Pork Souvlaki Recipe

I’ve been making this Pork Souvlaki for years, and it’s always a hit at family gatherings.

The key to perfect souvlaki is in the marinade; let those flavors really soak into the pork overnight if you can.

I love how the smoky char from the grill complements the zesty marinade – it’s a match made in heaven.

Remember to cut your pork into even pieces to ensure each bite is as succulent as the last.

One thing I adore about this recipe is its simplicity; with just a few ingredients, you can create something truly mouthwatering.

Serve this with some warm pita and a dollop of tzatziki for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

Trust me, once you’ve tried homemade souvlaki, there’s just no going back to store-bought!

How to Make Pork Souvlaki

Ingredients List

To make delicious Pork Souvlaki, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs pork tenderloin (cut into 1-inch cubes)
• Wooden skewers
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tsp Greek oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step process

Step 1

 In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Greek oregano, salt, and pepper.

Mix well to create the souvlaki marinade.

Add the pork cubes to the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated with the marinade.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and let the pork marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

You can marinate the pork for up to 24 hours for best results.

Step 2

 If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

Thread the marinated pieces of pork onto the skewers, leaving some space between each piece to allow for even cooking.

Step 3

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

If using a stovetop grill or griddle pan, preheat it over medium-high heat.

Step 4

 Place the pork skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10 minutes.

Turn the skewers occasionally to ensure all sides cook evenly and achieve a nice golden brown color.

To ensure the pork is cooked through, check that its internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) using a meat thermometer.

Serve your Pork Souvlaki with favorite side dishes such as rice, pita bread, or a cucumber-tomato salad.

Enjoy!

Side Dishes for Pork Souvlaki

Greek Salad

A Greek salad is a classic, refreshing side dish to serve with your pork souvlaki.

This salad consists of cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onions, and feta cheese, topped with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing.

The cool, crisp vegetables and tangy dressing perfectly complement the savory flavors of the grilled pork.

Lemon Wedges

Lemon wedges are a must-have accompaniment to any Greek souvlaki dish.

The bright, citrusy flavors help cut through the marinated meat’s richness and elevate the dish to new heights.

Simply serve a few fresh lemon wedges alongside your souvlaki, and your guests can squeeze them over the dish to add a burst of zesty flavor.

Warm Pita Bread

Warm pita bread is essential when enjoying Greek cuisine, and pork souvlaki is no exception.

Pita bread provides a soft and chewy texture to contrast with the tender grilled pork and makes for an ideal vehicle to scoop up the delicious marinade and juices.

You can either make your own pita bread or purchase it from a supermarket, making sure to warm it before serving.

Greek Yogurt

A dollop of cool, creamy Greek yogurt is the perfect accompaniment to pork souvlaki.

The yogurt’s slightly tangy taste and smooth texture balance out the bold, garlicky flavors of the dish, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

You can serve the yogurt on the side or even spread it on your warm pita bread to create souvlaki wraps.

Feta Cheese

A crumble of feta cheese can add an extra layer of tangy, creamy goodness to your pork souvlaki.

This classic Greek cheese is made from sheep’s or goat’s milk and has a slightly salty, tangy taste.

Simply sprinkle a little over your souvlaki dish or add it to your Greek salad for a lovely, authentic touch.

With these delicious side dish options, you’ll be able to create an amazing Greek feast centered around your pork souvlaki.

Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures, and indulge in a memorable meal inspired by the flavors of Greek cuisine.

Ingredients Substitutes

Garlic

You may substitute fresh garlic cloves with garlic powder in your pork souvlaki.

For every clove of garlic, use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder.

It’s a convenient alternative and still provides a garlic flavor for the marinade.

Marinade Ingredients

If you’re unable to find or prefer not to use specific ingredients, here are some alternatives:

• Oregano: Substitute dried oregano with an equal amount of fresh oregano, or try using marjoram for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: If fresh lemons are unavailable, use bottled lemon juice as a suitable replacement.

Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder is a suitable substitute for pork tenderloin in making souvlaki.

It may be a bit less tender but ensures a juicy result due to its higher fat content.

Additionally, pork loin and pork steak can also be used as alternatives.

How to Store Pork Souvlaki

Storing pork souvlaki properly is essential to ensure its freshness and taste.

Here, we’ll discuss a few methods to store your delicious pork souvlaki, including using plastic wrap and airtight containers.

Using Plastic Wrap

After cooking and allowing the pork souvlaki to cool, you can use plastic wrap to store it.

Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on the counter, and place the skewers or individual pieces of pork on the wrap.

Make sure to leave space between each skewer or piece to avoid them sticking together.

Fold the plastic wrap over the pork souvlaki, wrapping it tightly.

Store the wrapped pork souvlaki in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Using an Airtight Container

Another effective way to store pork souvlaki is in an airtight container.

Once the pork souvlaki has cooled, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and place the pork pieces or skewers into a clean, airtight container.

If you’re using a single container, you can layer the pork souvlaki with parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together.

Make sure the container is sealed tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Remember always to refrigerate your pork souvlaki within two hours of cooking, as leaving it out for longer can put it at risk of spoilage.

By following these storage methods, you can enjoy your delicious pork souvlaki later and ensure it remains fresh and tasty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing Pork Souvlaki:

Not soaking the skewers in water

If you’re using wooden or bamboo skewers for your pork souvlaki, it’s important to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the meat and grilling.

This prevents the skewers from burning and breaking during the grilling process.

Cutting the pork into inconsistent sizes

When preparing the pork, it’s essential to cut it into uniform1-inch cubes.

Inconsistent cuts will result in uneven cooking, with some pieces of meat being over or undercooked.

To ensure even cooking and tender results, maintain the same size for all your pork pieces.

Not allowing enough time for the marinade to penetrate

A flavorful pork souvlaki relies on the marinade, which typically includes lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and other herbs.

To ensure your pork absorbs these flavors, marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, for optimal results.

Overcrowding the skewers

When threading the meat onto the skewers, make sure to leave a small gap between each piece of meat.

Overcrowding the skewers can lead to uneven cooking and may prevent the meat from properly grilling to achieve that desired char.

Not properly preheating the grill

Whether you’re using an outdoor grill or a grill pan, it’s important to preheat it to medium-high heat before placing your skewers on it.

A properly heated grill will result in a nice sear and cook the pork evenly, giving it that authentic Greek street food flavor.

Overlooking the importance of fresh ingredients

Using fresh ingredients is crucial to achieving a delicious pork souvlaki marinade.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic cloves, and grated cucumber (for the accompanying tzatziki sauce) will provide a more vibrant taste compared to bottled or pre-packaged alternatives.

Additionally, consider using freshly ground pepper instead of pre-ground for enhanced flavor.