Description
Experience the vibrant and bold flavors of the Mediterranean with this classic Greek Beef Souvlaki recipe. Featuring tender, marinated beef sirloin or tenderloin grilled to juicy perfection and served alongside a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, this dish delivers an authentic taste of Greece that is quick, versatile, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Beef Souvlaki Marinade
- 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, freshly grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade that will tenderize and season the beef.
- Marinate the Beef: Cut the beef into even, bite-sized cubes and toss them into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the beef is marinating, grate the cucumber and squeeze out any excess moisture using a clean towel. In a separate bowl, combine the cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill or mint, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and chill until ready to serve to enhance the flavors.
- Skewer the Beef: Thread the marinated beef pieces onto wooden or metal skewers, leaving small spaces between each piece to ensure even cooking and proper heat circulation.
- Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the skewers for approximately 8-10 minutes, turning frequently, until the beef is nicely browned on the outside and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the heat and allow them to rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. Serve immediately with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
Notes
- Choose tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin for juicy and quick-cooking skewers.
- Marinate beef for at least 1 hour to fully infuse flavors without overpowering the meat.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave space between pieces for even grilling.
- Rest meat after grilling to retain its juices for maximum tenderness.
- Preparing tzatziki ahead of time improves its flavor and simplifies serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 2 skewers with tzatziki)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg