Grilled Greek Shrimp Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce
Enjoy the flavors of Greece with this delicious Grilled Greek Shrimp Souvlaki! Marinated succulent shrimp are grilled to perfection and served in warm whole wheat pita bread, complemented by a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. This dish is not only refreshing and satisfying but also a healthier option that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your dinner table. Perfect for sharing with friends and family, this shrimp souvlaki recipe is a great choice for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight meal.
4
Servings
120
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumber
1 cup (peeled, seeded, and grated)
Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon (divided)
Plain Fat-Free Greek Yogurt
3/4 cup
Red Wine Vinegar
1 tablespoon
Mint
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Olive Oil
3 teaspoons (divided)
Large Shrimp
1 lb (peeled)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Whole Wheat Pita Bread
4 (6-inch) (warmed and split)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your broiler and spray a broiler rack with non-stick cooking spray.
2
2. In a small bowl, combine the grated cucumber and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Allow it to drain in a colander for about 10-15 minutes.
3
3. In another bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of chopped mint, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic to create the tzatziki sauce.
4
4. In a separate bowl, combine the peeled shrimp with black pepper, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of chopped mint, and 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. Toss well to coat the shrimp evenly.
5
5. Thread the marinated shrimp onto 4 skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning).
6
6. Place the skewers on the prepared broiler rack and broil for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
7
7. Squeeze excess moisture from the drained cucumber and stir it into the tzatziki sauce.
8
8. To serve, place one shrimp skewer on a warmed pita bread and drizzle with approximately 1/3 cup of tzatziki sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
9g
Carbs
13.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Greek Shrimp Souvlaki?
Grilled Greek Shrimp Souvlaki is a Mediterranean dish featuring succulent marinated shrimp that are grilled and served in warm whole wheat pita bread with a homemade tzatziki sauce.
What are the main ingredients for the tzatziki sauce?
The homemade tzatziki sauce is made using plain fat-free Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, red wine vinegar, fresh mint, olive oil, and minced garlic.
How many calories are in this shrimp souvlaki recipe?
Each serving of this Grilled Greek Shrimp Souvlaki contains approximately 120 calories.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving provides 13.75g of protein, making it a satisfying and healthy meal option.
How long should I broil the shrimp skewers?
The shrimp skewers should be broiled for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally until the shrimp are opaque and fully cooked.
How do I prepare the cucumber for the tzatziki?
The cucumber should be peeled, seeded, and grated. It is then salted and allowed to drain in a colander for 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
What kind of shrimp is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of large shrimp that have been peeled.
Should I soak the skewers before grilling?
Yes, if you are using wooden skewers, you should soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during the broiling process.
What type of bread is served with the souvlaki?
The dish is served with four 6-inch whole wheat pita breads that are warmed and split.
How much fat is in this dish?
This is a low-fat recipe containing only 2.5g of fat per serving.
What herbs are used in the marinade and sauce?
Fresh chopped mint is used in both the tzatziki sauce and the shrimp marinade for a refreshing Mediterranean flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Can I use this recipe for a summer barbecue?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or as a quick, healthy weeknight meal.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving of the shrimp souvlaki contains 9g of carbohydrates.
Is the shrimp marinated before cooking?
Yes, the shrimp are tossed with olive oil, mint, garlic, salt, and black pepper to coat them evenly before being threaded onto skewers.
How much tzatziki should I use per pita?
The recipe recommends drizzling approximately 1/3 cup of homemade tzatziki sauce over each shrimp skewer in the pita.
Does the recipe use kosher salt?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt is used, divided between the cucumber preparation and the shrimp marinade.
What is the role of red wine vinegar in the recipe?
Red wine vinegar is added to the tzatziki sauce to provide a tangy acidity that complements the creamy yogurt and fresh mint.
How do I ensure the tzatziki sauce isn't watery?
By grating the cucumber, salting it, and squeezing out the excess moisture after it drains, you ensure the sauce remains thick and creamy.
Is this recipe considered a healthy option?
Yes, it is described as a healthier option that brings Mediterranean flavors to the table with low calories and fat.
What equipment is needed to cook the shrimp?
You will need a broiler, a broiler rack, and 4 skewers (wooden or metal).
How much olive oil is required?
A total of 3 teaspoons of olive oil is used, divided between the sauce and the shrimp marinade.
Can I use fat-free yogurt for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for plain fat-free Greek yogurt to keep the dish light and high in protein.
What is the category of this cuisine?
This recipe falls under the Greek category of Mediterranean cuisine.
How much black pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to season the shrimp.
Should the pita bread be cold?
No, the pita bread should be warmed and split before serving with the grilled shrimp.
Is garlic used in both the shrimp and the sauce?
Yes, minced garlic is used in both the tzatziki sauce and the shrimp marinade for consistent flavor.
How much cucumber is needed?
You will need 1 cup of peeled, seeded, and grated cucumber.
How many skewers does this recipe make?
The recipe instructs to thread the 1 lb of shrimp onto 4 skewers.
Can this be a weeknight meal?
Yes, the quick cooking time and simple preparation make it a great choice for a fast weeknight dinner.