Sweet Mediterranean Magic: Ina Garten’s Juicy Pork Souvlaki Recipe

Sizzling Mediterranean flavors dance across the plate with this irresistible Ina Garten pork souvlaki recipe that captures the essence of Greek cuisine.

Tender marinated pork pieces promise a delightful culinary adventure on your dinner table.

Juicy meat infused with zesty herbs and bright citrus notes creates a mouthwatering experience that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Greece.

The marinade works its magic, ensuring each bite bursts with incredible depth and complexity.

Marinating for a few hours allows the meat to absorb rich, aromatic ingredients that make this dish truly spectacular.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

Summer grilling or indoor cooking becomes a breeze with this foolproof recipe that guarantees restaurant-quality results every single time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 458 kcal

Servings: 6

Gather for Pork Souvlaki by Ina Garten

• Pork Tenderloin: Lean and tender cut that absorbs marinade beautifully, ensuring juicy and flavorful skewers with minimal toughness.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Bright Mediterranean flavor boosters that tenderize meat and add zesty freshness.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses deep, robust flavor throughout the meat.
• Dried Oregano: Classic Greek herb that brings earthy, slightly peppery notes to the marinade.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that amplify and balance the overall taste profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb that adds a pop of color and fresh, green brightness to the finished dish.
• Wooden Skewers: Affordable grilling tool that helps shape and support meat during cooking, ensuring even heat distribution.

Helpful Tools for Ina’s Pork Souvlaki

• Mixing bowl: Small bowl for combining marinade ingredients.
• Resealable plastic bag or large bowl: For marinating pork cubes.
• Wooden or metal skewers: For threading marinated pork.
• Grill or barbecue: To cook skewers at medium-high heat.
• Tongs: For flipping skewers during grilling.
• Basting brush: To apply lemon and olive oil mixture after cooking.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures pork reaches safe 145°F internal temperature.
• Cutting board: For preparing ingredients and chopping parsley.
• Sharp knife: To cut pork into cubes and chop parsley.

How to Sear and Skewer Pork Souvlaki Ina’s Way

• Flavor Preparation

Create a zesty marinade that will transform ordinary pork into a Mediterranean delicacy. Mix aromatic herbs and tangy liquids to infuse deep, rich flavors into the meat.

• Marinating Magic

Submerge pork cubes completely in the marinade, ensuring every piece gets coated. Let the meat rest in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply for several hours or overnight.

• Skewer Setup

Prepare wooden skewers by soaking them in water to prevent burning. Carefully thread marinated pork pieces onto the skewers, creating beautiful kebab-style presentation.

• Grilling Technique

Heat the barbecue to a medium-high temperature. Place skewers on the grill, cooking evenly and turning once to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior with juicy interior.

• Final Touches

Once pork reaches the ideal internal temperature, remove from grill. Drizzle with a bright lemon and olive oil mixture, then sprinkle with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

• Serving Suggestions

Plate the souvlaki alongside traditional Greek accompaniments like creamy tzatziki, warm pita bread, or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Spice It Up: Ina Garten Pork Souvlaki Variations

• Amp up the flavor by adding crushed garlic or swapping dried oregano with fresh herbs for a brighter taste profile.
• Alternate meat with colorful bell peppers or red onions to create visually appealing and tasty kebabs that impress guests.
• Choose pork tenderloin or boneless pork shoulder for tender, juicy results that melt in your mouth with each bite.
• Let meat rest for 5 minutes after grilling to lock in juices and ensure maximum tenderness and flavor development.
• Store leftover souvlaki in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture and prevent toughening.

What to Serve with Ina’s Greek Pork Souvlaki

• Serve with Zesty Tzatziki: Dollop creamy tzatziki sauce alongside the grilled pork souvlaki for a tangy, cool complement that balances the charred meat's rich flavors.
• Create a Greek-Style Platter: Arrange skewers on a large platter with warm pita bread, fresh Greek salad, and lemon wedges for a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Pair with Herbed Rice: Prepare fluffy white or brown rice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley, mint, or dill to enhance the souvlaki's Mediterranean essence.
• Perfect Party Appetizer: Cut skewered meat into smaller pieces and serve as bite-sized hors d'oeuvres at gatherings, accompanied by toothpicks and extra tzatziki for dipping.

Keep and Reheat Leftovers of Ina Garten Pork Souvlaki

• Optimize Marination Time: Store raw marinated pork in a sealed container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for maximum 24 hours to maintain meat quality and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate Leftovers Safely: Cool grilled souvlaki within 2 hours, store in airtight containers, and consume within 3-4 days for best taste and texture.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack cooked souvlaki in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm leftover souvlaki gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave with a splash of olive oil to prevent drying, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Mouthwatering Ina Garten Pork Souvlaki Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s pork souvlaki recipe combines Mediterranean zest with simple grilling techniques. Marinated pork skewers promise a delicious journey through Greek culinary traditions when you fire up the grill.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 to 2 lbs (680 to 907 g) pork tenderloin, trimmed of silver skin and excess fat, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup (240 ml) olive oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 tbsp chili flakes
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes before use, or metal skewers of choice

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Vigorously whisk all marinade ingredients in a compact mixing bowl until thoroughly blended and smooth.
2. Meat Marination: Submerge pork cubes completely in marinade within a sealed container, ensuring total coverage. Refrigerate for 4-8 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
3. Skewer and Grill Preparation: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. Thread marinated meat pieces uniformly onto skewers, maintaining consistent spacing and tension.
4. Grilling Protocol: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F). Arrange skewers on hot grates, rotating midway through cooking to achieve uniform caramelization and optimal doneness.
5. Temperature Verification: Cook for approximately 10 minutes, ensuring internal meat temperature reaches 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm safe and perfect cooking.
6. Finishing Touch: Whisk lemon juice with olive oil, creating a vibrant drizzle. Brush grilled skewers with the zesty emulsion and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley.
7. Serving Recommendation: Present immediately alongside traditional Greek accompaniments like tzatziki, warm pita, fragrant rice, or a crisp Mediterranean salad.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Overnight marination deepens flavor complexity and tenderizes meat, transforming ordinary pork into a restaurant-quality dish.
• Skewer Smart: Soak wooden skewers completely to prevent burning and ensure safe, even grilling without charred edges.
• Temperature Matters: Use meat thermometer to hit precise 145°F for perfectly cooked, juicy pork without risking dryness or undercooking.
• Finishing Touch: Brush with lemon-olive oil mixture right after grilling to elevate taste and add bright, fresh Mediterranean character.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 458
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 688 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 39 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg