Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable meal with Greek Beef Souvlaki, the beloved Mediterranean specialty that brings smoky grilled beef, zesty herbs, and lively lemon together on a skewer. This dish delivers a burst of flavor in every bite and is perfect for relaxed feasts or a weeknight treat that feels truly special. You’ll love how the juicy, marinated beef cubes mingle with aromatic garlic and oregano, providing a harmonious taste that transports you straight to the Greek islands. Whether you’re new to souvlaki or it’s a nostalgic favorite, making it at home is easier than you might think!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Greek Beef Souvlaki plays its part beautifully, coming together to create layers of flavor and that signature juicy texture. Gather these simple kitchen staples and a fresh cut of beef and you’re halfway to an authentic and memorable meal!
- Beef Sirloin or Tenderloin (1 1/2 pounds): Choose a well-marbled cut for juicy, tender skewers that soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): Acts as the foundation for the marinade, locking in moisture and richness while helping herbs and spices adhere.
- Fresh Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Adds brightness and just the right tang, balancing out the savory flavors and subtly tenderizing the beef.
- Garlic, Minced (3 cloves): Infuses the meat with that essential Mediterranean punch and warmth.
- Dried Oregano (2 teaspoons): Offers robust herbal notes that are iconic in Greek cooking.
- Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): Brings an earthy, slightly minty complexity to the marinade.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Delivers a touch of mellow spice and beautiful color to the finished skewers.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for unlocking all the other flavors in the marinade.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasonings.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for 20 minutes if you use them, to avoid burning. Metal ones can be reused and are great for even cooking.
How to Make Greek Beef Souvlaki
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. This aromatic blend is the backbone of Greek Beef Souvlaki, setting the stage for juicy, flavor-packed beef.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Add your cubed beef to the bowl, turning each piece until coated in the marinade. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least an hour—if you can wait longer, up to 8 hours, the flavor gets even better and the beef becomes even more tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes while the beef marinates. This prevents them from burning on the grill and keeps everything intact until serving. Once your beef is ready, thread the cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even grilling.
Step 4: Preheat and Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the loaded skewers onto the hot surface and grill for 8 to 10 minutes, turning them occasionally. The beef should form a savory crust on the outside while staying juicy inside—just keep a close eye to prevent overcooking.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Slide your sizzling Greek Beef Souvlaki off the grill and serve immediately. For the ultimate Mediterranean meal, pair with warm pita, a generous dollop of tzatziki, and a colorful salad.
How to Serve Greek Beef Souvlaki
Garnishes
Pile your Greek Beef Souvlaki high and finish with a shower of chopped fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta. These simple touches not only brighten up each bite, but also make your platter look irresistibly vibrant and inviting.
Side Dishes
This dish shines with classic Mediterranean sides! Think wedges of warm pita, a bowl of creamy tzatziki, or a crisp Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives. Roasted potatoes or lemon rice are also wonderful if you’re feeding a crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Greek Beef Souvlaki into a party centerpiece by arranging skewers atop a rustic wooden board with all the fixings. For a modern twist, slide the grilled beef off the skewers and toss with greens for a salad, wrap in flatbread with loads of veggies, or serve mini skewers as an elegant appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover Greek Beef Souvlaki cool to room temperature, then store the skewers (or just the beef cubes) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and juicy for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or meal prep.
Freezing
If you want to plan ahead, Greek Beef Souvlaki freezes beautifully. Place the cooked beef (removed from skewers, if you like) in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To safeguard flavor, wrap portions in foil before sealing.
Reheating
For best results, reheat Greek Beef Souvlaki gently in a skillet over medium heat or warm in a 350°F oven, just until heated through. If you’re in a rush, a microwave works in 30-second bursts, but be careful not to overcook and dry out the beef.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Greek Beef Souvlaki?
Absolutely! While sirloin or tenderloin offer exceptional tenderness and flavor, you can also use ribeye or even flap steak. Just remember to cut the beef into even-sized cubes and marinate well for best results.
Do I need to marinate the beef for the full 8 hours?
Not at all! Even one hour in the marinade will infuse the beef with plenty of flavor, though longer marination makes the skewers extra tender and delicious. If you’re pressed for time, a quick soak works in a pinch.
Can I grill Greek Beef Souvlaki indoors?
Yes! A grill pan or even a regular skillet on the stovetop works wonderfully. You’ll still get char marks and a smoky aroma, making it easy to enjoy souvlaki year-round no matter the weather.
What can I substitute for dried oregano or thyme?
If you’re out of oregano or thyme, try Italian seasoning, fresh chopped herbs, or marjoram. The flavors will differ slightly but still deliver that Mediterranean flair central to Greek Beef Souvlaki.
Can I add vegetables to my skewers?
Definitely! Bell peppers, red onions, or even cherry tomatoes add sweetness, color, and an extra layer of flavor. Simply alternate them with the beef as you thread your skewers, and grill until everything’s deliciously caramelized.
Final Thoughts
Give Greek Beef Souvlaki a try and discover why it’s such a beloved classic. There’s nothing quite like gathering friends or family around the table for a meal that’s smoky, juicy, and bursting with Mediterranean sunshine. You’ll soon crave these skewers as much as I do!
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Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes plus marinating
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Beef Souvlaki recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender, flavorful beef skewers marinated in a zesty mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for grilling and serving with pita bread and tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
Beef Souvlaki:
- 1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add beef cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Skewer the Beef: Thread marinated beef onto skewers, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the Souvlaki: Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until beef reaches desired doneness.
- Serve: Serve hot with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side of fresh salad.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, choose well-marbled beef and avoid overcooking.
- You can also add chunks of onion and bell pepper to the skewers for added color and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes plus marinating
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
