Imagine perfectly grilled cubes of beef—juicy, tender, and infused with zesty Mediterranean flavors. That’s exactly what you get with Greek Beef Souvlaki, a simple yet vibrant dish that brings a taste of Greece right to your table. Marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, each bite bursts with freshness and flavor.
Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a quick weeknight dinner, or a meal that feels like a sunny escape to the Aegean, this souvlaki recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it with warm pita, creamy tzatziki, and a crisp Greek salad for the ultimate Mediterranean feast.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Greek Beef Souvlaki
- Big, Bold Flavors: The lemon, garlic, and oregano marinade gives the beef that irresistible Mediterranean taste.
- Quick and Easy: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and fast grilling make this a go-to weeknight meal.
- Healthy & Protein-Packed: Naturally low-carb and full of lean protein and healthy fats.
- Versatile: Perfect for grilling, baking, or even cooking on a stovetop grill pan.
- Customizable: Swap the beef for chicken, lamb, or veggies—this recipe works beautifully with any protein.
🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this dish shine:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin (optional, for a warm spice note)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked for 30 minutes if grilling
- For serving: pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and fresh parsley
🔥 How to Make Greek Beef Souvlaki
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. This simple but powerful marinade is what gives the beef its incredible flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Add the beef cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—2–3 hours is even better for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked so they don’t burn.
Step 4: Skewer the Beef
Thread the marinated beef onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until nicely charred on the outside and juicy inside. For medium-rare, aim for a total of about 8 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the souvlaki hot with warm pita, tzatziki, and your favorite Greek sides. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon for the perfect finishing touch.
🥗 Serving Ideas
- With Tzatziki: Creamy, garlicky yogurt sauce adds the perfect cool contrast.
- In a Pita Wrap: Add lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki for a homemade gyro-style wrap.
- Alongside Greek Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, and olive oil dressing make the perfect pairing.
- Over Rice or Couscous: A satisfying meal with Mediterranean flair.
💡 Tips for Perfect Souvlaki
- Marinate Overnight: The longer it sits, the more flavorful and tender it gets.
- Cut Evenly: Keep beef cubes the same size so they cook evenly.
- Add Veggies: Skewer bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for extra color and flavor.
- Indoor Option: If you don’t have a grill, use a hot grill pan or broil in the oven.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this with chicken or lamb?
Yes! Both work beautifully—just adjust the cooking time (chicken may need 2–3 more minutes per side).
Q: Can I bake instead of grill?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.
Q: How long can I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Q: Can I freeze marinated beef?
Yes! Freeze the beef in its marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
🧆 Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
🌞 Conclusion
Greek Beef Souvlaki is a simple yet spectacular dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking—fresh, zesty, and full of life. Whether you’re serving it straight off the grill or wrapped in pita with tzatziki, this dish will transport your taste buds to a sunny seaside taverna.
Fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the taste of Greece at home!