Description
Greek Beef Souvlaki is a classic Mediterranean dish featuring tender cubes of beef marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. Served with warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce, this flavorful meal captures the essence of Greek cuisine in a simple yet delicious way.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade and Beef
- 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
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes, if using)
For Serving
- Pita bread, for serving
- Tzatziki sauce, for serving
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the beef: Add the beef cubes to the marinade and toss to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse, or up to 2 hours for more intense taste.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough for searing the beef, which helps lock in juices and flavor.
- Skewer the beef: Thread the marinated beef cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, packing them tightly to cook evenly on all sides.
- Grill the souvlaki: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Aim for medium-rare doneness for the best texture and flavor, though you can cook longer if preferred.
- Rest the meat: Remove the skewers from the grill and let the beef rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices and ensure tenderness.
- Serve: Serve the grilled beef souvlaki with warm pita bread, a generous side of tzatziki sauce, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Optionally, accompany the dish with a Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Marinating the beef longer enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for medium-rare doneness at around 135°F (57°C).
- Substitute beef with lamb or chicken for different variations.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the pita bread is gluten-free or serve with a salad instead.
