Get ready to satisfy your taste buds with the mouthwatering combination of delicious souvlaki skewers and creamy tzatziki sauce. In Greece, grilling meats is not just a cooking method, but a cultural tradition that is cherished and celebrated. Souvlaki, a grilled meat dish, is often enjoyed with marinades and sauces like the creamy and refreshing tzatziki. If you’re ready to experience the flavors of Greece and add a touch of authenticity to your barbecue, these souvlaki skewers paired with creamy tzatziki sauce are the perfect choice for your next meal.
Ingredients
For the souvlaki skewers:
- 1.5 pounds of meat (choose from chicken, pork, or lamb)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers
For the tzatziki sauce:
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Preparing the souvlaki skewers:
- Cut the meat into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the meat to the marinade and ensure each piece is coated. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.
Preparing the tzatziki sauce:
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Marinating the Meat
Choosing the meat:
When it comes to making souvlaki skewers, you have the option to choose between chicken, pork, or lamb. Each meat offers a unique taste, so pick the one that suits your preference or try a combination of different meats for added variety.
Preparing the marinade:
The marinade is what gives the meat its delicious Greek flavors. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended.
Marinating the meat:
Place the meat in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring that each piece is coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. For maximum flavor, marinate the meat overnight.
Preparing the Skewers
Soaking the skewers:
Before assembling the skewers, it’s important to soak the wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning and splintering during the grilling process.
Assembling the skewers:
Take the marinated meat out of the refrigerator and thread the pieces onto the soaked skewers. Leave a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Once the skewers are assembled, they are ready to be grilled.
Grilling the Souvlaki Skewers
Preheating the grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring that it reaches a temperature of around 400-450°F (200-230°C). This will ensure that the skewers cook evenly and develop a nice char.
Grilling the skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure all sides are cooked evenly. The meat should be slightly charred on the outside and tender on the inside.
Basting the skewers:
While grilling, you can baste the skewers with any remaining marinade or a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano. This helps to keep the meat moist and adds extra flavor.
Checking for doneness:
To ensure the skewers are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For chicken, it should reach 165°F (74°C), while pork and lamb should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium doneness. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Making the Tzatziki Sauce
Preparing the cucumber:
Wash the cucumber and grate it using the larger holes of a grater. Grating the cucumber yields a perfect texture for the tzatziki sauce.
Squeezing out excess moisture:
To prevent the tzatziki sauce from becoming watery, squeeze out excess moisture from the grated cucumber. Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to do this.
Mixing the ingredients:
In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
Refrigerating the sauce:
Refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serving and Enjoying
Plating the skewers:
Arrange the grilled souvlaki skewers on a platter. For an added touch, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or oregano.
Serving with tzatziki sauce:
Serve the creamy tzatziki sauce alongside the souvlaki skewers. It’s perfect for dipping or drizzling over the meat. The cool and tangy flavors of the sauce complement the smoky and flavorful skewers beautifully.
Tips and Variations
Choosing different meats:
While the traditional choice for souvlaki skewers is pork, you can experiment with chicken or lamb for a different flavor profile. Each meat brings its own unique taste and texture to the dish, allowing you to customize and cater to your preferences.
Experimenting with marinades:
While the classic marinade for souvlaki skewers consists of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano, feel free to add your own twist by incorporating herbs, spices, or even a splash of vinegar. Get creative and experiment with flavors that you love.
Adding additional toppings:
To enhance the flavors and add a bit of flair to your souvlaki skewers, consider adding some additional toppings. Freshly chopped herbs, crumbled feta cheese, sliced red onions, or a sprinkle of lemon zest can elevate the dish and add depth to each bite.
Side Dish Suggestions
Greek salad:
Complete your Greek feast by serving souvlaki skewers with a refreshing Greek salad. Toss together cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, bell peppers, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice. The crisp vegetables and tangy dressing complement the skewers perfectly.
Pita bread:
Warm pita bread is a staple accompaniment to Greek dishes. Serve the souvlaki skewers with grilled or toasted pita bread for a satisfying and authentic Greek experience. You can also use the pita bread to make a delicious gyro wrap with the skewered meat and tzatziki sauce.
Roasted vegetables:
To add more variety to your meal, roast a medley of seasonal vegetables. Toss vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender and slightly caramelized. The roasted vegetables provide a flavorful and nutritious side dish option.
Tzatziki dip:
If you have extra tzatziki sauce, it can also be enjoyed as a dip. Serve it with fresh crudites such as cucumber slices, carrot sticks, bell pepper strips, or even warm pita chips. This creamy and tangy dip is a crowd-pleaser and a great addition to any party or gathering.
Conclusion
Greek grilling traditions:
Grilling is deeply ingrained in Greek culinary traditions and holds a special place in the hearts of the Greek people. Souvlaki skewers represent a popular and beloved grilled dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of Greece. By mastering the art of grilling Souvlaki and preparing the accompanying tzatziki sauce, you can bring a taste of Greece to your own table.
Enjoying souvlaki skewers:
Savoring a plate of perfectly grilled souvlaki skewers with a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce is a true delight. The tender and flavorful meat, combined with the refreshing and tangy tzatziki, creates a harmony of tastes that will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece. So gather your loved ones, fire up the grill, and indulge in the deliciousness of homemade souvlaki skewers. Opa!
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Author: Bob
With over 20 years in Bioinformatics and AI in Molecular Diagnostics, Bob Stavrou advises BiCos, focusing on authenticating OLIVE OIL DNA. He's also a passionate contributor to YouTube Cooking with Greek People and appeared on Greek TV show Savvatokiriako Me Ton Manesi, bridging science and culinary arts. Watch it on Alpha TV.
