Nothing brings the flavors of Greece to life quite like tender, juicy lamb souvlaki wrapped in warm, homemade flatbread. Whether you're planning a Greek dinner party or just want to elevate your weekday meals, this lamb souvlaki recipe brings the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. The lamb is marinated in a bold blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, grilled to perfection on skewers, and served with soft flatbreads and creamy tzatziki. This dish is packed with the sun-soaked spirit of Greek food and is guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who loves big, bold flavors and hearty, home-cooked meals.
Juicy Lamb Souvlaki with Homemade Flatbread
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Marinating time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 55 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
Grill or grill pan A charcoal grill gives the best flavor for lamb skewers, but a stovetop grill pan works well too.
Mixing bowls You'll need separate bowls for the lamb marinade, flatbread dough, and toppings.
Wooden or metal skewers If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Rolling Pin For rolling out the flatbread. A wine bottle makes a great substitute in a pinch.
Cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan For cooking the flatbreads if you're not using a grill.
Tongs Essential for turning the lamb skewers and flatbreads.
For the Lamb Souvlaki
- 2 pounds boneless leg of lamb trimmed and cut into 1½-inch cubes
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
For the Homemade Flatbread
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon instant dry yeast
- ¾ cup warm water
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving
- Tzatziki sauce see notes below for a quick tzatziki recipe
- Thinly sliced red onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Fresh parsley or dill
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Lemon wedges
Marinate the Lamb
Start with quality lamb—boneless leg or shoulder works well for a lamb souvlaki recipe. Trim any excess fat and cut into even chunks for uniform cooking.
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, rosemary, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the lamb and mix to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate. This step is essential in most lamb marinade recipes and helps produce juicy, marinated lamb with a tender bite.
Make the Flatbread Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and yeast. Stir in the warm water, yogurt, and olive oil until a rough dough forms. Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
Shape and Cook the Flatbreads
Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 6 equal portions. Roll each piece into a ball, then use a rolling pin to flatten into oval shapes, about ¼-inch thick.
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook each flatbread for 2–3 minutes per side, until puffed and lightly charred. Cover with a clean towel to keep warm.
Skewer and Grill the Lamb
Thread the marinated lamb pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the lamb skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until nicely charred on the outside and juicy inside. Let the skewers rest for a few minutes before serving.
Assemble Your Lamb Souvlaki Wraps
Lay a warm flatbread on a plate. Add grilled lamb directly from the skewer, then top with a generous spoonful of tzatziki, sliced onions, tomatoes, feta, and herbs. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh burst of flavor.
Pairings
This juicy lamb souvlaki pairs beautifully with a spread of classic Greek sides:
- Tzatziki Sauce: This cooling yogurt-based dip is a must for any souvlaki recipe. Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill for an easy homemade version.
- Greek Potatoes: Roasted in lemon, olive oil, and oregano, these make the perfect side for any greek lamb souvlaki recipe.
- Horiatiki Salad: A rustic greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta.
- Dolmades: Stuffed grape leaves that add a beautiful textural contrast.
- Greek Desserts: End your meal with something sweet like baklava or galaktoboureko to round out a classic greek dinner.
- For drinks, a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a cold Mythos beer makes an excellent pairing. If you're feeling festive, ouzo or raki adds a traditional Greek flair.
FAQs
1. What type of lamb is best for souvlaki?
Boneless leg of lamb is ideal for souvlaki. It’s leaner than shoulder and grills up tender while still packing in flavor. Some prefer shoulder for its extra richness, but it needs a longer cook to get truly tender. Whichever cut you choose, be sure to trim excess fat and cut it into uniform pieces.
2. Can I use chicken instead of lamb?
Absolutely! This same marinade works wonderfully for greek chicken souvlaki or even greek chicken gyros. Just reduce the marinating time to about 1 hour and grill the chicken until fully cooked and slightly charred.
3. Can I cook lamb souvlaki without a grill?
Yes. A cast iron skillet or heavy grill pan on the stovetop can replicate the charred flavor quite well. You can also use the broiler in your oven, placing the skewers on a rack set over a sheet pan.
4. How long should I marinate the lamb?
Aim for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, overnight is ideal. A well-balanced souvlaki marinade with lemon, garlic, and herbs helps tenderize the meat and gives that authentic Greek flavor.
5. Can I make this into a lamb gyro recipe?
Definitely. Wrap the grilled souvlaki lamb in flatbread with tzatziki, onions, and tomatoes, just like a traditional gyro. You can also add fries or lettuce for a fuller sandwich. It’s a great way to enjoy Mediterranean lamb recipes at home.
