How to Make the Perfect Grilled Greek Pork Souvlaki
Greek · Easy · 150 min · 4 servings
These succulent pork skewers are marinated in oregano, lemon, and garlic then grilled over high heat for a charred exterior and juicy interior. Souvlaki is the quintessential Greek street food that is as satisfying to make at home as it is to eat.
Why this recipe works
This Grilled Greek Pork Souvlaki recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 150 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 380 calories with 42g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 pounds pork shoulder cut into 1.5 inch cubes
- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons dried Greek oregano
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Pork
Combine olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl or zip-lock bag. Add the pork cubes and toss to coat every piece thoroughly. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to overnight for the deepest flavor.
Step 2: Skewer the Meat
Remove the pork from the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling to bring it to room temperature for even cooking. Thread the pork cubes onto metal skewers or pre-soaked wooden skewers leaving a small gap between each piece to allow heat to circulate around every side.
Step 3: Grill the Souvlaki
Preheat your grill to high heat and brush the grates with oil. Grill the souvlaki for 3 to 4 minutes per side turning 3 to 4 times total for about 12 to 15 minutes. The pork should have gorgeous char marks and register 145 degrees Fahrenheit internally.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Transfer the skewers to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes. Serve the pork in warm pita bread with tzatziki, sliced red onion, and fresh tomatoes. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over everything just before eating is the final essential touch.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- pork shoulder → boneless chicken thighs which are equally juicy and absorb the marinade beautifully
- dried Greek oregano → fresh oregano using three times the amount for a more vibrant herbal flavor
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using pork loin instead of pork shoulder which does not have enough fat marbling and becomes dry and tough when grilled over high heat
- Placing the pork pieces too close together on the skewer which causes steaming instead of grilling and prevents those essential charred edges
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 380 calories, 42g protein, 5g carbs, 21g fat, 1g fiber.
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