Souvlaki

4.7
(1,045)

Souvlaki is a Greek specialty made with tender cuts of meat. In this recipe, pork tenderloin is marinated in a lemony mixture of olive oil and oregano. Serve with rice pilaf and a Greek salad.

looking down at a plate of souvlaki with a side of rice
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Prep Time:
30 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Additional Time:
2 hrs
Total Time:
2 hrs 40 mins
Servings:
12

This homemade souvlaki recipe is flavorful, tender, and easy to make on your outdoor grill. 

What Is Souvlaki? 

Souvlaki is a Greek fast food that consists of meat grilled on a skewer. It can be served alone or inside of a rolled pita. It’s traditionally made with pork, but it’s also commonly made with chicken, beef, or lamb.

What Is In Souvlaki? 

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy souvlaki recipe: 

  • Oil: This pork souvlaki recipe starts with ¼ cup of olive oil.  
  • Soy sauce: Soy sauce lends savory, umami-rich flavor. 
  • Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat. 
  • Seasonings: Fresh garlic and dried oregano enhances the flavor. 
  • Pork: You’ll need three pounds of pork tenderloin cut into 1-inch cubes.
  • Vegetables: Onions and bell peppers give the souvlaki color and flavor. 
  • Skewers: Thread the marinated ingredients on skewers before grilling. 

How to Make Souvlaki

You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make homemade souvlaki: 

  1. Make the marinade.
  2. Marinate the ingredients in the fridge for two to three hours.
  3. Thread the marinated ingredients onto skewers. 
  4. Grill until the pork is no longer pink in the center.  

How Long to Grill Souvlaki

On a grill preheated to medium-high heat, the souvlaki should be perfectly grilled in 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the pork is no longer pink in the middle and an instant read thermometer inserted into the middle of the meat reads at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).

What to Serve With Souvlaki

This souvlaki recipe pairs perfectly with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and rice. Explore our collection of Greek Side Dishes for delicious serving inspiration. Here are a few of the top-rated recipes you’ll find: 

How to Store Souvlaki

Store your leftover souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until the pork is warmed through.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“It was delicious with lots of leftovers,” says eponymous74. “We made this with grilled potato salad and grilled zucchini. We will definitely make this again as pork is inexpensive.”

“Amazing flavor,” raves Amber. “Strong enough to season bell peppers and onions, but gentle enough to know you were eating pork.”

“This recipe turned out amazingly,” according to Siobhan. “I made it with chicken and pork. I let the meats marinate for 24 hours in the fridge. Will be making this again for sure.”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

  • ¼ cup olive oil

  • ¼ cup soy sauce

  • 1 medium lemon, juiced

  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 3 pounds pork tenderloin, cut into 1 inch cubes

  • 2 medium yellow onions, cut into 1 inch pieces

  • 2 medium green bell peppers, cut into 1 inch pieces

  • skewers

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    all ingredients gathered to make souvlaki

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  2. Mix oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano together in a large glass bowl.

    seasonings whisked together in a glass bowl

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Add pork, onions, and bell peppers, and stir until coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours.

    pork, onions and bell peppers added to glass bowl and mixed

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  4. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

  5. Remove pork and vegetables from marinade and shake off excess; thread onto skewers. Discard remaining marinade.

    pork and vegetables added onto skewers.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Cook on the preheated grill, turning frequently, until pork is no longer pink in the middle, 10 to 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).

    souvlaki cooking on a grill

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

Editor's Note:

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of marinade ingredients. The actual amount consumed will vary.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

189 Calories
8g Fat
4g Carbs
24g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 12
Calories 189
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8g 10%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 65mg 22%
Sodium 354mg 15%
Total Carbohydrate 4g 2%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 24g 48%
Vitamin C 25mg 27%
Calcium 22mg 2%
Iron 1mg 8%
Potassium 467mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.