Charcoal-Grilled Pork Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano Marinade

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

Tender chunks of pork marinated in a zesty lemon and oregano blend, grilled over high heat for a smoky, juicy finish. This greek-inspired pork ready in about 27 minutes blends fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano 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 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 2 tsp dried oregano, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds of pork shoulder cubes to the marinade, tossing to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to absorb flavors.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a charcoal grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Thread the marinated pork cubes evenly onto 8 soaked wooden skewers.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until the pork is nicely charred on edges and cooked through to an internal temperature of 145°F with a juicy, tender texture.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with warm pita and tzatziki sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Charcoal-Grilled Pork Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano Marinade 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 Charcoal-Grilled Pork Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano Marinade?

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 Charcoal-Grilled Pork Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano Marinade?

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 Charcoal-Grilled Pork Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano Marinade 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 Charcoal-Grilled Pork Souvlaki with Lemon-Oregano Marinade?

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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