Picture this: tender, juicy chunks of beef marinated in a fragrant blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and aromatic herbs, then grilled to perfection. That’s exactly what you get with Greek Beef Souvlaki. It’s a vibrant, zesty dish that brings the flavors of Greece straight to your dinner table. Each bite bursts with fresh, Mediterranean goodness, and the best part? It’s incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re grilling on a sunny day or cooking on a weeknight, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser that will make your taste buds sing.
So, if you’re craving something light, fresh, and packed with flavor, trust me, you’re going to love this recipe. Serve it with some fluffy pita, a dollop of creamy tzatziki, and maybe a Greek salad, and you’ve got a meal that will make you feel like you’re sitting by the sea in Santorini.
Why You’ll Love Greek Beef Souvlaki
Let’s talk about why this dish is a game-changer:
- Bold Flavors: The marinade, with its fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic, makes the beef incredibly flavorful. It’s like a little Mediterranean vacation in every bite!
- Simple to Make: The marinade comes together in minutes, and once the beef is marinated, grilling or searing takes no time at all. It’s a quick and easy way to elevate your weeknight meals.
- Healthy & Light: Souvlaki is a lighter option compared to some other grilled meats, especially when served with fresh veggies and tzatziki. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats, perfect for a well-balanced meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep or Parties: You can make a big batch of these skewers for a BBQ, or meal prep them for the week. They reheat beautifully and are just as delicious the next day.
- Customizable: Don’t feel like beef? You can swap it for chicken or lamb. Want more veggies? Skewer some peppers, onions, or zucchini along with the beef for a complete, flavorful meal.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these tasty Greek Beef Souvlaki skewers:
- Beef (Steak or Sirloin): Tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak work great here. They’re easy to cut into chunks and hold up well on the grill.
- Olive Oil: The base of the marinade that keeps the beef moist and adds richness.
- Garlic & Lemon: Fresh garlic and tangy lemon juice bring a lot of brightness and depth of flavor to the meat.
- Oregano & Thyme: These classic Mediterranean herbs infuse the beef with earthy, aromatic flavors. Fresh herbs work best, but dried herbs will do in a pinch.
- Red Wine Vinegar: A splash of vinegar balances the rich olive oil and adds a subtle tang.
- Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the beef and bringing all the flavors together.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s break it down step-by-step to get that perfect, grilled Greek souvlaki:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. This is your marinade, and trust me, it smells amazing already.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
Cut your beef into bite-sized cubes—about 1 to 1.5-inch chunks. Place them in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the beef. Toss to coat, making sure every piece of beef is covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though a few hours (or even overnight) will give the beef even more flavor.
Step 3: Skewer the Beef
Once the beef has marinated, it’s time to skewer! Thread the marinated beef onto metal or wooden skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill pan, make sure it’s nice and hot before adding the beef skewers.
Step 5: Grill the Souvlaki
Grill the beef skewers for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked to your preferred level of doneness. You want them to be nicely browned on the outside with a juicy interior—medium-rare to medium is ideal. Be sure to turn the skewers every minute or so for even cooking.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!
Once cooked, remove the souvlaki from the skewers (or leave them on for a fun presentation) and serve immediately. You can pair them with warm pita, a fresh Greek salad, or a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Greek Beef Souvlaki
Here are a few ways to make this meal even more amazing:
- Tzatziki Sauce: This cool, creamy cucumber yogurt sauce is the perfect complement to the warm, juicy beef. Drizzle it over the souvlaki or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Warm Pita: Soft, fluffy pita is a must for wrapping around the souvlaki or serving as a side. You can even make a simple pita sandwich with the beef, tzatziki, and fresh veggies.
- Greek Salad: Toss together a refreshing salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil, lemon, and oregano.
- Rice or Couscous: For a heartier meal, serve the souvlaki with a side of fluffy rice or couscous to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Additional Tips
- For Extra Flavor: If you want to add even more Mediterranean flavors, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the marinade for an extra depth of flavor.
- Make it a Feast: If you’re grilling for a crowd, you can make a larger batch of souvlaki and serve it with a variety of sides like hummus, roasted veggies, and Greek-style potatoes.
- Grilling Tip: If you’re grilling outdoors, use a two-zone fire (hot and medium heat) to control the cooking temperature. You can sear the beef over high heat and then move it to the cooler side to finish cooking if needed.
- Meal Prep: Marinate the beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also grill extra souvlaki and store the leftovers in the fridge for a quick and easy meal later on.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken or lamb instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs and lamb are great alternatives to beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken will need a bit longer to cook through.
Q2: How long should I marinate the beef?
A2: At least 30 minutes, but the beef will soak up more flavor the longer it marinates. For best results, marinate it for 2-3 hours or overnight.
Q3: Can I cook the souvlaki in the oven?
A3: Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the souvlaki in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through. You won’t get the same char, but they’ll still be delicious.
Q4: Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
A4: Sure! Store-bought tzatziki works in a pinch, but making your own is so easy and much more flavorful. If you have the time, I highly recommend making a fresh batch.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftover souvlaki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a skillet or microwave, but the flavor is best fresh off the grill.
Conclusion
Greek Beef Souvlaki is the perfect way to bring a little Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table. With its zesty marinade, tender beef, and fresh, vibrant flavors, this dish is sure to be a new favorite. Whether you’re grilling it up for a family meal, a BBQ, or meal prepping for the week, these souvlaki skewers are quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Grab your skewers, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy the taste of Greece in every bite!
Print
Greek Beef Souvlaki
- Total Time: 20 minutes (not including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Greek Beef Souvlaki is a flavorful and tender dish made with marinated beef skewers that are grilled to perfection. The beef is marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and other spices, giving it a delicious Mediterranean flavor. Perfect for summer grilling, these souvlaki are great served with pita, tzatziki, and a simple salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes, if using)
- Pita bread, for serving
- Tzatziki sauce, for serving
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well combined.
- Add the beef cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to marinate.
- Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated beef onto the soaked skewers, packing them tightly.
- Grill the beef skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the beef is browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is ideal for this dish).
- Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the souvlaki with warm pita bread, a side of tzatziki sauce, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Enjoy your Greek Beef Souvlaki with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables!
Notes
- Feel free to substitute beef with chicken or lamb for different flavor variations.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a little hot sauce to the marinade.
- For a more tender result, you can marinate the beef overnight for deeper flavor.
- To make this dish low-carb, serve it with a Greek salad instead of pita or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg