Lamb souvlaki
Lamb souvlaki is a traditional Greek dish consisting of skewered and grilled pieces of marinated lamb, typically served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and various accompaniments such as tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. The lamb is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano and rosemary, imparting it with a zesty and herbaceous flavor. Souvlaki is a popular street food in Greece and is enjoyed for its juicy and tender meat, smoky aroma from grilling over an open flame, and the freshness of the accompanying ingredients. It's a beloved dish that embodies the vibrant and flavorful culinary traditions of Greek cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 1/2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced red onions
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the Beef:
- Place the cubed beef in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
- Pour the marinade over the beef, making sure it's well coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread the marinated beef cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
Grill the Souvlaki:
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the beef is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Serve the Souvlaki:
- Warm the pita bread on the grill for a minute or so on each side.
- Serve the grilled beef souvlaki with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, chopped parsley, and lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy:
- To enjoy, spread some tzatziki sauce on the warm pita bread, add a few pieces of beef souvlaki, and top with the sliced vegetables and parsley. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top before folding the pita and digging in!
Notes
Tips:
For extra flavor, you can add some diced red bell peppers and red onions to the skewers along with the beef.
If you prefer, you can also cook the beef souvlaki indoors on a grill pan or under the broiler.
Serve with Greek salad or roasted potatoes on the side for a complete meal.
For extra flavor, you can add some diced red bell peppers and red onions to the skewers along with the beef.
If you prefer, you can also cook the beef souvlaki indoors on a grill pan or under the broiler.
Serve with Greek salad or roasted potatoes on the side for a complete meal.