Description
Greek Beef Souvlaki is a flavorful and easy-to-make grilled beef dish featuring tender sirloin or tenderloin cubes marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and cumin. Perfectly grilled to medium-rare, the beef is served on wooden skewers alongside warm pita bread, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fresh parsley, making a delightful and authentic Greek meal for any occasion.
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 olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, minced garlic, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until evenly blended to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Beef: Add the beef cubes to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure a good sear on the beef skewers.
- Skewer the Beef: Thread the marinated beef cubes tightly onto the soaked wooden skewers, evenly spacing them but packed close enough to stay secure while grilling.
- Grill the Beef Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, turning carefully until the beef is browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness, ideally medium-rare for optimal tenderness and juiciness.
- Rest the Meat: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute within the beef.
- Serve: Serve the beef souvlaki hot with warm pita bread, a side of refreshing tzatziki sauce, and a garnish of chopped fresh parsley for a delicious and authentic Greek meal experience.
- Optional Accompaniments: Enjoy with a Greek salad or roasted vegetables to complete your meal.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or broiler can be used as alternatives.
- Marinate the beef longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavor but avoid marinating overnight to prevent texture breakdown.
- Ensure the grill is hot before placing skewers to get a good sizzle and proper sear.
