Greek Lamb Souvlaki is a timeless Mediterranean dish—succulent marinated lamb skewers grilled to perfection and bursting with herbs, garlic, and citrus. Served in warm pita with creamy tzatziki and crisp vegetables, it’s a transportive bite of the Aegean.
Yields 4 Servings Servings Quarter (1 Serving) Half (2 Servings) Default (4 Servings) Double (8 Servings) Triple (12 Servings) Prep Time 20 minsCook Time 20 minsTotal Time 40 mins
For the Lamb
1 ½ lbs lamb leg or shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1½-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tsp dried oregano (Greek style if available)
1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
½ tsp salt, more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
To Grill & Serve
Metal or soaked wooden skewers
4 pita breads, warmed
1 cup tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber, garlic dip)
Sliced tomato, onion, cucumber, and lettuce
Optional: chili flakes, feta cheese, olives
Marinate the Lamb
1
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice & zest, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Add the lamb and toss well to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours , preferably overnight.
Prepare the Skewers
2
Thread 4–5 pieces of marinated lamb onto each skewer.
Let come to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking.
Grill the Souvlaki
3 Outdoor Grill or Grill Pan:
Preheat to medium-high and brush with oil.
Grill skewers for 4–6 minutes per side , turning once, until nicely charred and cooked to desired doneness (medium-rare is ideal at 135–140°F).
Broiler Option:
Set oven broiler to high and place skewers on a foil-lined tray.
Broil 4–5 inches from heat for 8–10 minutes , turning once.
Serve
4
Serve skewers over warm pita bread with a dollop of tzatziki , and vegetables of your choice.
Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and optional feta or herbs.
Serving Suggestions
5
With sides:
Drinks:
Dry rosé, Assyrtiko (Greek white wine), or a cold lager
Sparkling water with cucumber and mint
Variations
6
Spice it up: Add chili flakes or harissa to the marinade
Alternate proteins: Use chicken, beef, or portobello mushrooms for variation
Make it a platter: Serve with hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh
Ingredients For the Lamb
1 ½ lbs lamb leg or shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1½-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tsp dried oregano (Greek style if available)
1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped (optional)
½ tsp salt, more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
To Grill & Serve
Metal or soaked wooden skewers
4 pita breads, warmed
1 cup tzatziki (yogurt, cucumber, garlic dip)
Sliced tomato, onion, cucumber, and lettuce
Optional: chili flakes, feta cheese, olives
Directions Marinate the Lamb
1
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice & zest, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Add the lamb and toss well to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours , preferably overnight.
Prepare the Skewers
2
Thread 4–5 pieces of marinated lamb onto each skewer.
Let come to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking.
Grill the Souvlaki
3 Outdoor Grill or Grill Pan:
Preheat to medium-high and brush with oil.
Grill skewers for 4–6 minutes per side , turning once, until nicely charred and cooked to desired doneness (medium-rare is ideal at 135–140°F).
Broiler Option:
Set oven broiler to high and place skewers on a foil-lined tray.
Broil 4–5 inches from heat for 8–10 minutes , turning once.
Serve
4
Serve skewers over warm pita bread with a dollop of tzatziki , and vegetables of your choice.
Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and optional feta or herbs.
Serving Suggestions
5
With sides:
Drinks:
Dry rosé, Assyrtiko (Greek white wine), or a cold lager
Sparkling water with cucumber and mint
Variations
6
Spice it up: Add chili flakes or harissa to the marinade
Alternate proteins: Use chicken, beef, or portobello mushrooms for variation
Make it a platter: Serve with hummus, baba ghanoush, and tabbouleh
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