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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Vigorously whisk all marinade ingredients in a compact mixing bowl until thoroughly blended and smooth.
- 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.
- Skewer and Grill Preparation: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. Thread marinated meat pieces uniformly onto skewers, maintaining consistent spacing and tension.
- 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.
- Temperature Verification: Cook for approximately 10 minutes, ensuring internal meat temperature reaches 145°F. Use a meat thermometer to confirm safe and perfect cooking.
- 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.
- 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