Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek Beef Souvlaki is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. The marinade infuses the beef with bright citrus notes and savory herbs, while grilling adds a delicious smoky char. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with traditional sides like tzatziki, pita, and grilled vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons Greek seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds (680 g) chuck roast, trimmed and cubed into bite-sized pieces
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Greek seasoning.
- Add beef cubes to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
- Thread the marinated beef onto skewers.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until beef is cooked to desired doneness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Marinating time: At least 2 hours (preferably overnight)
- Total time: Approximately 2 hours 22 minutes
Variations
- Chicken Souvlaki: Swap the beef for chicken breast or thighs for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian: Substitute beef with large chunks of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a bit of heat.
- Herb Twist: Mix fresh oregano or thyme into the marinade for an extra herbal punch.
Storage/reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked souvlaki for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
FAQs
How long should I marinate the beef for the best flavor?
Marinating for at least 2 hours works well, but overnight is best for deeper flavor and tenderness.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, sirloin or ribeye can be used, but chuck roast offers good flavor and tenderness when grilled.
Should I soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
Can I cook the souvlaki indoors?
Absolutely! You can cook the skewers under the broiler or on a grill pan on the stove.
What is Greek seasoning?
Greek seasoning is a blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and sometimes marjoram and rosemary.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day ahead and add the beef just before marinating.
How do I know when the beef is done?
Cook until the beef reaches your preferred doneness, usually medium-rare to medium is ideal for tender results.
What can I serve with Greek beef souvlaki?
Traditional sides include tzatziki sauce, pita bread, Greek salad, and grilled vegetables.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free unless served with pita bread, so choose gluten-free pita if needed.
Can I make this recipe halal?
Yes, using halal-certified beef makes this recipe suitable for a halal diet.
Conclusion
Greek Beef Souvlaki is a simple yet delicious dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Greece right to your table. With its juicy, marinated beef and easy grilling method, it’s an ideal choice for any occasion—whether a casual family dinner or a festive gathering. Try it with traditional Greek sides for a truly authentic experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Print
Greek Beef Souvlaki
- Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender Greek beef souvlaki marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic Greek seasoning, then grilled to juicy perfection.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tablespoons Greek seasoning
1 1/2 pounds (680 g) chuck roast, trimmed and cubed into bite-sized pieces
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Greek seasoning.
- Add beef cubes to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
- Thread the marinated beef onto skewers.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until beef is cooked to desired doneness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Marinate beef at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Can be cooked indoors using a broiler or grill pan if needed.
Use halal-certified beef to make the dish halal.
Pairs well with tzatziki, pita, Greek salad, and grilled vegetables.
Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently in skillet or oven to maintain texture; avoid microwaving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 170g beef)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
