Mediterranean Lamb Souvlaki Skewers
Indulge in the authentic flavors of Mediterranean cuisine with these delectable Lamb Souvlaki Skewers, perfect for your next gathering or weeknight dinner. Inspired by the traditional Greek method of grilling marinated meat on skewers, this recipe features tender lamb shoulder or pork loin, marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs. The marination process infuses the meat with aromatic Mediterranean flavors. Although optional, serving these skewers with warm pita bread enhances the experience, while creamy tzatziki sauce is essential for a refreshing contrast. Perfect for barbecues or indoor grilling, these skewers are sure to impress family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lamb shoulder or pork loin
1 1/2 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup
Red wine vinegar
1/3 cup
Garlic
2 cloves (minced)
Onion
1 (finely chopped)
Dried Greek oregano
1 tablespoon
Fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Fresh mint
1 1/2 tablespoons (chopped)
Coarse salt
to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, dried Greek oregano, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh mint, and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
2
Add the lamb shoulder or pork loin cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is generously coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for enhanced flavor.
3
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 2 hours prior to grilling to prevent burning.
4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
5
Remove the meat from the marinade and thread evenly onto the soaked skewers. Season the skewers with coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
6
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side for medium doneness, adjusting cooking time to 6 to 7 minutes per side for well-done meat.
7
Once cooked to your liking, remove the skewers from the grill and serve hot with a generous side of tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Lamb Souvlaki Skewers?
They are a traditional Greek dish featuring marinated meat, such as lamb or pork, grilled on skewers and often served with pita and tzatziki.
What meat is best for this recipe?
Lamb shoulder or pork loin are the recommended cuts for these skewers.
How should I cut the meat?
The meat should be cut into 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and easy threading onto skewers.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, dried Greek oregano, fresh parsley, and fresh mint.
How long should I marinate the lamb or pork?
The meat should marinate for at least 2 hours, though refrigerating it overnight provides the best flavor.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 2 hours before grilling to prevent them from burning.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for the best results.
How long do I cook the skewers for medium doneness?
Cook the skewers for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side.
How long do I cook the skewers for well-done meat?
For well-done meat, adjust the cooking time to 6 to 7 minutes per side.
What should I serve with souvlaki?
Souvlaki is best served hot with a side of creamy tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread.
Can I use pork instead of lamb?
Yes, pork loin is a perfect substitute for lamb shoulder in this recipe.
What type of vinegar is used?
Red wine vinegar is used to add a zesty acidity to the marinade.
Is fresh mint necessary?
While fresh mint adds a traditional aromatic touch, it is a key part of the Mediterranean flavor profile for this dish.
What type of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its rich, authentic flavor.
How many cloves of garlic are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of minced garlic.
Can I grill these indoors?
Yes, you can use an indoor grill pan if an outdoor barbecue is not available.
What role does the onion play in the marinade?
The finely chopped onion adds depth and sweetness to the marinade as the meat rests.
When do I season the meat with salt?
Season the skewers with coarse salt just before placing them on the grill.
What kind of pepper should I use?
Freshly cracked black pepper is used both in the marinade and for final seasoning.
Is this recipe suitable for barbecues?
Yes, these skewers are perfect for outdoor barbecues and gatherings.
How much meat is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of lamb shoulder or pork loin.
What is the purpose of the oregano?
Dried Greek oregano provides the signature earthy, aromatic flavor associated with Mediterranean cuisine.
How do I prevent the meat from drying out?
The olive oil in the marinade and keeping the pieces at 1-inch cubes helps maintain moisture during high-heat grilling.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
Fresh parsley is preferred for its bright flavor, but you can use dried if necessary, though the taste may differ.
What makes this 'souvlaki'?
The term 'souvlaki' refers to the Greek method of grilling small pieces of meat and sometimes vegetables on a skewer.
Is the tzatziki sauce cooked?
No, tzatziki is a cold yogurt-based sauce served as a refreshing accompaniment to the hot meat.
Can I add vegetables to these skewers?
While this specific recipe focus on the meat, you can certainly thread vegetables like bell peppers or onions between the meat cubes.
How much oregano is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of dried Greek oregano.
How much olive oil is in the marinade?
The marinade uses 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, onion, herbs, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.