I think it's about time to upload a recipe for Traditional Greek Souvlaki. I mean how can you have a Greek food blog without the Greekest recipe? Other than Greek Salad, or Tzatziki, or Moussaka... Well, shame on me! I guess I will have to use the excuse that there are soooo many Greek recipes that I want to share, that I didn't have the time.?
And since I'm no good with excuses, I'll just stick to talking about the recipe. These mouthwatering, utterly delicious Greek pork skewers.
What Does Souvlaki Mean?
To begin with, I will make clear what Souvlaki is. I came across a recipe the other day on Pinterest, showing a picture of chicken thighs that said: How to make marinated Greek Souvlaki. Whaaat? Where did that come from? To call something a Souvlaki there is one thing that MUST be there. And that's a skewer, whether it's a wooden or a metal one. And the meat should be ON that skewer (stating the obvious, but you never know right?)
In Greek, the word Souvlaki (which is the skewer itself) comes from the word 'Souvlao' (σουβλάω) which means to prick through something. That also comes from the word 'Souvla' (σούβλα) which is the spit.
So when we say Souvlaki, we refer to the skewer itself. Which means, a Souvlaki, can be anything from meat, and seafood, to veggies, cheese, and fruits. Traditionally in Greece, we have the pork Souvlakis, the chicken Souvlakis, and the mixed meat Souvlakis (usually made of both pork and chicken). The traditional Greek Souvlakis with the wooden skewer, are made at Greek Grill Houses (a type of restaurant that specializes in meat dishes). Including a bunch of other meats on a 'Souvla' (Spit). Like Gyros for example.
The other types of Souvlakis can be found at Greek restaurants and Tavernas.
A Metal Skewer Or A Wooden One?
In Greece, Souvlakis come in two versions.The ones that are made with a wooden skewer and the ones made with a metal skewer. Their basic differences are that for one, the ones made with a wooden skewer are smaller in size, which makes them ideal for adding them inside a pita wrap. While the ones that are made on a metal skewer are bigger in size.
And for two, the wooden ones are easier to marinate due to their size. While the souvlakis that are made with a metal skewer usually come with different types of veggies (like onion, peppers, and tomato) added between the pieces of meat, in order to give a boost of flavor. So, you either making smaller wooden souvlakis, properly marinated or you make larger souvlakis with a metal skewer and some veggies in between.
The Ladolemono Dressing
Okay, so you cannot make Greek Souvlaki Recipe without the Ladolemono dressing on top. Well, you can, but it will be like a turkey without its gravy. In Greece, this famous dressing is used on EVERY grilled meat. It's used like butter on toast. It's in fact, simply olive oil, mixed with freshly squeezed lemon juice but when poured over grilled meat, it makes a huge difference in taste. It instantly adds extra moisture to the meat, making it taste juicier. While the lemon neutralizes the strong flavor of fat out of the meat.
The Souvlaki Marinade
The authentic Greek souvlaki recipe, calls for a simple and easy marinade. Some olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, and pepper is all you really need to make a delicious Greek Souvlaki.
About The Greek Souvlaki Recipe
And again I managed to talk about everything else, besides my recipe. At least you now know, what Souvlaki is and how, and out of what, it is made of (or can be made of). This Greek Souvlaki Recipe is for making the Traditional Pork Souvlakis, with the wooden skewer and the Ladolemono dressing on top.
They're pretty simple to make. All you have to do is:
- Cut the meat into pieces.
- Thread the meat on the skewers.
- Marinade for 2 hours or Overnight (ideally).
- Grill.
- And serve with some Ladolemono on top.
Pretty easy right? As for the type of meat that I use, it's boneless pork neck. Keep in mind that when you make Souvlakis, you need a piece of meat that contains an adequate amount of fat. Fat is needed, in order to keep the meat soft, moist, and also make it even tastier.
Greek Souvlaki Recipe With Ladolemono ( Pork Skewers With Lemon Dressing)
Ingredients
For The Skewers:
- 700 grams boneless pork neck
- 1 lemon juiced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano plus some extra for garnish
- salt and pepper
- 8 wooden skewers
For The Ladolemono Dressing:
- 1 lemon juiced
- olive oil
Instructions
For The Skewers:
- Cut the meat into small 2cm x 2cm square pieces. About 1 cm thick.
- Thread the meat on wooden skewers. Once you're done, add the skewers in a small baking pan or food storage box.
- Pour the lemon juice and olive oil. Add the oregano and a bit of pepper and mix well. Flip the skewers a few times for the marinade to spread evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours or overnight for an even stronger flavor.
- Grill the meat for 10-15 minutes turning them every now and then.
For The Ladolemono Dressing:
- In a dressing container (one that you can shake and comes with a small hole), add the lemon juice and ⅔ of olive oil.
- Shake the container until a creamy dressing forms and pour over the souvlakis, right as they come out of the grill.
- Serve with a sprinkle of oregano on top.
Is there really no garlic in the marinade?
Yes really :D!
I don't have an outside BBQ so I have to use the stove.
Can it be done?
I know without the flavor of the charcoal it won't be anywhere near as the ones they make in Greece (sta xwria)
That's right John :D. The other best way would be to use a grill pan or a griddler if you own one. The stove's grill function would dry up the meat more than the other methods.
Looks and sounds delicious! If I wanted to sub chicken for the pork, what would you recommend? Chicken thighs cut up?
Thank you, Suzanne. Either chicken thighs or chicken breasts will do. Chicken thighs are a bit more tender but chicken breasts are more easy to thread on the skewers. So depends on what you prefer!