What is in beef souvlaki marinade?

The best beef souvlaki skewers are coated in a super simple marinade made from extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, fresh garlic cloves, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper. The lemon tenderizes the beef to give it a softer texture, and the garlic and seasonings infuse flavor into every bite. I promise - this is a case when simple is better!

What cut of meat is used for beef souvlaki?

To make your own Greek beef kabobs, you can choose from a few different cuts of meat. The goal is to select a cut that will develop a nice crust on the outside while staying tender on the inside, similar to a steak. I recommend using a piece of beef with some fat on it to keep the meat from drying out on the grill. For the best flavor and texture, choose your favorite steak (top sirloin, strip steak, ribeye, etc.), tenderloin, or even filet mignon. Choose whichever option makes the most sense for your budget.

What does the word "souvlaki" mean?

Souvlaki is a Greek word that means small skewer, which highlights how small pieces of meat are skewered and then grilled. It doesn't indicate a particular type of protein, and there are many different types of souvlaki served in Greece.

Souvlaki Beef Shish Kebabs

Name: Souvlaki Beef Shish Kebabs
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 pounds sirloin strip steak (or top sirloin), cut into 1.5-inch cubes; 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoons salt (or to taste); 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces; tzatziki sauce (for serving)

Description

Easy Greek Souvlaki Beef Shish Kebabs are delicious and flavorful, marinated in a simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic and dried herbs, and threaded with fresh bell peppers, zucchini and red onions. It’s the easiest meal to prepare and throw on the grill or in the oven. Serve it on its own or stuffed inside pita bread with some tzatziki sauce on top. So so good.

Ingredients

2 pounds sirloin strip steak (or top sirloin), cut into 1.5-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 red onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
1/2 zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
tzatziki sauce (for serving)

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Instructions

Marinate the beef steak. Add cubed beef into a zip-loc bag Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Press the marinade around the beef steak to coat. Place in the fridge to marinate at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Skewer the beef. Thread the beef onto skewers, alternating with red bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini.
Cook the skewers.
1. To grill: Preheat a grill pan over medium high heat for 4-5 minutes and lightly brush the grill with remaining olive oil. You should notice the oil shimmer and sizzle when it's hot and ready. Grill the beef skewers for 8-10 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature for the beef reaches 155 F, as read on a meat thermometer. For well done beef, cook for another 1-2 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches above 160 F.
2. To cook in the oven: If you prefer, you can cook these skewers in the oven instead. This way you can cook them all year round. Simply place the skewers on a baking tray and broil on high for 4-5 minutes per side.
Serve. Serve these beef souvlaki skewers with a side of Greek rice, pita bread, lemon potatoes and Greek salad. Don't forget to slather lots of tzatziki sauce on top.

Notes

How to make the beef even more tender: Turn off the heat and remove the the grill from heat a couple minutes earlier, when the internal temperature reaches 150 F (5 degrees lower than the desired level). Let it rest for a few minutes in the pan as the residual heat will continue to cook the skewers. Resting after cooking helps the juices redistribute into the meat. Once the internal temperature reaches 155 F, remove from the pan and serve.

How to cook skewers in the oven: If you prefer, you can cook these skewers in the oven instead. This way you can cook them all year round. Simply place the skewers on a baking tray and broil on high for 4-5 minutes per side.

How to store: Unthread the beef souvlaki and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

How to reheat: Reheat in the microwave until fully warmed through. You can also reheat in a preheated 325F oven for 10 minutes or air fryer for 5 minutes until warmed through.

How to freeze: You can freeze the leftover beef (without the vegetables as their texture gets weird). Unthread the beef and place in an airtight container and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before microwaving or popping into the oven to reheat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Beef
Method: Grill
Cuisine: Greek