Lamb Souvlaki Recipe

There's nothing quite like the aroma of sizzling lamb skewers filling the air on a warm afternoon. Tender, juicy chunks of lamb infused with a zesty marinade and kissed by the grill create a dish that's simply irresistible.

this Recipe

I first fell in love with lamb souvlaki during a trip to Greece, where every street corner seemed to offer the most mouthwatering skewers imaginable. Recreating this experience at home has become a beloved tradition, especially when entertaining friends and family.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend gatherings. It's quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. Plus, it's surprisingly budget-friendly, especially if you find a good deal on lamb. Let's dive in and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table!

Why You'll Love This Lamb Souvlaki

Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe for grilling season. This Lamb Souvlaki is bursting with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress.

First and foremost, the taste is absolutely unforgettable. The marinade, packed with garlic, lemon, and oregano, transforms simple lamb into something extraordinary. Every bite is juicy, tangy, and herbaceous.

You'll also appreciate how simple it is to prepare. The hardest part is waiting for the lamb to marinate! After that, it’s just a quick threading onto skewers and a few minutes on the grill.

This recipe is a budget-friendly way to enjoy lamb. By using cuts like lamb shoulder or leg, you get all the richness without the hefty price tag of chops or rack.

Finally, it’s versatile enough for any meal. Serve it in warm pita bread, over a Greek salad, or alongside a spread of dips like tzatziki and hummus for a complete feast.

Once you try it, you'll be dreaming up reasons to make it again and again.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Lamb Souvlaki lies in its straightforward, powerhouse ingredients. Each element builds layers of flavor that result in one unforgettable dish.

Lamb is, of course, the star. I prefer using boneless lamb shoulder because it’s flavorful and tender when grilled. Leg of lamb also works beautifully if you prefer a slightly leaner option.

Lemon juice adds brightness and helps tenderize the lamb. Freshly squeezed lemon is a must here; bottled varieties just don’t deliver the same zing.

Garlic is non-negotiable. It infuses the meat with a pungent, savory depth that's absolutely essential to achieving authentic Greek flavor.

Olive oil acts as the carrier for all the marinade ingredients. Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste, as it brings richness and fruity undertones to the meat.

Oregano ties it all together. Dried oregano is traditionally used, providing an earthy, slightly peppery flavor that’s iconic in Greek cooking.

You'll also want a few wooden or metal skewers on hand for grilling. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.

How To Make This Lamb Souvlaki

Creating this authentic Lamb Souvlaki at home is much easier than you might think. Let’s walk through it step-by-step.

Start by cutting your lamb into roughly 1.5-inch cubes. Try to keep them as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking. Transfer the lamb pieces to a large bowl or zip-top bag.

Next, prepare your marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour this aromatic mixture over the lamb, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is even better for maximum flavor.

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait until the coals are glowing and covered with ash for that perfect, even heat.

Thread the marinated lamb pieces onto your skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so they cook evenly. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a gorgeous sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Once cooked to your preferred doneness (I like medium-rare for the juiciest results), remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

In about 30 minutes of active time (plus marinating), you’ll have a platter of lamb souvlaki that's bursting with Mediterranean goodness!

Storage Options

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store them properly to keep the lamb tasting fresh and delicious.

Transfer any leftover lamb pieces to an airtight container and refrigerate them. They will stay good for up to 3 days. To retain maximum moisture, you can also wrap them in foil before placing them into the container.

Freezing is another option if you’d like to save the lamb for later. Wrap the cooked lamb tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat the lamb gently. Warm it in a skillet over medium heat or wrap it in foil and reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the lamb tough.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Lamb Souvlaki recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

If you don't have lamb, beef works beautifully in this recipe. Use a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye for the best results. The marinade will work just as well with beef, delivering a similarly bold flavor.

For a lighter version, you can substitute chicken thighs. They're juicy and flavorful, and they soak up the marinade wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

Feel like switching up the herbs? Try adding a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade for a different flavor profile. These herbs complement lamb beautifully.

Finally, if you want an even zestier marinade, add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt. It helps tenderize the meat even further and gives a subtle creamy tang.

Experimenting with different flavors and proteins keeps this recipe exciting every time you make it. Let your creativity shine!

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