Souvlaki

Ingredients

• 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 (175 grams 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.