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The Recipe · No.215 · Souvlaki

Souvlaki, and where to source it

Souvlaki — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Souvlaki Greek 5best2buy.com

Souvlaki lives on its marinade and its char, so start with real pork shoulder and a high fire. Pat the meat dry before it hits the grill so it sears instead of steaming. Marinate at least an hour, but pull it before the lemon has time to turn the meat mealy.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep20 min
Cook12 min
Makes4 servings
CuisineGreek
Cost$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Pork shoulder
The right cut for skewers; its fat keeps the cubes juicy over a hot fire.
2 lb
Source it →
Olive oil
Carries the marinade and helps the char; a fruity oil is worth it here.
1/3 cup
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Lemon
Acid to brighten and tenderize; fresh juice only, bottled tastes flat.
2, juiced
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Dried oregano
The defining herb of souvlaki; Greek oregano on the branch is the most aromatic.
2 tbsp
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Pita bread
For wrapping the skewers; warm it on the grill for the last minute.
4 rounds
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Garlic
Grated into the marinade for sharpness.
4 cloves
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Red onion
Grilled alongside or served raw in the wrap.
1
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Using pork shoulder (boston butt / picnic)? It behaves the way it does for a reason — what this cut is for and how to cook it →

The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Squeaky clean
About as virtuous as dinner gets. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerGrill
The Method
  1. CutCut pork into 1-inch cubes so they cook through before the outside burns.
  2. MarinateToss with olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper; rest 1 to 4 hours in the fridge.
  3. Skewer and dryThread onto skewers and pat the surface dry so the meat sears rather than steams.
  4. GrillGrill over high heat 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until charred and 145F inside.
  5. Rest and wrapRest 5 minutes, warm the pita on the grill, and wrap with onion and tzatziki.
The Toolkit

Metal skewers · Grill · Instant thermometer · Tongs · Mixing bowl

Straight Answers
Can you make Souvlaki in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Souvlaki? — Not ideal

You can, but the crisp coating softens. Freeze the cooked pieces, then re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer — never the microwave.

Can you make Souvlaki ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.

Is Souvlaki gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in gluten-free versions of the wheat items (check the other labels too).

Is Souvlaki vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.215

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