📝 About This Recipe
Transport your senses to the sun-drenched streets of Athens with this authentic Souvlaki Pita, the crown jewel of Greek fast food. Featuring succulent, lemon-marinated pork skewers grilled to charred perfection and tucked into pillowy, warm pita bread, this dish is a masterclass in balanced textures. Topped with cool, garlicky tzatziki, crisp red onions, and—in true Hellenic fashion—a handful of golden fries, it’s a vibrant explosion of Mediterranean flavor in every bite.
🥗 Ingredients
The Pork Skewers
- 2 lbs Pork Shoulder (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (high quality Greek oil preferred)
- 1 lemon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 teaspoons Dried Oregano (Greek wild oregano is best)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Authentic Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (full fat, strained)
- 1/2 piece English Cucumber (grated and squeezed dry)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill (finely chopped)
- 1 clove Garlic (grated into a paste)
Assembly and Garnish
- 4 pieces Greek Pita Bread (thick, pocketless variety)
- 2 pieces Roma Tomatoes (sliced into wedges)
- 1/2 piece Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups French Fries (hot and crispy)
- 1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika (for dusting)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by whisking the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large glass bowl to create the marinade.
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2
Add the cubed pork shoulder to the marinade, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours is ideal for maximum tenderness.
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3
While the meat marinates, prepare the tzatziki. Grate the cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel; squeeze forcefully to remove all excess water. This prevents a runny sauce.
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4
In a small bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber, Greek yogurt, garlic paste, dill, and a splash of olive oil. Stir well and set aside in the fridge to let the flavors marry.
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5
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated pork tightly onto the skewers.
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6
Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
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7
Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is charred on the outside and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
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8
Remove the meat from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. While resting, lightly brush your pita breads with a touch of olive oil and oregano.
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9
Warm the pitas on the grill for about 30-60 seconds per side until soft, pliable, and slightly charred.
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10
To assemble, spread a generous dollop of tzatziki down the center of a warm pita.
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11
Slide the pork off one skewer and place it on top of the tzatziki. Add a few slices of tomato and red onion.
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12
Crucially, tuck a small handful of hot french fries into the pita. This is the hallmark of an authentic Greek street souvlaki.
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13
Sprinkle with a pinch of sweet paprika and fresh parsley. Fold the pita tightly, wrap the bottom in parchment paper or foil to hold it together, and serve immediately.
💡 Chef's Tips
Always use pork shoulder (butt) rather than loin; the higher fat content ensures the meat stays juicy under high heat. Don't skip squeezing the cucumber—watery tzatziki will make your pita soggy and ruin the texture. For the most authentic flavor, use 'Greek-style' pocketless pita, which is thicker and more flexible than Middle Eastern pocket pita. If you have time, marinate the meat overnight to allow the lemon and oregano to deeply penetrate the fibers. When grilling, don't overcrowd the pan, or the meat will steam rather than sear.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of extra crispy lemon-oregano fries for a full 'souvlatzidiko' experience. Pair with a cold Greek lager like Mythos or Fix to cut through the richness of the pork. A simple Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad) with feta and olives makes a refreshing accompaniment. Offer extra lemon wedges on the side for those who like an extra citrus zing. For a non-alcoholic pairing, serve with a sparkling mineral water with a twist of lime.