Greek barbecue: discover how to prepare souvlaki and gyro

With iconic dishes like Souvlaki and Gyro, Greek barbecue proves that it's not just simple food, but a symbol of Greece's rich gastronomy. Souvlaki consists of small pieces of grilled meat. Meanwhile, Gyro is a type of meat roasted on a vertical rotisserie, with accompaniments including vegetables and sauces.

The preparation of Greek barbecue involves careful selection of meats, as well as the perfect combination of seasonings and marinades, which make the meat's flavor an unparalleled experience.

If you want to know all the details of the dish and how to prepare this delicacy, the CIMO blog helps you with a guide to Greek barbecue!

Exploring Souvlaki and Gyro, the famous Greek barbecue

The main types of Greek barbecue are Souvlaki and Gyro.

• Souvlaki comes from the Greek word "souvli" and means skewer, as it consists of skewers with small pieces of meat, chicken, and vegetables;

• Gyro, on the other hand, is a cone made with bread, sliced meat, and added fillings in the cone.

The origin of Gyro dates back to an era when hunting and warfare were common, and Turkish soldiers hunted and roasted animals over a fire, skewering them on their swords and spears.

In the case of Gyro, weapons were replaced by metal skewers. Currently, both have become symbols of Greek street food and are popular for representing a rich culture full of traditions.

Choosing and preparing meats for Souvlaki

The first step in preparing the meats is to carefully select them and prioritize quality. Start by choosing the types of meat you want to prepare, as well as the marinades and seasonings.

It's worth remembering that the cut and quality of the meat significantly contribute to the result. For a precise cut and effective grilling, it's ideal to purchase proper knives and a quality grill.

Typically, Souvlaki is made with cuts of pork, as well as chicken and lamb. Gyro, on the other hand, is usually served with sauces, vegetables, and some side dishes.

In a Greek barbecue, it's common to use a variety of meat types, such as pork, lamb, and chicken.

• Pork stands out due to its succulence and texture;

• Lamb, on the other hand, has a stronger and more characteristic flavor;

• Chicken is versatile, regardless of the cut.

Marinades and seasonings to accompany Greek barbecue

To enhance the flavor of your barbecue, using marinades and seasonings is essential to ensure a unique experience.

The main seasonings used include oregano, lemon, garlic, and pepper. Each of them adds a flavorful touch, enhancing every piece of meat.

Cooking methods for Souvlaki and Gyro

It's important to master the proper cooking methods for Souvlaki and Gyro. Both require specific preparation techniques to ensure even cooking, flavor, and succulence, regardless of the chosen cut.

Souvlaki is more commonly grilled on skewers, while Gyro is traditionally prepared on a vertical spit, and its cooking is a bit slower, which allows the meat to become tender and succulent.

Grilling Souvlaki

Souvlaki resembles Brazilian skewers and differs only in the seasonings used. The main goal is for the inside of the meat to be juicy, and the outside crispy. To achieve this, it is essential to rotate the skewers frequently while grilling.

Preparing Gyro

The Gyro cooking process is done on a rotating vertical spit, and the meat is thinly sliced. The cooking is slow to ensure the succulence of the meat, guaranteeing a unique flavor.

Don't know how much meat to buy for the barbecue? CIMO helps you! Learn now how to calculate meat.

Perfecting Greek barbecue with traditional accompaniments

To perfect and have the true experience of a good Greek barbecue, side dishes and sauces are indispensable. The main accompaniments can include toasts, bread, and salad, while the ideal sauce is tzatziki.

Tzatziki is a creamy sauce that transforms the flavor of the meat. By introducing the best accompaniments and sauces to your barbecue, you can guarantee a unique gastronomic experience with unforgettable flavors. 

Pitas and salads

Pitas and salads are essential when enjoying a Greek barbecue. The classics include the famous pita bread, Greek salad, and french fries. These accompaniments are fundamental to enhance the flavor and complement the dish.

Tzatziki sauce

Tzatziki sauce is made with yogurt, cucumber, and garlic, and is quite versatile, accompanying both Gyro and Souvlaki. Other ingredients include lemon, parsley or mint, salt, and Syrian pepper.

To prepare, chop all ingredients, blend them with lemon, salt, pepper, and yogurt, and finally, mix and adjust the flavor to your preferences.

Take the opportunity to check out the best barbecue accompaniments!

How to serve Souvlaki and Gyro?

Souvlaki is served on a skewer with french fries and vegetables inside the cone, made with pita bread. Along with Tzatziki sauce, the dish offers an explosion of flavors that, together, promote a gastronomic experience.

Gyro, on the other hand, is a very versatile dish and can be served as a sandwich or as a regular barbecue, with accompaniments like salads, sauces, bread, or anything else you prefer.

Tips for assembling Greek barbecue

To assemble a delicious Souvlaki dish, the best choice is pita bread, which is quite thin compared to other types and can form a cone, where you can add salads, french fries, and serve the barbecue on a skewer. Souvlaki can also be served with rice, and it's ideal for it to be hot.

Gyro is also a very versatile dish and can be served in the same way as Souvlaki. In this case, opt to add it to pita bread and, for an attractive presentation, use onion, tomato, or cucumber, which can enhance the flavor.

Drinks to accompany Greek barbecue

There are several drink options to accompany Greek barbecue and further enrich your gastronomic experience.

Some of the main ones include Greek wines, which pair perfectly with the flavor of the meat and other accompaniments. Also, the traditional ouzo, a typical Greek drink made from anise.

So, did you like learning the details of preparing Greek barbecue? If you enjoy barbecue content, keep browsing the blog! Here, you can learn the details of barbecue from all over the world!

Take the opportunity to read:

• Vegetarian barbecue: ideas and tips on how to make it;

• The best knives for barbecue;

• Picanha on the grill: see how to make it.