absorb flavor quickly.
3. Prepare the Grill or Pan
Souvlaki is traditionally grilled over charcoal, which gives it a smoky, authentic Greek aroma. However, you can also use a gas grill, stovetop grill pan, or even an air fryer. The key is to ensure your cooking surface is very hot before adding the skewers. This helps sear the meat beautifully and lock in moisture.
If grilling:
- Preheat to medium-high heat.
- Brush the grill with a little oil so the meat does not stick.
If using a grill pan:
- Heat it until you see light smoke rising.
- Add a few drops of oil and spread it with a brush or tissue.
4. Assemble the Skewers
Remove the marinated meat from the refrigerator. Thread the cubes onto soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between pieces. Do not pack them too tightly, or they will steam instead of grill. If you’re making mixed vegetable souvlaki, alternate colors for a vibrant look.
5. Grill the Souvlaki
Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook them for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally so that all sides develop an even char. Chicken usually cooks faster than pork or lamb, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. The goal is a slightly crispy exterior with a juicy interior.
When the meat is done, remove the skewers from the heat and allow them to rest for 3–5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute and makes every bite tender and flavorful.
How to Make Authentic Tzatziki Sauce
While the meat rests, prepare the classic Greek tzatziki sauce—cool, creamy, and the perfect companion to souvlaki.
- Peel the cucumber, grate it finely, and squeeze out excess water using your hands or a clean cloth. This step prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh dill.
- Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Tzatziki adds a refreshing contrast to the smoky souvlaki and brings the dish together beautifully.
Serving Your Souvlaki
Greek souvlaki can be enjoyed in several ways:
1. Souvlaki on a Stick
Serve the skewers as they are with a side of tzatziki, lemon wedges, grilled pita, or a simple Greek salad.
2. Souvlaki Pita Wrap
This is the most popular version. To assemble:
- Warm the pita bread.
- Add lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
- Slide the grilled meat off the skewer.
- Top with tzatziki and a squeeze of lemon.
- Add a few fries for authentic Greek street-food style.
3. Souvlaki Plate
Serve the meat with rice, roasted potatoes, Greek salad, and pita. Drizzle extra olive oil and sprinkle oregano for added aroma.
Tips for the Best Souvlaki
- Use chicken thighs for juicier results compared to chicken breast.
- The longer the marination, the better the flavor—overnight is ideal.
- Do not skip the vinegar; it tenderizes the meat naturally.
- If grilling indoors, switch on ventilation as garlic can smoke easily.
- Always soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
- For extra flavor, brush the meat with a little marinade during grilling (not raw marinade—keep some aside).
Conclusion
Souvlaki is more than just grilled meat—it is a celebration of Greek flavors and a dish that works for any occasion. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you can recreate the charm of a Greek taverna right in your kitchen. The combination of tender marinated meat, soft pita, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and creamy tzatziki makes souvlaki a perfect meal that appeals to everyone. Whether you prepare it for a family dinner, weekend gathering, or festive cookout, this recipe guarantees delicious results every time.
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