Pork Souvlaki

By Jessica Swartz May 23, 2023 26 mins read 81 Views

Pork souvlaki is a classic Greek dish consisting of grilled pork skewers that have been infused with a delicious garlicky, bright, and aromatic marinade. Considered one of the most iconic Greek street foods, it is fortunately easy to replicate at home!

Overhead shot of pork souvlaki skewers with red onion. — Photo Credits: Andrea Gralow

Pork souvlaki is often one of the first introductions to Greek cuisine for visitors from around the world. In Greece, it’s usually served straight off the skewer with a drizzle of lemon and a few pieces of grilled bread. Or, it’s wrapped inside a warm pita bread with several flavorful accompaniments, like Tzatziki and Greek Potatoes.

Enjoying delicious pork souvlaki does not require a trip to Greece (or even a local Greek restaurant). With just a few staple ingredients for a bold marinade and a lean cut of pork, you can easily prepare this delicious and healthy dish at home!

Preparation time for the Greek pork souvlaki is minimal and it mostly revolves around the flavorful marinade and cutting the pork tenderloin into bite-sized pieces. While the meat marinates, all we have to do is assemble a few favorite fixings and we are ready for a feast!

Table of Contents

What Does Souvlaki Mean?
Pork Souvlaki Ingredients
How to Make Pork Souvlaki
Tips: How To Make The Best Pork Souvlaki
Three Ways to Serve Pork Souvlaki
What to Serve with Pork Souvlaki
Title
Greek Pork Souvlaki Recipe

What Does Souvlaki Mean?

Souvlaki comes from the Greek word souvla, which is a large metal skewer (spit). Souvlaki is the endearing diminutive of souvla, literally translated to “little skewer.” The origins of this marinated pork date back to ancient Greece, when people cooked small pieces of meat on skewers over open fires during long journeys.

Souvlaki is traditionally made with pork, but other meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb can also be used. There is even a vegetarian option for souvlaki which features a variety of marinated vegetables, such as mushrooms, peppers, onions, eggplant and zucchini.

Ingredients for pork Souvlaki, including garlic, pork tenderloin, lemon, rosemary, white wine vinegar, oregano, Dijon, pepper, salt, and oil.

Pork Souvlaki Ingredients

The Greek pork souvlaki cooks beautifully on an outdoor grill, but you can also cook it indoors using a hot grill pan. The list of ingredients is short. And, besides the pork itself, they are all staples in most pantries.

Pork tenderloin: As is the case with nearly all simple recipes, the ingredients’ quality is very important. Look for good quality pork tenderloin. If you do not want to deal with trimming the fat off the meat, ask your butcher to do it for you.
White vinegar: This is important for tenderizing the proteins in the meat.
Extra virgin olive oil: The olive oil infuses the meat with a lot of flavor. Use a good extra virgin olive oil for the marinade, like our Greek Private Reserve from the Hinaris Family Estate in Kyparissia, Greece. Do not substitute with bitter-tasting olive oil or vegetable seed oils.
Mustard: Use a bold, sharp Dijon.
Garlic: Garlic is a major component of the marinade. You can either mince it or, for a more intense garlic flavor, use a microplane to grate the garlic cloves.
Seasonings: Dried oregano-ideally from Greece-is a must for this recipe. Fresh rosemary adds an earthy flavor to the meat. And, sweet paprika gives it a nice color.
Salt and pepper: The quantities for both depend on personal preferences. It is important, however, not to add salt to the marinade. It is generally recommended to wait to salt pork until right before grilling because salt can draw out moisture from the meat, making it less juicy and tender. This is particularly true for lean cuts of pork like pork tenderloin, which can more easily become dry and tough.
Neutral oil: Coats the grill grates so the chicken doesn’t stick. While you can use olive oil, it’s more expensive and not necessary. Vegetable oil works well.
Lemon: A fresh squeeze of lemon in the final moments balances the savory flavor.

Overhead shot of a pita with tzatziki, red onion, tomato, and a pork souvlaki skewer, with more pork souvlaki skewers, pita bread, and lemon wedges on the side.

How to Make Pork Souvlaki

Making the pork souvlaki is foolproof. All you need to do is follow these simple steps:

Prepare the meat: Trim the silver lining and most visible fat from the tenderloin. Cut into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. To do this, use a knife to release a portion of the silverskin from the meat. Then, to get a better grip, use a paper towel to pull the silverskin away from the meat.
Make the marinade: In a large glass or ceramic bowl (or a Ziploc bag), whisk together 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar, 5 tablespoons of olive oil, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon mustard, 2 teaspoons of oregano, 1 ½ teaspoons of rosemary, 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika, and ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
Marinate the meat: Add the pork and toss to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight, or for at least two hours. I usually do this step in the morning and allow it to sit for several hours in the marinade, until I cook it later in the day.
Get ready: Allow the meat to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling. This creates a more even temperature throughout the meat, which makes it easier to grill. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
Skewer: Heat the grill over medium-high heat. Quarter a medium red onion and pull it apart into separate pieces. Thread the meat and onions onto the pre-soaked skewers.
Grill the skewers: When the grill is hot, lightly oil the grilling grate with vegetable oil. Season your pork souvlaki with 1 ½ teaspoons of sea salt and grill! Flip until you have a nice char and the internal temperature reads 145°F.
Rest: Remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Cover them loosely with foil and allow them to rest for 4-5 minutes.
Serve: Slice the lemon in half and squeeze on top. Enjoy!

Pork souvlaki skewers on a serving platter with lemon wedges on the side.

Tips: How To Make The Best Pork Souvlaki

This classic recipe comes together with very little culinary technique necessary! Here are a few extra tips before you get to it:

Make sure the meat is close to room temperature before grilling. If you use it straight from the refrigerator, it will require a different cooking time and it will be less likely to cook evenly.
Put the skewers on the grill so close that they are almost touching. This is important for juicy pork souvlaki.
To make sure you do not overcook your pork souvlaki, use an instant read thermometer to check the temperature. When it registers 145° F, the meat is ready!
When you remove the skewers from the grill, place some pita bread on the same spots to absorb some of the flavor of the grilled meat (and get slightly grilled too!)

Overhead shot of a pita bread with tzatziki, red onion, tomato, and a pork souvlaki skewer.

Three Ways to Serve Pork Souvlaki

There are three ways to serve the classic Greek pork souvlaki:

As a pita sandwich or a wrap: The most casual way of serving these delicious pork skewers is inside warm pita bread (with the skewer removed first). Top with tzatziki, tomato slices, thin red onion slivers, and a dash of paprika.
As part of a souvlaki platter: Lay out your flavorful pork skewers, with some warm pita chips (store-bought or homemade), creamy tzatziki, juicy tomatoes, homemade Greek fries, slivered red onions, and minced parsley. Everyone can help themselves using their favorite toppings.
As a dinner plate: At the Greek tavernas, you will often find this dish served with Greek fries topped with oregano and sea salt and a Greek salad on the side.

Close up of pork souvlaki skewers with lemon wedges on the side and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley.

What to Serve with Pork Souvlaki

Pork souvlaki makes a wonderful main dish, especially for a large backyard gathering during barbeque season. Not only does it cook fast and it is virtually foolproof, it is also very easy to pair with several salads and side dishes.

A classic pairing is the Greek peasant salad or a nice mixed green salad with a bright lemon vinaigrette. Additionally, an orzo salad with roasted seasonal vegetables, or, an aromatic rice pilaf would also go very well with the pork. If you want to go the extra step, a big pile of crispy Greek fries will make you the hero of the day!

No matter what you serve your souvlaki with, do not forget to make a big bowl of tzatziki, the classic yogurt, cucumber, and garlic spread. And of course, some delicious pita bread. Your guests are going to love this Greek pork souvlaki feast!

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Side shot of a pita bread with tzatziki, red onion, tomato, and pork souvlaki on top.

Greek Pork Souvlaki

Pork souvlaki is a popular Greek dish made with pork skewers flavored with a bold Greek-style marinade and grilled until tender and juicy. Serve with warm pita bread and Tzatziki.

Course Entree

Cuisine Greek

Diet Gluten Free, Low Lactose

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 15

Total Time 45

Servings

Calories 391.7kcal

Author Marilena Leavitt

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds pork tenderloin
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 ½ teaspoons fresh rosemary, minced
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 ½ teaspoons sea salt
1 medium red onion
Neutral oil, for grilling
1 medium lemon

Instructions

Prepare the tenderloin: Use paper towels to grab the silver skin and pull it away from the tenderloin. With a boning knife or small knife, trim off any remaining big pieces of fat. Slice the tenderloin first into medallions, about 1-inch thick. Then slice the medallions into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch.
Make the marinade: In a large bowl or zip lock bag, combine the white wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic cloves, mustard, oregano, rosemary, paprika, and black pepper.
Marinate the pork: Add the pork and toss well to combine. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least two hours. If you have the time, allow the meat to marinate overnight. (During that time the color of the meat will get lighter, because of the vinegar.)
Get ready: Remove the bowl from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you are ready to grill. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30-40 minutes so they do not burn on the grill. (If you are using metal skewers, skip that step.)
Skewer: Slice the onion into quarters and pull apart the layers. Thread the marinated pork through the skewers, alternating with red onion pieces. Depending on the size of the skewers you are using, the quantity of meat will be enough for 4 large or 6 smaller skewers.
Grill: Season the meat with the sea salt and brush everything with the remaining marinade. Grill for about 4 minutes per side, turning to ensure a nice color on all sides. When the meat is done it should have solid grill marks and an internal temperature of 145° F.
Rest: Remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving platter. Cover them loosely with foil and allow them to rest for 4-5 minutes.
Serve: Slice the lemon in half and squeeze on some fresh lemon juice. Serve.

Notes

Pork tenderloin gets dry and tough when it’s overcooked. Remember: you only need to cook pork to 145°F and it will stay juicy.
You want to grill the meat quickly over relatively high heat. Make sure your grill is nice and hot to get a good sear. This will also prevent sticking!
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Nutrition

The post Pork Souvlaki appeared first on The Mediterranean Dish.

By: Marilena Leavitt
Title: Pork Souvlaki
Sourced From: www.themediterraneandish.com/pork-souvlaki/
Published Date: Tue, 23 May 2023 14:10:33 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Banana allowed in Mediterranean Diet?

Yes, bananas are permitted on the Mediterranean diet. Bananas, a nutritious, low-calorie fruit, can provide beneficial dietary fibre, potassium, vitamin B6. It can be used as a side dish or added to meals such as porridge, smoothies and salads. This can be eaten as a snack or with nut butter, such as peanut or almond. If you are following the Mediterranean Diet, it might be beneficial to pair bananas and healthy fats like seeds and nuts to increase digestion and promote satisfaction when eating meals.

Is milk okay for the Mediterranean diet

Yes, milk can be consumed on the Mediterranean diet. This diet includes dairy products like low-fat yogurt, cheese, and other important nutrients. Milk is also nutritious and should be included in moderation as a drink in your daily routine, along with other beverages like coffee and tea. If you prefer, it can be used to make smoothies and oatmeal. To promote sustainable farming, choose organic milk whenever possible. To ensure a balanced start, you can add milk into breakfast items such as avocado toast or smoothies.

Is the Mediterranean diet predominantly plant-based

Yes, the Mediterranean Diet has a large portion of its diet being plant-based. The Mediterranean Diet is primarily plant-based. This includes fruits, vegetables and legumes as well as nuts and seeds. The traceability of red meat, poultry, fish and other animal protein sources around the Mediterranean Sea has meant that they are less common in modern diets. These protein sources can be omitted for those opting for a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle within this eating style. Tofu and soy yogurt are excellent options for additional nutrition and protein.

Is oatmeal OK on a Mediterranean diet?

Yes, oatmeal is allowed on the Mediterranean Diet. Oats are whole grains and can provide good sources of dietary fibre and minerals like iron or magnesium. They can be served with blueberries and nuts, as well as savory ingredients such eggs and cheese. Oatmeal is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways to help you make a healthy breakfast. It could be added to smoothies, made into protein bars, or enjoyed in its basic form with almond milk and various toppings for extra nutrition such as goji berries, cinnamon, chia seeds, and peanut butter. Many countries in the Mediterranean region are fondly familiar with oatmeal, and many believe they can be used with this type of diet.

Is the Mediterranean diet safe for people with diabetes?

People with diabetes and other medical conditions will benefit from the Mediterranean Diet. This diet focuses on whole foods, reduces refined sugars, carbs, and emphasizes healthy fats rather than butter or lard. This helps reduce diabetes risk in people who don't already have it. It also controls blood sugar levels and insulin for those with diabetes. Light exercise can also help to stabilize blood sugar levels. Healthy food swaps like replacing white bread with whole grain bread or adding nuts in salads to replace crackers can help create a balanced eating plan that's suitable for managing symptoms and conditions.

Can the Mediterranean Diet also be vegetarian?

Yes, it is possible to adapt the Mediterranean Diet so that you are vegetarian. This eating style can be followed by vegetarians who omit meats such as red meat, poultry, fish, and other animal proteins. You can choose from a variety of plant-based protein sources, such as legumes, nuts and seeds. These are all staples in the Mediterranean Diet. If necessary, healthy fats like olive oil and olives are added to help make up for the lack of protein. You can also incorporate alternative dairy sources like tofu and soy yogurt to get vitamins and minerals, while still following a vegetarian diet. Other ideas include adding nuts and seeds to salads or bowls, mashing beans on toast, substituting ice cream for frozen banana slices, or serving hummus with vegetables throughout the day.

Are Rice and Rice part of the Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet allows rice and encourages it. This diet emphasizes whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts. It also allows for moderate amounts of dairy products, fish and meat. Whole-grain rice is an excellent carbohydrate source that provides energy to the body. Moreover, it also offers a good source of dietary fiber which can help improve digestion and provide essential nutrients for health, such as B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. You can add rice to soups, stews, or salads. When eating rice-based dishes, it is important to limit the amount of fat.

Statistics

Other components in tomatoes may help reduce the risk of blood clots, thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease, according to a March 2019 review in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. (everydayhealth.com)
Benefits of Replacing foods high in saturated fats (like butter) with plant sources high in monounsaturated fatty acids, like olive oil, may help lower the risk of heart disease by 19 percent, according to research. (everydayhealth.com)
Aim to get 20 to 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake from fat, and for saturated fats to represent less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake, advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (everydayhealth.com)
Choose fat-free or 1% milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese. (my.clevelandclinic.org)

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How To

How the Mediterranean Diet can help you lose weight and feel great

The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes healthy fats and whole grains, legumes and fresh fruits and veggies. It has been shown that it can have numerous health benefits including lower blood lipids, improved glucose management, reduced risk for certain types of cancer and depression, better cardiac and cognitive function, and better weight management. There are some simple tips that can make it easier for you to follow a Mediterranean-style diet. First, stop eating high-calorie snacks, such as chips, and start eating nutrient rich vegetables instead. Secondly, learn how to increase variety in your diet by adding spices or different sources derived from nuts, fruits, and vegetables. Integrate grains, legumes, and high-fiber items to increase satiety after meals. These steps will allow you to enjoy your food and have additional health benefits, such as a longer life expectancy and a higher quality of living.