Pork souvlaki recipe is a favorite of mine. I first tasted souvlaki in Greece during the 1990s. Back then, it was made with lamb. Another time, I enjoyed a mix of pork and beef. Since then, I have been making this traditional pork souvlaki dish often. It always brings back memories of sunny Greece. The warm sun, the vibrant markets, and the aroma of fresh olive oil fill my mind.
Pork Souvlaki Recipe: Simple and Flavorful
This recipe uses tender pork tenderloin, marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs. The marinade is key. It adds a bright, fresh flavor that’s hard to resist. You’ll want to let the pork soak in these flavors for a few hours. Then, thread the pork onto skewers. Grill them until juicy and slightly charred.
Meanwhile, make the homemade tzatziki sauce. It’s creamy and cooling, made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. This sauce complements the grilled pork perfectly. Together, they create a delicious balance of tastes.
Homemade Tzatziki and Greek Sides
Tzatziki is an essential part of this meal. It adds freshness and helps balance the rich meat. On the side, I sometimes serve a traditional Horiatiki salad. This salad is full of ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. Drizzle it all with good-quality Greek olive oil. Olive oil is important here; it ties all the flavors together and brings a lovely richness to the dish.
Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this meal impresses every time. Plus, it’s perfect for summer gatherings or any day you want to bring a little sunshine and Greek flavor to your table. For a complete meal, try serving it with warm flatbread or try my crusty no-knead Dutch oven bread to soak up all the delicious juices.
Pork Souvlaki Recipe with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
For the Pork Souvlaki:
- 1 kg pork tenderloin pork fillet
- 1 dl olive oil
- 1 dl white or rosé wine
- 5 garlic cloves thinly sliced
- ½ dl lemon juice
- 2 tsp grated lemon zest
- ½ dl chopped fresh oregano
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary
- 3 bay leaves crushed
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1-2 tsp black pepper
For the Homemade Tzatziki:
- 2 dl Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber grated and squeezed dry
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon juice or white wine vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh dill or mint
Instructions
Prepare the Pork Souvlaki:
- Trim the pork tenderloin of silver skin and slice it into even-sized cubes (about 2.5–3 cm). Try to keep the pieces uniform for even cooking.
- In a bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, wine, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, rosemary, bay leaves, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Add the pork cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Thread the marinated pork pieces onto skewers.
- Grill over medium-high heat for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and nicely browned.
Make the Tzatziki:
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt with grated and squeezed cucumber.
- Add garlic, olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), and salt. Stir to combine.
- Add chopped dill or mint if desired. Chill before serving.
Notes
Homemade Tzatziki
Serving Suggestion
