Authentic Greek Pork Souvlaki Wraps
Recreate the enticing flavors of Greece at home with this succulent pork souvlaki wrap, featuring marinated and grilled tenderloin tucked into warm, fluffy pita bread. Enjoyed at street corners all over Greece, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory meat, fresh vegetables, and cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or an outdoor gathering, these wraps are not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize them with your favorite fresh toppings. Marinate the pork a day in advance for enhanced flavor, and get ready to savor a taste of the Mediterranean with every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork tenderloin
1 1/2 lbs (cut into 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inch cubes)
Olive oil
1/2 cup
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Hot pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon
Dried oregano
1 1/2 tablespoons
Lemon
1 (juiced)
Greek pita bread
1 (8 count)
Medium onion
1 (sliced thin)
Large tomatoes
1 (sliced thin)
Tzatziki
1 cup (link: [Tzatziki Recipe](https://www.food.com/recipe/tzatziki-59336))
Chopped parsley
1/2 cup
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the pork tenderloin into bite-sized cubes (approximately 1.5 x 1.5 inches) and place them into a large Tupperware or mixing bowl.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, hot pepper flakes, dried oregano, and lemon juice to create the marinade.
3
Pour the marinade over the pork cubes, ensuring they are well-coated. Seal the container and refrigerate for at least a few hours or, ideally, overnight to allow the flavors to develop.
4
When ready to cook, soak wooden skewers in water for at least half an hour to prevent burning.
5
Preheat your grill. Skewer the marinated pork pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
6
Grill the skewers over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until the meat is nicely browned and cooked through, typically 10-15 minutes.
7
While the meat is grilling, brush each pita bread generously with olive oil and place them on the grill or in a hot frying pan. Cook for 30-45 seconds on each side until they are warmed and starting to brown.
8
Prepare the wraps: Take a square of foil in one hand and place a warm pita in the center. Position a skewer of grilled meat onto the pita.
9
Gently squeeze your palm closed around the pita to grip the meat, then pull out the skewer, allowing the meat to stay nestled inside the pita.
10
Open the pita slightly and fill it with thinly sliced onions, tomatoes, a generous dollop of tzatziki, and chopped parsley. Sprinkle salt to taste.
11
Wrap the pita securely in foil, twisting the bottom to prevent any delicious fillings from spilling out.
12
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Greek street food experience!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Greek Pork Souvlaki?
Pork Souvlaki is a popular Greek street food consisting of marinated pork cubes grilled on skewers and typically served in a pita wrap with vegetables and tzatziki.
What cut of meat is best for pork souvlaki wraps?
Pork tenderloin is the preferred cut for this recipe as it is lean, tender, and cooks quickly on the grill.
How long should I marinate the pork for the best flavor?
While a few hours will work, it is ideal to marinate the pork tenderloin overnight to allow the Mediterranean flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
What ingredients are in the souvlaki marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, hot pepper flakes, dried oregano, and fresh lemon juice.
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning on the grill?
You should soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the meat onto them.
What size should the pork cubes be cut into?
For even cooking and the best texture, cut the pork into bite-sized cubes of approximately 1.5 x 1.5 inches.
How long does it take to grill the pork skewers?
Grill the skewers over medium-high heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning them occasionally until browned and cooked through.
How do I prepare the pita bread for the wraps?
Brush each pita with olive oil and heat them on a grill or frying pan for 30-45 seconds per side until they are warm and slightly browned.
What is the easiest way to remove the meat from the skewer into the pita?
Place the skewer on the warm pita, grip the meat through the pita with your hand, and pull the skewer out, leaving the meat inside.
What toppings are traditional for a Greek pork souvlaki wrap?
Traditional toppings include thinly sliced onions, tomatoes, a dollop of tzatziki sauce, and fresh chopped parsley.
Can I substitute the pork with another meat?
Yes, you can use chicken or lamb as alternatives, though cooking times may vary depending on the protein chosen.
Is tzatziki sauce necessary for this recipe?
Tzatziki provides a cool, creamy contrast to the grilled meat and is a hallmark of authentic Greek souvlaki wraps.
How do I wrap the souvlaki so it doesn't fall apart?
Place the filled pita on a square of foil, wrap it tightly, and twist the bottom of the foil to seal in the ingredients.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to a medium-high heat setting to ensure a good sear on the meat without drying it out.
Can I make this recipe if I don't have an outdoor grill?
Yes, you can use a cast-iron grill pan or a heavy frying pan on the stovetop to cook the skewers and warm the pita.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
The marinated pork and tzatziki can be prepared in advance, but it is best to grill the meat and assemble the wraps fresh.
What is the role of lemon juice in the marinade?
The acidity in the lemon juice acts as a tenderizer for the pork while providing a bright, citrusy flavor.
Why is dried oregano used instead of fresh?
Dried oregano is traditional in Greek marinades as it has a more concentrated flavor that holds up well during grilling.
Can I use red onion instead of a medium white onion?
Yes, red onions are often used in Greek cuisine and provide a sharp, sweet flavor that pairs excellently with grilled pork.
Does the recipe include salt?
The instructions recommend sprinkling salt to taste over the assembled wrap before sealing it in foil.
How many pita breads does this recipe require?
This recipe is designed for one 8-count pack of Greek pita bread.
Is Worcestershire sauce a traditional Greek ingredient?
While not strictly traditional, it adds a savory umami depth to the marinade that complements the pork beautifully.
What should I serve with these wraps?
They are a complete meal on their own, but can be served with Greek fries or a side salad.
Are the hot pepper flakes very spicy?
The 1/4 teaspoon of hot pepper flakes provides a very mild heat; you can omit them if you prefer no spice at all.
Can I use thick-cut pork chops instead of tenderloin?
Yes, you can use pork loin or chops, but ensure you remove any excess fat and cut them into uniform cubes.
What makes the pita 'Greek style'?
Greek pita is typically pocketless, thicker, and softer than Middle Eastern pita, making it ideal for wrapping around meat.
How do I keep the meat juicy?
Avoid overcooking the pork cubes and leave a small amount of space between them on the skewer for even airflow.
Should the garlic be crushed or minced?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves to ensure the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the marinade.
Can I use a different oil besides olive oil?
Olive oil is recommended for its flavor profile, but any neutral high-heat oil can be used for the marinade if necessary.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the grilled pork and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; assemble fresh when ready to eat.