Description
Greek Beef Souvlaki is a classic Mediterranean dish featuring tender, marinated beef cubes grilled to perfection on skewers. This flavorful and aromatic recipe combines olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, delivering a deliciously smoky and savory taste. Perfectly paired with warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce, it’s an easy and satisfying meal ideal for summer grilling or casual gatherings.
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 Ingredients
- 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 the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture together until it is well blended and aromatic.
- Marinate the Beef: Add the beef cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the beef pieces to ensure they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse. For deeper flavor, marinate up to 2 hours.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear on the beef skewers.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated beef cubes tightly onto the soaked wooden skewers, making sure the pieces are close together for even cooking.
- Grill the Souvlaki: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. Grill until the beef is nicely browned and cooked to your preferred doneness; medium-rare is recommended to keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Rest the Meat: Remove the beef skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This helps redistribute the juices within the meat for maximum tenderness.
- Serve: Serve the beef souvlaki hot alongside warm pita bread and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright herbal touch, and optionally, enjoy with a Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Marinating the beef longer (up to 2 hours) will intensify the flavors.
- For a smoky flavor, charcoal grilling is ideal, but a grill pan works well indoors.
- Ensure the grill is properly preheated to get a nice sear on the meat.
- Beef sirloin or tenderloin is preferred for tenderness, but flank steak can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste.
- Serve immediately after grilling for best texture and flavor.
