Souvlaki
Jump to recipeIngredients
- 2 pounds (900 grams) pork shoulder or chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch (4 centimeter) cubes
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons (10 grams) dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon (5 grams) dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 grams) red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon (6 grams) sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) red wine vinegar
- 8 metal skewers or wooden skewers soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 8 pita breads (6.2 oz total)
- 2 cups (300 grams) tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup (150 grams) red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup (200 grams) tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and red wine vinegar until fully combined.
- 2
Add the pork or chicken cubes to the marinade, stirring well to coat all pieces evenly with the mixture.
- 3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply.
- 4
Remove the meat from the refrigerator 20 minutes before grilling to allow it to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- 5
Thread the marinated meat pieces onto the prepared skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece to ensure proper heat circulation and cooking.
- 6
Heat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit (200-230 degrees Celsius), and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- 7
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes to achieve even cooking and light char marks on all sides; the meat should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for pork or 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for chicken.
- 8
Warm the pita breads on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side until they are soft and pliable, or warm them in a kitchen towel away from the grill.
- 9
Remove the skewers from the grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- 10
To assemble, place warm pita bread on a plate, slide the meat from the skewer onto the bread, and top with diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.