There Are Few Foods More Greek Than Souvlaki

If you've ever walked through a Greek festival, visited a neighborhood taverna in Greece, or spent time around a family barbecue, you've smelled souvlaki cooking over charcoal.

Simple.
Fresh.
Full of lemon, oregano, garlic and olive oil.

At Baba's Bakaliko, this recipe reminds us of summer evenings, church festivals, family gatherings, and standing around the grill while someone inevitably says,

"Just one more skewer."

The secret isn't complicated.

Great olive oil.
Fresh lemon.
Good Greek oregano.

And our Baba's Festival Seasoning, built around authentic Greek herbs and spices.

What is Souvlaki?

Souvlaki simply means small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer.

Traditionally you'll find:

• Pork Souvlaki (the most common in Greece)
• Chicken Souvlaki
• Lamb Souvlaki (less common)
• Vegetable Souvlaki

Served with:

• Warm pita
• Tzatziki
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Fries
• Greek salad

It's one of Greece's most famous street foods for a reason.

Ingredients

Serves 4-6

Meat

• 2 pounds pork tenderloin or pork shoulder
  (or chicken breast/thighs)

Marinade

• ¼ cup Baba's Organic Greek Olive Oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 3 tablespoons Baba's Festival Seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Fresh cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 1

Cut meat into 1½-inch cubes.

Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook evenly.

Step 2

Whisk together:

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Vinegar
• Baba's Festival Seasoning

Coat the meat thoroughly.

Cover and refrigerate.

Marinate:

• Minimum 4 hours
• Overnight is even better

Step 3

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.

Thread the meat onto skewers without packing it too tightly.

Step 4

Grill over medium-high heat.

Cook about:

Chicken:
10–12 minutes

Pork:
12–15 minutes

Turn every few minutes until lightly charred and cooked through.

Serve With

We love serving souvlaki with:

✓ Warm pita bread

✓ Homemade tzatziki

✓ Greek salad

✓ Lemon potatoes

✓ Rice pilaf

✓ Kalamata olives

✓ Extra lemon wedges

A drizzle of Baba's Organic Greek Olive Oil over the finished skewers adds one more layer of authentic flavor.

Why Baba's Festival Seasoning Works So Well

Our signature blend was developed to capture the classic flavors of traditional Greek cooking.

It features:

• Greek oregano
• Garlic
• Onion
• Parsley
• Thyme
• Marjoram
• Sea salt
• Black pepper

Instead of measuring eight different spices every time you grill, simply reach for one bottle.

Whether you're making:

• Chicken
• Pork
• Vegetables
• Potatoes
• Seafood

Baba's Festival Seasoning brings authentic Greek flavor to every bite.

Tips from Baba

✔ Don't overcook the meat.

✔ Fresh lemon is always better than bottled juice.

✔ Let the meat rest for five minutes after grilling.

✔ Charcoal gives the most authentic flavor, but a gas grill works beautifully too.

✔ Serve family style with plenty of pita and tzatziki.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make souvlaki in the oven?

Yes. Bake at 425°F for about 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through. For extra color, broil the skewers for the last 2–3 minutes.

Can I use chicken instead of pork?

Absolutely. Chicken breast or boneless thighs are both excellent choices.

Can I freeze the marinated meat?

Yes. Freeze the meat directly in the marinade for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.

What cut of pork is best?

Pork tenderloin is lean and tender. Pork shoulder is more traditional in Greece and offers richer flavor thanks to its higher fat content.

Bring Greece Home

At Baba's Bakaliko, our mission is simple: help families recreate the flavors of a Greek village kitchen at home.

Whether you're grilling souvlaki for a backyard barbecue or preparing a full Greek feast, it starts with authentic ingredients and recipes passed down through generations.

Fire up the grill, gather the family, and enjoy a meal that's been bringing people together in Greece for generations.

Καλή όρεξη! (Enjoy your meal!)