If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors and is both simple and satisfying, this Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe is your soon-to-be favorite. Tender cubes of beef marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano get grilled to juicy perfection on skewers. Whether for a lively summer barbecue or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe brings the heart of Greek street food right to your table with ease and authenticity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe is carefully chosen to create a harmonious balance of bright, savory, and herbaceous notes. The simplicity of the ingredients ensures the beef shines, while subtle accents elevate every bite.
- Beef sirloin or tenderloin (1 ½ pounds): Choose tender cuts for juicy, melt-in-your-mouth cubes.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the marinade permeate the meat beautifully.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brings a bright, tangy lift that tenderizes the beef.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Infuses savory depth with a fragrant punch.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances flavors with a subtle acidity.
- Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): The signature herb that delivers that unmistakable Greek character.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild heat that complements the other seasonings.
- Wooden or metal skewers: For threading the beef and grilling to perfection.
- Lemon wedges and fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, zesty garnish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This simple yet flavorful marinade is key to infusing the beef with those iconic Greek flavors and keeping the meat moist and tender during grilling.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef Cubes
Add your cubed beef sirloin or tenderloin into the marinade and toss well to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, although letting it marinate up to four hours really allows those flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
If you are using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill, ensuring you can safely and easily turn your souvlaki as it cooks.
Step 4: Thread and Grill the Beef
Thread the marinated beef cubes onto the skewers, keeping the pieces close but not cramped to allow for even cooking. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, and grill the beef skewers for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want the outside to develop a lovely browned crust while the inside remains juicy and cooked to your liking.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute so that every bite is full of flavor and tenderness.
How to Serve Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkling of chopped parsley adds a fresh, zesty contrast that brightens the rich grilled beef. The lemon squeeze brings out an irresistible citrus note that complements the oregano perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread and creamy tzatziki sauce, which add texture and cooling creaminess. A crisp Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onion also provides a refreshing counterbalance, rounding out the meal with vibrant colors and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Serve the skewers over a bed of fluffy couscous or rice pilaf for a hearty one-plate meal, or turn the souvlaki into wraps with pita, tzatziki, and fresh veggies for a portable, street-food-inspired feast. Either way, this Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe shines no matter the presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover souvlaki skewers are a treat the next day. Store cooled skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This way, the beef maintains its tenderness and flavor without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, the cooked beef cubes can be removed from the skewers and frozen in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. When freezing, be sure to label with the date and use within that time frame for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the beef juicy and tender rather than drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and tenderloin are ideal for their tenderness, you can use other cuts like ribeye or strip steak as long as you cut the beef into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts might require longer marinating.
How long should I marinate the beef?
At least one hour is necessary for good flavor infusion, but for best results, marinate the beef for up to four hours. The acidity from the lemon juice and vinegar tenderizes the meat beautifully over time.
Can I cook this souvlaki indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan on your stovetop works perfectly. Just preheat the pan well, and cook the skewers until nicely charred on all sides.
Can I substitute beef with other proteins in this recipe?
This Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe is versatile—lamb or chicken both make delicious alternatives. Just adjust grilling times accordingly; chicken typically needs a bit longer, while lamb is similar to beef.
What is the best way to serve Greek Beef Souvlaki?
Traditionally, serving the souvlaki with warm pita bread, refreshing tzatziki sauce, and a side Greek salad creates a balanced and satisfying meal. The combination of smoky, juicy meat with cool, creamy, and crisp accompaniments is simply unbeatable.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe is a delightful journey to the heart of Greek cuisine that you can easily recreate at home. Its fresh, vibrant flavors and straightforward preparation make it an absolute must-try for your next meal. Once you taste those tender, perfectly grilled beef cubes with their bright, herbal marinade, you’ll understand why this dish is such a beloved classic. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy a feast your friends and family will rave about long after the last bite.
Print
Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Greek Beef Souvlaki features tender cubes of beef marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, then grilled to perfection. This classic Mediterranean dish is perfect for a flavorful and protein-rich main course, served alongside fresh lemon wedges, parsley, and traditional accompaniments like pita and tzatziki.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Additional
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined, creating a fragrant marinade.
- Marinate the Beef: Add the beef cubes to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse the beef.
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure a hot surface ready for cooking the souvlaki.
- Thread the Beef: Thread the marinated beef cubes evenly onto the skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them to promote even cooking.
- Grill the Souvlaki: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, turning to brown all sides and cook to your desired doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the grilled beef skewers from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with lemon wedges, chopped fresh parsley, and optionally with pita bread and tzatziki sauce for a complete Greek meal.
Notes
- Substitute beef with lamb or chicken as per preference for variation.
- Ensure beef cubes are uniformly sized for even cooking.
- Serve with warm pita bread and tzatziki sauce for an authentic Greek dining experience.
