Authentic Greek Souvlaki

How to Make It

• 1

  Prepare the Pork: Cut 600g of boneless pork shoulder or loin into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes. Ensure the cubes are roughly uniform in size for even cooking. Place the pork cubes in a large bowl.

• 2

  Marinate the Pork: To the pork, add the juice of 1 large lemon (approx. 60ml), 2 tablespoons of dried Greek oregano, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 60 ml of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all pork pieces are coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.

• 3

  Prepare Tzatziki: While the pork marinates, prepare the tzatziki. Grate 1 large cucumber (approx. 200g) and squeeze out as much excess water as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. In a medium bowl, combine the grated cucumber with 250g (1 cup) of full-fat Greek yogurt, 1 clove of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

• 4

  Skewer the Pork: Thread the marinated pork cubes onto metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers (if using wooden, soak for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning). Aim for 4-5 pieces of pork per skewer, leaving a small space between each piece for even cooking.

• 5

  Grill the Souvlaki: Preheat your grill (charcoal, gas, or a grill pan) to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 10-14 minutes, turning them every 2-3 minutes, until the pork is cooked through, slightly charred on the outside, and registers an internal temperature of 63-68°C (145-155°F) for tender pork. For chicken, ensure it reaches 74°C (165°F).

• 6

  Warm the Pita and Serve: While the souvlaki cooks, lightly brush 4-6 pieces of pita bread with olive oil and warm them on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side until soft and slightly puffed. Serve the hot souvlaki skewers immediately with warm pita bread, a generous serving of homemade tzatziki, sliced fresh tomatoes, red onion rings, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or oregano.