Greek Lamb Souvlaki is the epitome of Mediterranean street food, bringing together tender chunks of marinated lamb grilled to perfection on wooden skewers. This beloved dish captures the essence of Greek cuisine with its simple yet bold flavors, where quality ingredients shine through minimal preparation. The word “souvlaki” comes from the Greek word “souvla,” meaning spit, and these grilled meat skewers have been enjoyed throughout Greece for centuries.
What makes authentic souvlaki special is the marinade that infuses the lamb with the bright flavors of lemon, olive oil, garlic, and herbs. The meat becomes incredibly tender and flavorful while developing a beautiful char on the outside. Traditionally served with warm pita bread, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables, this dish transforms a simple meal into a Mediterranean feast that’s perfect for summer grilling or any time you crave the sunny flavors of Greece.
Serves: 4-6 people
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 2-4 hours marinating time)
What You’ll Need
For the lamb:
- 2 pounds boneless lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 lemons, juiced (about 1/3 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
For serving:
- 6-8 pita bread rounds
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment needed:
- 8-10 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- Grill or grill pan
Preparing the Marinade
The secret to exceptional souvlaki lies in the marinade, which should be prepared several hours before cooking. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. The marinade should be bright and aromatic, with the lemon and herbs creating a fresh, Mediterranean scent.
Use only the best quality olive oil you can find, as it makes a significant difference in the final flavor. Fresh oregano is preferred, but if using dried, make sure it’s relatively fresh and fragrant. The garlic should be minced finely so it distributes evenly throughout the marinade.
Marinating the Lamb
Cut the lamb into uniform cubes, about 1 inch in size. This ensures even cooking and makes threading onto skewers easier. Remove any excess fat, but leave some for flavor and moisture. The lamb should be bright red and fresh-looking.
Add the lamb cubes to the marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the meat, ensuring it penetrates all surfaces. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything to a sealed container.
Refrigerate the marinated lamb for at least 2 hours, but preferably 4-6 hours. The longer marinating time allows the acids in the lemon juice to tenderize the meat while the herbs and garlic infuse their flavors throughout.
Threading the Skewers
Remove the lamb from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This helps ensure even cooking. While the meat is coming to temperature, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Thread the marinated lamb cubes onto the skewers, leaving small gaps between each piece to allow for even cooking. You should have about 8-10 skewers, depending on the size of your lamb pieces. Don’t pack the meat too tightly, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
Reserve any remaining marinade to brush on the meat while grilling, which adds extra flavor and helps prevent the meat from drying out.
Grilling the Souvlaki
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a gas grill, aim for about 400-450 degrees. For charcoal grills, the coals should be hot with no flames, and you should be able to hold your hand 5 inches above the grates for only 3-4 seconds.
Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the lamb skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning them a quarter turn each time to ensure even cooking on all sides. The total cooking time should be about 10-12 minutes for medium doneness.
Brush the skewers with the reserved marinade during cooking to keep them moist and add extra flavor. The lamb should develop a beautiful golden-brown char on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside.
Preparing the Accompaniments
While the souvlaki is grilling, prepare your serving accompaniments. Warm the pita bread either on the grill for about 30 seconds per side or wrapped in foil in a low oven. The bread should be warm and pliable, not crispy.
Slice the red onion thinly and soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its sharpness. Cut the tomatoes into wedges and slice the cucumber. Arrange these vegetables on a serving platter along with the crumbled feta cheese.
Serving Your Souvlaki
Serve the hot souvlaki skewers immediately, accompanied by the warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables. The traditional way to eat souvlaki is to slide the meat off the skewers into the pita bread, then add tzatziki, onions, tomatoes, and cucumber.
You can also serve the skewers on plates with the pita and accompaniments on the side, allowing everyone to build their own combination. Garnish with fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for an authentic presentation.
Tips for Perfect Souvlaki
Don’t overcook the lamb, as it can become tough and dry. Medium doneness is ideal, where the meat is still slightly pink in the center but cooked through. If you’re unsure, cut into one of the larger pieces to check.
If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the souvlaki on a grill pan over medium-high heat or even broil them in the oven. The cooking time will be similar, but rotate the skewers frequently for even browning.
For extra flavor, you can add thin slices of red onion or bell peppers to the skewers between the lamb pieces. Just make sure to cut them to similar sizes so everything cooks evenly.
This Greek Lamb Souvlaki recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Greece to your table, creating a meal that’s both simple and sophisticated, perfect for entertaining or a special family dinner.
