Traditional Greek Pork Souvlaki with Tzatziki
This Traditional Greek Pork Souvlaki brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Inspired by our fond memories of dining along the vibrant Greek Danforth in Toronto, we've crafted this recipe to bring the same beloved flavors to your home. Tender cubes of marinated pork are grilled to perfection and served alongside a creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce made with homemade yogurt, cucumber, and garlic. Paired with a Greek salad and fragrant rice, this dish is perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering. Relish the delightful combination of spices, lemon, and the warmth of Greece—a meal that will transport you without ever leaving your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pork tenderloin or pork roast
1-2 lb (Cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Lemon juice
1-2 cup
Pepper
1 tablespoon
Dried oregano
1 tablespoon
Garlic cloves
2 (Grated)
Onion
1-2 tablespoon (Grated)
Plain yogurt
1 cup
Cucumber
1-2 tablespoon (Grated)
Garlic clove
1 (Grated for tzatziki)
Butter
1/4 cup
Lemon juice
1/4 cup
Oregano
1 teaspoon
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the pork: Combine all the souvlaki marinade ingredients—pork, olive oil, lemon juice, pepper, dried oregano, grated garlic, and grated onion—in a large freezer bag or baking dish. Make sure the pork is completely coated in the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 8 hours, turning occasionally to allow the flavors to meld.
2
While the pork marinates, make the tzatziki sauce: In a bowl, mix together the plain yogurt, grated cucumber, and a grated garlic clove. Stir well to combine, cover, and refrigerate for 8 hours to enhance the flavors.
3
For the lemon butter sauce, combine the butter, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic powder in a small pot. Heat over low until the butter is melted, stirring to combine. Once melted, remove from heat and let it stand.
4
When ready to cook, preheat your grill or barbecue. Remove the pork from the marinade and skewer the cubes onto soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers. Grill the skewers until the pork is cooked through and has nice grill marks, usually about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
5
To serve, place the grilled souvlaki on a platter alongside the tzatziki sauce, a simple Greek salad, and fluffy rice. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the souvlaki and the rice for added flavor. Enjoy this delightful Greek feast with family and friends!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Traditional Greek Pork Souvlaki?
Traditional Greek Pork Souvlaki is a Mediterranean dish consisting of marinated pork cubes grilled on skewers and served with a refreshing tzatziki sauce.
What cut of meat is best for souvlaki?
For this recipe, pork tenderloin or pork roast is recommended, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes.
How long should I marinate the pork for the best flavor?
The pork should be marinated in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours to allow the spices and lemon juice to tenderize the meat.
What are the ingredients in the souvlaki marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, lemon juice, pepper, dried oregano, grated garlic, and grated onion.
How do I make the tzatziki sauce?
To make the sauce, mix plain yogurt, grated cucumber, and one grated garlic clove in a bowl.
Does the tzatziki sauce need to rest?
Yes, the tzatziki should be covered and refrigerated for at least 8 hours to enhance its flavors.
What is in the lemon butter sauce?
The lemon butter sauce is made by melting butter with lemon juice, oregano, and garlic powder over low heat.
How long does it take to grill the souvlaki skewers?
Grill the skewers for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through with nice grill marks.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, if you are using wooden skewers, you should soak them in water before grilling to prevent them from burning.
What should I serve with Greek Pork Souvlaki?
It is traditionally served with tzatziki sauce, a simple Greek salad, and fluffy rice.
What size should the pork cubes be?
The pork should be cut into approximately 1 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking and the best texture.
Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?
Yes, both metal and wooden skewers are suitable for grilling the pork souvlaki.
How do I prepare the onion and garlic for the marinade?
The garlic and onion should be grated to ensure they blend well into the marinade and coat the meat evenly.
What is the purpose of the lemon butter sauce?
The lemon butter sauce is drizzled over the grilled souvlaki and rice to add an extra layer of richness and bright citrus flavor.
Can I use Greek yogurt for the tzatziki?
While the recipe calls for plain yogurt, Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you prefer a thicker, creamier consistency.
How do I prepare the cucumber for the sauce?
The cucumber should be grated before being stirred into the yogurt and garlic mixture.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by dining experiences along the vibrant Greek Danforth in Toronto.
Can I use dried oregano in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for dried oregano in both the pork marinade and the lemon butter sauce.
Is this recipe easy for a family dinner?
Yes, though it requires advance prep time for marinating, the actual cooking process is quick and perfect for family gatherings.
How many garlic cloves are needed in total?
You will need 2 grated garlic cloves for the pork marinade and 1 grated garlic clove for the tzatziki sauce.
What is the best way to coat the pork in marinade?
Using a large freezer bag is effective because you can seal it and turn it to ensure every cube is completely coated.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it is actually recommended to make it 8 hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld.
How do I know when the pork is done?
The pork is done when it is cooked through, usually after 10-15 minutes on the grill, and has visible grill marks on all sides.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients like meat, vegetables, and yogurt are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific spice labels.
Can I use a different protein?
While this is a pork recipe, the marinade and tzatziki pair well with chicken or lamb as well.
What kind of rice goes best with this dish?
A fluffy, fragrant white rice or a lemon-herb rice pilaf works excellently with the Mediterranean flavors.
Can I cook this indoors?
Yes, if you don't have an outdoor grill, you can use a cast-iron grill pan on the stovetop.
What is the role of olive oil in the marinade?
The olive oil helps carry the flavors of the spices and prevents the lean pork from sticking to the grill.
How much lemon juice is needed for the marinade?
The marinade requires between 1/2 cup to 1 cup of lemon juice depending on your preference for acidity.
What makes this 'traditional' style?
The combination of lemon, oregano, garlic, and the method of skewering meat for grilling are classic hallmarks of traditional Greek street food.