Bring the bold and vibrant flavors of Greece right to your kitchen with this authentic Lamb Souvlaki recipe. Made with tender lamb cubes marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano, then grilled to perfection, this dish is perfect for summer BBQs or cozy indoor meals.
Authentic Greek Lamb Souvlaki :
Craving a Mediterranean escape? Lamb Souvlaki delivers juicy, flavor-packed skewers that are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Serve with warm pita, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki for a complete Greek feast at home.
History of the Recipe :
Souvlaki, derived from the Greek word for “skewer,” is a beloved dish dating back to ancient times. Archaeological evidence suggests that Greeks were grilling meat on spits over open flames as early as the 17th century BCE. While traditionally made with pork, lamb became a favorite in regions where it was more abundant, especially in Middle Eastern-influenced parts of Greece.
Subscribe to our youtube channel Kitchenpedia for more delicious recipes and hit the like button if you enjoyed this youtubevideo. Share it with your friends and Family.
Authentic Greek Lamb Souvlaki
Ingredients
- 1 kg lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp lemon juice (juice of 1 large lemon)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary
- ½ tsp ground cumin (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Optional: red onion and bell peppers for skewering
- Pita bread and tzatziki, for serving
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Marinate the Lamb: Add lamb cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Prepare the Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. Thread lamb cubes onto skewers, alternating with onion or peppers if using.
- Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until lamb is browned and cooked to desired doneness.
- Serve: Serve hot with warm pita, fresh salad, and a side of tzatziki.
Notes
- The longer the marination, the more flavorful the lamb will be.
- You can also roast the lamb skewers in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes.
Tips for Authentic Greek Lamb Souvlaki :
-
Cut lamb into even pieces for consistent cooking.
-
Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a richer grilled flavor.
-
Serve with lemon wedges for extra zest.
FAQs for Authentic Greek Lamb Souvlaki :
Q1: Can I use another type of meat instead of lamb?
Yes! Chicken or beef works well with this marinade.
Q2: Can I make Lamb Souvlaki without a grill?
Absolutely. Use a stovetop grill pan or bake in the oven.
Q3: What are good side dishes for Souvlaki?
Tzatziki, Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or lemon rice are great options.
Conclusion :
Lamb Souvlaki is more than just grilled meat—it’s a celebration of Greek culinary tradition. With its fragrant herbs, zesty lemon, and juicy texture, this dish is ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to festive gatherings. Try it once, and it may become a staple in your meal rotation!