Greek > Souvlaki

Souvlaki with Tomato-Cucumber Salad Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Special equipment needed:
- Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before using)

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

2. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

3. Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

4. Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.

5. While chicken is cooking, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine cucumber, tomato, red onion, parsley, and feta cheese.

6. Serve souvlaki with tomato-cucumber salad on the side.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes + marinating time
- Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 33g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken can be substituted with lamb, beef, or pork.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese or queso fresco.

Variations:
- Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the skewers for extra flavor and color.
- Serve with pita bread and tzatziki sauce for a classic Greek meal.

Tips and tricks:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Don't overcrowd the skewers, leave a little space between each piece of chicken to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Storage instructions:
- Leftover souvlaki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place souvlaki on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve souvlaki on a platter with the tomato-cucumber salad on the side.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.

Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Suggested side dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Rice pilaf

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chicken is sticking to the grill, brush the skewers with a little oil before grilling.
- If the chicken is not cooking evenly, rotate the skewers frequently to ensure even cooking.

Food safety advice:
- Always wash your hands and surfaces thoroughly before and after handling raw chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Food history:
- Souvlaki is a popular Greek dish that consists of marinated meat grilled on skewers.

Flavor profiles:
- The chicken is tangy and savory from the marinade, while the tomato-cucumber salad is fresh and bright with a salty kick from the feta cheese.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve souvlaki with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: Greek

Taste: Tangy, Savory, Herbal, Fresh, Citrusy