Souvlaki 7 Ways: the souvlaki truck has arrived!
A souvla is a large skewer used for rotisserie roasting, like gyro. Souvlaki refers to a smaller skewer used for cooking individual portions of meats, fish, vegetables, and fruit.
Souvlaki—commonly recognized as marinated meat on a stick—is one of those dishes that is pretty much without limits when it comes to the kind of food you can skewer, grill (or broil), and enjoy. There’s a version for every food-lover’s palate. If you can cube it, you can souvlaki it!
As a Greek, I can attest to the fact that lamb (the Greek meat) really rocks when it comes to souvlaki but this meat can be expensive, so Greek food trucks and restaurants don’t always offer it on their menu. The remedy is to turn your kitchen into your own souvlaki truck by grilling up this Greek meat and making the neighbors jealous!
Souvlaki—commonly recognized as marinated meat on a stick—is one of those dishes that is pretty much without limits when it comes to the kind of food you can skewer, grill (or broil), and enjoy. There’s a version for every food-lover’s palate. If you can cube it, you can souvlaki it!
As a Greek, I can attest to the fact that lamb (the Greek meat) really rocks when it comes to souvlaki but this meat can be expensive, so Greek food trucks and restaurants don’t always offer it on their menu. The remedy is to turn your kitchen into your own souvlaki truck by grilling up this Greek meat and making the neighbors jealous!
The one thing that makes all of these meats taste Greek is the marinade: a simple emulsion of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and minced garlic—one marinade, three meats! Marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour (or overnight), skewer, and grill (or broil).
For a twist, try alternating cubes of lamb and pork on a skewer. The pork will absorb some of the fat from the lamb, keeping it moist, and the lamb will taste a bit leaner.
Not a meat lover? Go fish! Seafood: swordfish, shrimp, scallops, cod, halibut…cast your net and sea how deliciously it grills! Swap lemon zest or thyme for the oregano, marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, skewer, and grill.
For a twist, try alternating cubes of lamb and pork on a skewer. The pork will absorb some of the fat from the lamb, keeping it moist, and the lamb will taste a bit leaner.
Not a meat lover? Go fish! Seafood: swordfish, shrimp, scallops, cod, halibut…cast your net and sea how deliciously it grills! Swap lemon zest or thyme for the oregano, marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, skewer, and grill.
grilled shrimp and scallop kabobs
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swordfish souvlaki
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Not a meat or fish lover? Veg out! Vegetarian souvlaki can get the meat-marinade treatment: marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, skewer, and grill. Adding cheese (like halloumi) adds protein and substance but if you don’t want cheese or are vegan, it can be replaced with extra-firm tofu and topped with vegan tzatziki. The idea is to put what you love on the skewer, as long as it’s firm enough to skewer and grill.
For the ultimate food-truck experience, place your souvlaki in a pita with tzatziki sauce (included in our Meze and Spreads & Dips cookbooks), lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, and Greek fries!
I hope you enjoyed my food-truck-inspired souvlaki post. Stay tuned for upcoming segments on uniquely Greek foods and ingredients!
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
Kelly
I hope you enjoyed my food-truck-inspired souvlaki post. Stay tuned for upcoming segments on uniquely Greek foods and ingredients!
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
Kelly
Copyright © Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
