Greek Beef Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce for Summer Grilling

Sink your teeth into Greek Beef Souvlaki, a Mediterranean classic bursting with herbs, lemon, and smoky char. This vibrant grilled dish combines tender beef cubes marinated in fresh herbs and citrus, creating a bright yet savory flavor profile perfect for summer grilling. The accompanying creamy tzatziki sauce adds a cool, refreshing balance, making Greek Beef Souvlaki a delightful treat for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or gatherings with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh, vibrant flavors: The marinade’s lemon and herbs infuse the beef with a refreshing Mediterranean taste.
• Perfect for grilling: Quick-cooking cubes get a smoky char, locking in juiciness and flavor every time.
• Easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients come together quickly, making it weeknight-friendly.
• Versatile serving options: Serve on skewers, in pita wraps, or over rice for different meals.
• Health-conscious choice: Protein-packed and complemented by fresh cucumber tzatziki for a light yet satisfying dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple yet essential ingredients work together to create the authentic flavors and textures of Greek Beef Souvlaki. Each component adds to the balance of tangy, smoky, and creamy notes that will make your mouth water.

• Beef cubes: Choose lean cuts like sirloin or top round for quick grilling and tender bites.
• Lemon juice and zest: Provides citrusy brightness that tenderizes the meat and boosts flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Adds pungent depth and a signature savory note.
• Fresh oregano: Essential Greek herb bringing earthy, slightly minty aromas.
• Olive oil: Helps tenderize and infuse the marinade with healthy fats and richness.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to balance and enhance all other ingredients.
• Cucumber: Grated fresh for creamy, cooling tzatziki sauce.
• Greek yogurt: Thick and tangy base for the tzatziki’s creamy texture.
• Dill and mint: Fresh herbs that brighten the tzatziki making it irresistibly refreshing.
• Red wine vinegar: Adds gentle acidity to the sauce for perfect balance.

Variations

Feel free to customize Greek Beef Souvlaki to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. This adaptable recipe makes experimenting fun and delicious.

• Chicken or lamb substitute: Swap beef for chicken thighs or lamb cubes for a different Mediterranean vibe.
• Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade for a little heat.
• Herb swaps: Try rosemary or thyme instead of oregano for new aromatic twists.
• Vegetarian version: Use thick slices of halloumi cheese or grilled vegetables on the skewers.
• Gluten-free options: Serve with gluten-free pita or over a bed of quinoa or salad greens.

How to Make Greek Beef Souvlaki

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine fresh lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, chopped oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well emulsified to create a bright and fragrant marinade that will soak into the beef cubes.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef

Place the beef cubes in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Stir or massage the mixture to coat all the meat evenly. Let the beef marinate in the fridge for at least one hour, ideally up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the beef marinates, grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill and mint, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Chill in the fridge to let the flavors meld.

Step 4: Skewer the Beef

Thread the marinated beef cubes onto soaked wooden or metal skewers, packing them snugly but not too tightly to ensure even cooking and easy turning on the grill.

Step 5: Grill the Souvlaki

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until a nice char appears and the beef reaches your desired doneness. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat juicy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest a few minutes. Serve with a generous dollop of homemade tzatziki sauce, warm pita bread, and your favorite summer sides.

Pro Tips for Making Greek Beef Souvlaki

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh oregano and dill make all the difference in flavor authenticity.
• Don’t skip marinating: Marinating tenderizes and infuses the beef deeply with citrus and herbs.
• Keep cucumber dry: Removing excess moisture from cucumber prevents watery tzatziki.
• Oil the grill grates: Prevents sticking and crisp, perfect grill marks on the meat.
• Let meat rest: Rest your souvlaki off heat for a couple of minutes to lock in juices after grilling.

How to Serve Greek Beef Souvlaki

Garnishes

Serve your souvlaki sprinkled with extra chopped oregano or parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side for an additional burst of freshness. A drizzle of quality olive oil enhances the flavors and adds shine.

Side Dishes

Classic Greek sides like grilled vegetables, lemon potatoes, or a fresh Greek salad complement the souvlaki beautifully. For a lighter meal, serve over a bed of couscous or quinoa with olives and tomatoes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try placing the souvlaki cubes inside warm pita pockets with sliced onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki for an authentic gyro-inspired twist. You can also serve the beef cubes atop a Mediterranean grain bowl or alongside roasted eggplants and hummus for a mezze-style spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooked Greek Beef Souvlaki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tzatziki separate to maintain its fresh texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze raw marinated beef cubes in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw fully in the fridge before grilling for best results. Cooked souvlaki can also be frozen but may lose some texture upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover souvlaki gently on the grill or in a hot pan for a few minutes to avoid drying out the meat. Serve immediately with fresh tzatziki for the best flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for Greek Beef Souvlaki?

Yes, lean cuts like sirloin or top round work great, but you can also try ribeye for more marbling or flank steak thinly sliced if you prefer.

How long should I marinate the beef?

At least one hour is necessary, but marinating 3-4 hours enhances flavor and tenderness even more without overpowering the meat.

Is tzatziki sauce difficult to make?

Not at all! It only requires a few simple ingredients and the key is draining the cucumber well to avoid watery sauce.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely. You can cook souvlaki in a hot cast-iron skillet or under a broiler to achieve similar char and flavor.

What can I serve with Greek Beef Souvlaki for a full meal?

Pair with traditional Greek sides like lemon potatoes, Greek salad, or pita bread with hummus for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

Greek Beef Souvlaki is a vibrant, easy, and incredibly delicious dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean summer grilling. Its simple ingredients come together to create something truly special that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the wonderful flavors of Greece right from your own backyard.

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