Name: Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Wooden or metal skewers; Lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley for serving

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If you’re looking for juicy, flavor-packed skewers that will instantly transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, Greek Beef Souvlaki is the dish for you! This beloved Greek classic balances tender beef, zesty marinade, and the smoky magic of the grill. With every bite, you get aromatic herbs, citrusy brightness, and that irresistible charred exterior—the quintessence of summer feasting and an absolute favorite for gatherings or quick weeknight dinners alike. If you’ve never tried Greek Beef Souvlaki before, prepare to make it a regular in your meal rotation.

Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the charm of Greek Beef Souvlaki is how it turns everyday ingredients into something truly special. Each element brings a burst of flavor, color, or irresistible texture, working together to create pure magic on a skewer.

Beef sirloin or tenderloin: Choose a tender, well-marbled cut for juicy and flavorful skewers every single time.
Olive oil: This forms the rich, silky base of the marinade and carries the other seasonings into the beef.
Fresh lemon juice: Adds a bright, citrusy pop that softens the beef and wakes up all the flavors.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives that classic Mediterranean punch—don’t skimp!
Red wine vinegar: A splash of tartness that perks up the meat and accentuates all the other flavors.
Dried oregano: For unmistakably Greek aroma and herby depth—use Greek oregano if possible.
Salt: Brings the flavors together and seasons the beef all the way through.
Black pepper: Adds just enough gentle heat to enhance the savoriness.
Paprika: Gives a subtle warmth and a hint of smoky sweetness to the marinade.
Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for easy grilling—just remember to soak wooden skewers so they don’t burn.
Lemon wedges and fresh parsley: These brighten the finished dish and provide a burst of color and freshness.

How to Make Greek Beef Souvlaki

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This isn’t just a marinade—it’s the soul of Greek Beef Souvlaki, infusing every cube of beef with brightness, aroma, and that signature herby savoriness.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef

Add the beef cubes to the bowl and toss them really well until every piece is coated in marinade. Cover the bowl and set it in the fridge for at least one hour—though for the deepest flavor, letting it marinate for 4 to 6 hours (or even overnight) is a game changer. The longer the beef bathes in the marinade, the more mouthwatering your souvlaki will be.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, pop them in water for 30 minutes before threading on the beef; this keeps them from burning on the grill. Load roughly equal amounts of marinated beef onto each skewer, packing them snugly for uniform grilling but not so tightly that they don’t cook evenly.

Step 4: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Once it’s hot, lay your beef skewers directly over the heat. Grill the souvlaki for 8 to 10 minutes, giving them a gentle turn every couple of minutes. Look for a gorgeous brown crust while the insides remain beautifully juicy—grill to your preferred doneness, whether you like it blushing pink or well-done.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

As tempting as it is to dive right in, let the Greek Beef Souvlaki rest for a few minutes once you take it off the grill. This lets the juices settle, ensuring every bite is moist and tender. Just before serving, squeeze over fresh lemon juice and shower with chopped parsley for that perfect Greek finishing touch.

How to Serve Greek Beef Souvlaki

Garnishes

A squeeze of lemon and a handful of freshly chopped parsley are classic for Greek Beef Souvlaki. The citrus brings a pop of freshness right at the table, and parsley lifts the dish with its clean, peppery flavor. If you love more color, try scattering on a few chopped tomatoes or a spoonful of diced red onion.

Side Dishes

For the full Greek experience, wrap your souvlaki in warm pita with a generous dollop of cool tzatziki. A crisp Greek salad—brimming with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta—completes the spread. Or, keep it even simpler with roasted potatoes and a big wedge of lemon on the side. Greek Beef Souvlaki is incredibly versatile and loves to mingle with all your favorite mezze.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, build a Greek Beef Souvlaki platter for sharing: arrange the skewers over a bed of arugula or herby rice and set bowls of tzatziki, olives, and pickled vegetables around the edges. For parties, slide the beef cubes off the skewers and serve them in mini pita pockets or lettuce wraps with plenty of toppings—perfect for mingling!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Greek Beef Souvlaki, simply slip the cooled skewers (or just the beef cubes) into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making them ideal for quick lunches or a protein boost on salads and grain bowls.

Freezing

Greek Beef Souvlaki freezes surprisingly well. Let the beef cool completely, remove it from the skewers, and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’ll keep its quality for up to two months—just remember to thaw gently overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the beef cubes in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. If you’re using a microwave, wrap the beef in a damp paper towel to keep it moist. The flavors deepen over time, so leftovers are a real treat!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While beef is wonderfully rich and satisfying, chicken or lamb are both traditional and bring their own fantastic flavors. Just adjust the marinating and grilling times—they tend to cook a bit faster than beef.

What kind of grill works best for souvlaki?

You can use a gas grill, charcoal grill, or even a stovetop grill pan for making Greek Beef Souvlaki. The important part is high heat so you get a flavorful char while keeping the inside juicy. A charcoal grill adds extra smoky flavor but any method works beautifully.

Can I marinate the beef overnight?

Yes, you can! In fact, marinating overnight gives the beef even deeper flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Just make sure to refrigerate while marinating to keep things food safe.

What’s the best way to keep skewers from burning?

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling. This keeps them from scorching or burning during grilling. Or, you can use sturdy metal skewers if you’ve got them on hand!

Is Greek Beef Souvlaki gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just serve the souvlaki with gluten-free sides, like rice, salads, or gluten-free pita, if needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing Greek Beef Souvlaki—whether it’s a laid-back family meal or the centerpiece of a summer feast with friends. The flavors are bright, bold, and utterly crave-worthy. Give this recipe a try and let the sunny tastes of Greece light up your table—you’ll be craving it again and again!

Greek Beef Souvlaki Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Tender and flavorful, Greek Beef Souvlaki is a classic dish featuring marinated beef skewers grilled to perfection. Serve with lemon wedges and parsley for a taste of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Additional:

Wooden or metal skewers
Lemon wedges and chopped fresh parsley for serving

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Instructions

Mix Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Marinate Beef: Add the beef cubes to the marinade, toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4–6 hours.
Prep Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes. Preheat grill over medium-high heat.
Grill Beef: Thread marinated beef cubes onto skewers. Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked to desired doneness.
Rest and Serve: Remove from grill, let rest, and serve with lemon wedges and parsley.