Souvlaki (Greek Pork Skewers with Lemon and Oregano)
Local name: Σουβλάκι
In short: Juicy cubes of pork marinated in lemon, garlic and oregano, grilled on skewers until lightly charred and served in warm pita. It takes about 37 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 37 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 800 kcal
Souvlaki are small skewers of grilled meat, sold at street counters and ordered in tavernas all over Greece. Pork is the usual choice. The marinade is simple: lemon, olive oil, garlic and oregano. Grill the skewers over high heat so the edges char while the inside stays juicy, then eat them in warm pita with tomato and onion, or on a plate with fries and tzatziki.
Instructions
- Whisk the oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the pork and toss until every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 12.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Thread 5 or 6 pieces of pork on each skewer, packing them closely.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high and oil the grates lightly. Grill the skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until charred at the edges and at least 63°C (145°F) inside.
- Move the skewers to a plate and rest 5 minutes. Warm the pita on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
- Serve the skewers with warm pita, tomato, onion, parsley and lemon wedges, sliding the meat off the stick into the bread.
Tips
- Pork neck stays the juiciest. Chicken thighs or lamb leg work with the same marinade, though chicken needs to reach 74°C (165°F).
- No grill? Broil the skewers 10 cm (4 inches) from the heat for 12 to 15 minutes, turning, or cook them in a cast-iron grill pan.
Questions and answers
What is the difference between souvlaki and gyros?
Souvlaki is small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer. Gyros is thinly sliced meat cooked on a vertical rotating spit. Both are often served in pita.
How long should souvlaki marinate?
At least 2 hours and up to 12. Beyond a day, the lemon juice makes the meat mushy.
Can I cook souvlaki in the oven?
Yes. Broil the skewers 10 cm (4 inches) from the heat for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once, until browned and cooked through, then rest 5 minutes.
How long does it take to make Souvlaki (Greek Pork Skewers with Lemon and Oregano)?
About 37 min in total: 25 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Souvlaki (Greek Pork Skewers with Lemon and Oregano)?
About 800 kcal per serving, with 45 g of protein, 55 g of carbohydrates and 34 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 800 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 45 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
