How this dish came to life
Cultural significance
Souvlaki is Greece's most universally loved street food — sold from tiny grills in every town from Athens to the smallest island, and the dish most likely to make a Greek abroad homesick.
step by step
Instructions
- 1
Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt and pepper.
- 2
Add pork, toss, cover, marinate 2+ hours (overnight is better).
- 3
Soak wooden skewers 30 minutes. Thread 5–6 cubes per skewer.
- 4
Heat grill or heavy pan to high. Cook 3 minutes per side, turning to char four edges.
- 5
Rest under foil 5 minutes. Serve in warm pita with tzatziki, red onion, tomato.
tips from the village —
Wisdom from grandmothers
- 01Don't trim the fat off the pork — it bastes the meat as it cooks.
- 02A live charcoal fire is best, but a screaming-hot cast iron is honest second.
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