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Souvlaki
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Souvlaki

Souvlaki is a classic Greek main that holds a distinguished place in traditional cooking. Celebrated for its wholesome ingredients and time-honored preparation, this dish brings authentic regional character to the home kitchen.

Carefully prepared featuring Pork shoulder (in 3 cm cubes), Lemon (juice and zest), Dried oregano, Garlic, Pita breads, Thick yoghurt, Cucumber (grated and squeezed) and Salt and pepper, the ingredients are simmered and seasoned to achieve a satisfying depth of flavor. True to traditional Greek cooking, the dish focuses on refreshing and aromatic with wild mountain oregano, rich olive oil, and sharp cheeses.

In authentic Greek tradition, Souvlaki is best presented with a crisp village salad and warm pita.

If you enjoy authentic Greek cooking, be sure to also explore our recipe for Moussaka.

Difficulty: easyPrep: 20 minCook: 15 minServes 4

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Ingredients

  • Pork shoulder (in 3 cm cubes)800 g
  • Olive oil80 ml
  • Lemon (juice and zest)1 piece
  • Dried oregano2 tsp
  • Garlic3 cloves
  • Pita breads4 pieces
  • Thick yoghurt200 g
  • Cucumber (grated and squeezed)0.5 pieces
  • Salt and pepperTo taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

5 steps

Interactive Cook Mode: Click any step or circle to check it off as you cook.

Step 1🥄 Mix

Mix the oil, lemon juice and zest, oregano, crushed garlic, salt and pepper. Coat the meat and leave it two hours, and no more than four.

Step 2

While it marinates, make the tzatziki: yoghurt with the squeezed cucumber, a clove of garlic, a spoon of oil and salt.

Step 3

Thread the meat onto skewers loosely — the heat has to get between the pieces. A tightly packed skewer stays raw in the middle.

Step 4

Cook on a hot grill or griddle, three minutes on each of the four sides. The meat should darken rather than pale.

Step 5✨ Serve

Rest the meat for five minutes, warm the pitas thirty seconds a side, and serve with the tzatziki and lemon.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Culinary Notes

Cultural Heritage

Souvlaki reflects the timeless heritage of traditional Greek home cooking, refreshing and aromatic with wild mountain oregano, rich olive oil, and sharp cheeses. Prepared for generations for family gatherings and celebrations, it represents the heart of regional culinary identity.

Dietary Substitutions

If you need to accommodate dietary restrictions, pork shoulder (in 3 cm cubes) can be substituted with an equivalent volume of seasonal vegetables, legumes, or a protein alternative of your preference.

Chef Technique Tips

Season in stages rather than all at once at the end. Salting components as they cook draws out excess moisture, intensifies natural sugars, and builds harmonious depth of flavor throughout the dish.

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