Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lamb Souvlaki is a perfect balance of savory, fresh, and aromatic flavors. The marinated lamb absorbs the delicious blend of garlic, lemon, oregano, and rosemary, making it incredibly tender and juicy once grilled. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with bold flavors that pair wonderfully with warm pita bread and cooling tzatziki sauce. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a flavorful dinner, Lamb Souvlaki is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the lamb marinade:
- 1 1/2 lbs lamb shoulder or lamb loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For serving:
- 4 pita bread or flatbreads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, lettuce) for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Marinate the lamb: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the lamb cubes and toss until they are well coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to develop.
- Prepare the grill or skillet: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using skewers, thread the marinated lamb onto metal or soaked wooden skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning).
- Grill the lamb: Place the lamb skewers or cubes directly on the grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the lamb is cooked to your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare lamb, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). Adjust the cooking time if you prefer your lamb more well-done.
- Warm the pitas: While the lamb is grilling, warm the pita bread on the grill for about 1 minute per side, or until slightly crispy and soft.
- Assemble and serve: Once the lamb is cooked, remove it from the skewers (if using) and serve on warm pitas. Top with fresh vegetables and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Marinating time: 1-4 hours
- Cook time: 15-20 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Swap the lamb for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers, or use marinated tofu for a plant-based alternative.
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Alternative meats: While lamb is traditional, you can use chicken, pork, or beef for a different flavor profile. Adjust the marinating and cooking times accordingly.
- Greek salad: Serve the lamb souvlaki with a refreshing Greek salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, red onions, and feta cheese for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover lamb souvlaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the lamb in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. To keep it juicy, add a splash of water or broth before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground lamb for this recipe?
Ground lamb can be used, but it’s typically not the best option for souvlaki. The texture won’t be the same as grilled chunks of lamb. If you do use ground lamb, form it into patties and cook on the grill or in a pan.
Can I make Lamb Souvlaki ahead of time?
You can marinate the lamb up to 24 hours in advance. Once marinated, just skewer and grill the lamb right before serving for the freshest results.
What can I serve with Lamb Souvlaki?
Lamb Souvlaki is typically served with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a fresh Greek salad. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables, couscous, or rice pilaf for a more substantial meal.
Can I cook Lamb Souvlaki in the oven?
Yes, you can cook lamb souvlaki in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the marinated lamb cubes on a baking sheet. Roast for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the lamb reaches your desired level of doneness.
How can I make Lamb Souvlaki spicier?
If you like it spicy, add red pepper flakes, chili powder, or fresh chopped chilies to the marinade. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side.
Can I use boneless lamb chops instead of lamb cubes?
Yes, boneless lamb chops can be used. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chops, but the marinating time and method will remain the same.
Can I make homemade tzatziki sauce for Lamb Souvlaki?
Yes! Homemade tzatziki is easy to make. Just combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I freeze Lamb Souvlaki?
You can freeze the marinated lamb for up to 3 months. Just place the lamb and marinade in a freezer-safe bag, then thaw in the refrigerator before grilling. Cook as usual after thawing.
How do I know when the lamb is cooked through?
For medium-rare lamb, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). For medium, cook to 145°F (63°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Conclusion
Lamb Souvlaki is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish that brings the best of Greek cuisine right to your table. With tender, marinated lamb grilled to perfection and served with fresh vegetables and tzatziki, it’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for summer grilling, casual dinners, or even a special occasion. Whether served in a pita or alongside a Greek salad, Lamb Souvlaki is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Try it today and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean!
PrintLamb Souvlaki
Lamb Souvlaki is a Greek dish featuring marinated lamb cubes grilled to perfection, served with pita, tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables. The marinade, which includes olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, infuses the lamb with a delightful flavor, making it tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
- For the lamb marinade:
- 1 1/2 lbs lamb shoulder or lamb loin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- For serving:
- 4 pita bread or flatbreads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh vegetables (cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, lettuce) for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Marinate the lamb: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add lamb cubes and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours.
- Prepare the grill or skillet: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated lamb onto skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes if using).
- Grill the lamb: Place the skewers or lamb cubes directly on the grill. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare lamb, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
- Warm the pitas: While the lamb grills, warm pita bread on the grill for about 1 minute per side or until slightly crispy.
- Assemble and serve: Once the lamb is done, remove it from the skewers (if using) and serve on warm pitas. Top with fresh vegetables, tzatziki sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for added freshness.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, swap lamb for marinated tofu or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers.
- Add a spicy kick by incorporating red pepper flakes or fresh chilies into the marinade.
- Serve with a Greek salad, couscous, or rice pilaf for a complete Mediterranean meal.
- If using boneless lamb chops, adjust the cooking time based on thickness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
