Close-up shot of delicious beef souvlaki skewers with red onion marmalade drizzled on top, garnished with fresh herbs.

Souvlaki

beef souvlaki with red onion marmalade

By Eleni Katsaros

Published: 13 Mar 2025

This recipe is more than just a meal; it's a journey. I remember my Yiayia (grandmother) making souvlaki when I was little – the aroma of grilling meat filling our small kitchen. That sweet and savory smell always brings back such happy memories. This recipe is my attempt to recreate that magic, adding my own spin, of course!
A rustic kitchen scene, possibly Mediterranean, with a family gathered around a table enjoying souvlaki.
This beef souvlaki recipe is a delightful mix of tender, flavorful grilled beef and a surprisingly addictive red onion marmalade. The marmalade adds a beautiful sweetness and acidity that perfectly complements the savory beef. It's a sophisticated dish that's surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a summer BBQ or a cozy weeknight dinner. Trust me, your family and friends will be begging for more!
A platter of perfectly grilled beef souvlaki skewers arranged artfully with red onion marmalade on the side, garnished with fresh parsley.

Required Equipments

  • Skewers (metal or wooden, if using wooden soak in water for 30 mins)
  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Grill or grill pan
  • Baking sheet

Beef-Souvlaki-with-Red-Onion-Marmalade

Tender, flavorful beef souvlaki gets elevated with a sweet and tangy red onion marmalade. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for grilling season!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. First thing's first, let's tackle that amazing red onion marmalade. In a small bowl, combine 2 large red onions, finely sliced, with 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir. Then, we'll pop that mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the onions are beautifully caramelized and softened. The magic of this step is patience! The longer it simmers, the sweeter and richer the flavor becomes. You'll know it's ready when the onions are almost jam-like in texture. Set aside to cool, and resist the urge to sneak a taste (or don't, I won't judge!).
  2. Now for the star of the show – the beef! In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs of beef sirloin, cut into 1-inch cubes, with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix it all up really well so the beef is coated evenly with those delicious seasonings. Make sure to really get it into all those nooks and crannies! Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight in the fridge. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful your souvlaki will be. Trust me on this one!
  3. Thread the marinated beef cubes onto the prepared skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Then, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the beef is cooked to your liking. For perfectly juicy souvlaki, aim for medium-rare to medium. Use a meat thermometer to check if it hits your preferred temperature – around 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for medium. Don't overcrowd the grill; cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
  4. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle generously with the cooled red onion marmalade, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or oregano. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews! And there you have it— succulent beef souvlaki with a burst of sweet and tangy red onion marmalade. Enjoy! Let me know how it turns out...I'd love to hear your thoughts! Maybe send me a picture. I'm easily impressed ;)
  5. P.S. Don't forget to adjust cooking times according to the thickness of your beef cubes and the heat of your grill. If using wooden skewers, make sure they're thoroughly soaked. And, most importantly, have fun! Cooking should be enjoyable, not stressful. So relax, put on some music, and enjoy the process! And if something goes wrong, don't worry. There are always more delicious meals to be had.

📝 Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the beef overnight. If you prefer a sweeter marmalade, increase the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons.
  • Adjust cooking times based on your grill and desired level of doneness for the beef. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy! Also, don't be scared to experiment and add your own favorite herbs and spices to the marinade.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 400 kcal

Protein: 30g

Fat: 25g

Carbohydrates: 20g

Fiber: 2g

Calcium: 20mg

Frequently Asked Questions

The joy of cooking lies not just in the recipe, but in the memories created around the table.

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