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Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure a hot surface ready for cooking the souvlaki.
  5. Thread the Beef: Thread the marinated beef cubes evenly onto the skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them to promote even cooking.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.