Greek Pork Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Our Greek Pork Souvlaki brings the taste of the Mediterranean right to your BBQ. It’s perfectly paired with our homemade Tzatziki. Serve these juicy pork skewers in warm pita bread, or enjoy them as is.
Get ready to bring the vibrant flavours of Greece to your table! Our Greek Pork Souvlaki features tender pork marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon, and Greek oregano. Served with our homemade Tzatziki, which contains extra cucumber for freshness, these skewers are delicious in warm pita bread or on their own. A true Mediterranean adventure the whole family will love!
Souvlaki History
Souvlaki, one of Greece’s most beloved street foods, dates back to ancient times. Archaeological findings show that the Greeks were grilling small pieces of meat on skewers as early as the 17th century BCE! This dish, known today as “souvlaki” (meaning “little skewer”), evolved over centuries into the flavorful, portable meal we love.
Greek Oregano
True Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare hirtum) grows in the wild mountains under the dominant sun, giving it an immensely earthy, pungent, slightly peppery, yet refreshing taste of pine and even lemon. This oregano is moderately more flavourful and aromatic, giving it a unique character. If you find and use Greek oregano in your souvlaki, you won’t be just adding a spice but the essence of Greek culture. Regular oregano will also work, but the Greek variety is key for that authentic touch.
The Marinade
The traditional meat for souvlaki is pork, but you’ll find chicken, lamb, or veggie versions today. The marinade time is key to tender, flavourful skewers. While some recipes suggest as little as an hour to allow garlic, lemon, and special Greek oregano to penetrate and flavour the pork cubes, aiming for at least 2-4 hours is ideal.
Served Two Ways
Once your Greek Pork Souvlaki skewers are grilled, you’ve got two fantastic ways to enjoy them. For a hearty meal, you can serve them on a platter with a Greek salad, tzatziki on the side and roasted potatoes. Or, go for the street food experience by adding the pork in warm pita bread, loaded with red onions, fresh tomato, tzatziki, and a squeeze of lemon.
Our Tzatziki
Nothing beats the incredible freshness of homemade Tzatziki; the good news is, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Our express Tzatziki recipe is designed to be whipped right when you start marinating your pork, giving ample time in the fridge to deepen all those vibrant flavours. It’s the perfect cool and creamy complement to your grilled souvlaki, loaded with refreshing cucumber and fresh dill, but if you prefer, use the store-bought version.
FAQ
Greek Pork Souvlaki with Tzatziki
Ingredients
- 2 pork tenderloins cut into 2cm (1 inch) cubes (alternatively you could use neck or shoulder cut)
- salt
Marinade
- 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 tbsp oregano preferably the Greek type
- 1 garlic clove minced
- black pepper
Tzatziki
- 200 g Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber peeled, English type
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 sprig fresh dill *optional
- black pepper
Extras *optional
- pita bread
- red onions finely sliced
- tomato
- parsley
- lemon wedge
Instructions
- Start by cutting the pork loin into cubes of 2 cm (1 inch). Add them to a container with all the marinade's ingredients, cover, give it a good shake and let marinate in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours.
- On the BBQ: Preheat to medium-high (around 200°C/400°F). Clean and oil your grates, then grill skewers for 8-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F).On a Grilling Pan: Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Cook skewers for 8-12 minutes, turning regularly to get even charring, until internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F).In the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 190-200°C (375-400°F). Arrange the skewers in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 63°C (145°F).
- Add black pepper and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tzatziki Sauce
- Blend the cucumber, garlic, dill and lemon juice in a food processor until pureed. Pass it through a fine-meshed sieve or a clean cloth and release the water.
- Add the pulp to a bowl with the Greek yogurt, salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
- with potato wedges or fries.
- inside a pita bread, tomato and red onions with a lime squeeze.
- with a Greek salad
- with extra Ladolemono (Greek dressing of lemon, oil, oregano, salt and pepper).
- with fresh herbs: parsley or dill
Nutrition
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Did You Make This Recipe?
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This dish was spectacular! Flavorful, tender pork, the creamy tzatziki, everything was perfect, great recipe.
Thanks. There is nothing like a nice BBQ cooked souvlaki to start the summer!
This Greek pork souvlaki with tzatziki is so delicious!! Such a flavorful dish!
A true classic!
Greek pork souvlaki with tzatziki is delicious I have made it, my family enjoyed really well.
Yes, the kids love this meal, and it’s super convenient!
Just tried this recipe over the weekend and it was a huge hit! The pork was so juicy and flavorful, and that homemade tzatziki? Absolutely dreamy.
I love my tzatziki with a whole lot of cucumbers!
Just made this Greek pork souvlaki with tzatziki and it was so good! The meat was tender and full of flavor, and that tzatziki pulled it all together. Definitely making it again!
Glad you liked it!