Char-Grilled Pork Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender and smoky marinated pork skewers served alongside a cooling cucumber-yogurt tzatziki, perfect for grilling season. This greek-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes blends extra virgin olive oil, tablespoons fresh lemon juice, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Add 2 pounds 1-inch cubed pork shoulder and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare tzatziki sauce by squeezing excess moisture from 1/2 medium peeled and grated cucumber using a clean kitchen towel. In a bowl, combine grated cucumber, 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated pork cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, dividing evenly.
  4. Step 4: Grill the pork souvlaki skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning every 3 minutes, until edges are charred and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve with prepared tzatziki sauce on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Char-Grilled Pork Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Char-Grilled Pork Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Char-Grilled Pork Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Char-Grilled Pork Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Char-Grilled Pork Souvlaki with Tzatziki Sauce?

Greek pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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