Souvlaki (Σουβλάκι) with Tzatziki (Τζατζίκι)

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• For the Souvlaki:
  • 1.5 lbs boneless pork shoulder or chicken breast/thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 mins)
• For the Tzatziki:
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat recommended)
  • 1/2 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or mint (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar
  • Salt to taste
• For Serving:
  • Pita bread, warmed
  • Sliced tomatoes, red onions, lettuce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate Meat: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the meat cubes and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for pork, 2 hours for chicken).
2. Make Tzatziki: Squeeze the grated cucumber firmly in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove as much excess water as possible. In a separate bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, dill/mint, lemon juice/vinegar, and salt. Stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
3. Skewer Meat: Thread the marinated meat cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
4. Grill Souvlaki: Preheat grill (outdoor or indoor grill pan) to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the skewers for 8-12 minutes (pork) or 6-10 minutes (chicken), turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely charred.
5. Serve: Serve the hot souvlaki skewers immediately. Accompany with warm pita bread, a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, and optional sliced tomatoes and onions.

What Makes It Special:

Souvlaki is Greece's beloved fast food, but it's far from junk food. It consists of perfectly grilled, marinated cubes of meat (usually pork or chicken) infused with lemon, oregano, and garlic. Served often in a pita wrap or as skewers with a side of cool, refreshing tzatziki (a yogurt-cucumber-garlic dip), it's a simple yet incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Greek grilling.