Description
Greek Beef Souvlaki features tender cubes of beef marinated in traditional herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection and served with warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce. This quick and easy recipe captures the authentic flavors of Greece, perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Additional
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes, if using)
- Pita bread, for serving
- Tzatziki sauce, for serving
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until well combined to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Beef: Add beef cubes to the marinade and toss them to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat to get it hot and ready for cooking the souvlaki skewers.
- Prepare Skewers: Thread the marinated beef cubes tightly onto the soaked wooden skewers to keep them secure while grilling.
- Grill the Souvlaki: Place the skewers on the grill and cook each side for 3-4 minutes, or until nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Medium-rare is recommended for best flavor and tenderness.
- Rest the Meat: Remove the cooked skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat.
- Serve: Serve the beef souvlaki with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce on the side, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Optionally, accompany with Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning on the grill.
- Adjust marinating time based on schedule; longer marination enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use beef tenderloin or sirloin for best texture and taste.
- To make it gluten free, serve with gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps instead of traditional pita bread.
- For a more authentic experience, serve with homemade tzatziki sauce and a fresh Greek salad.
