Grilled Greek Lamb Souvlaki with Rice

This recipe for Lamb Souvlaki with Rice is an easy, flavorful meal that brings the bright, savory character of Greek-style cooking to your table. Tender cubes of lamb are marinated in olive oil, garlic, oregano and thyme, then threaded onto skewers with red onion and green pepper. Broiled or grilled quickly, these skewers develop a delicious char while staying juicy inside. Serve with simple cooked white rice for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering.

Lamb Souvlaki with Rice

I first came to love lamb through family dinners, and this souvlaki-style preparation is one of my favorite ways to enjoy it. The marinade is simple but effective: olive oil and garlic carry dried oregano and thyme into the meat, producing a fragrant, Mediterranean flavor. If you enjoy lamb, this method is an approachable and dependable way to serve it.

Ingredients needed

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless leg of lamb, trimmed of visible fat and cut into about 30 cubes
• 2 small red onions, each cut into 6 wedges
• 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and cut into 12 pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup long grain white rice, cooked according to package directions

How to make Lamb Souvlaki

The complete measurements and detailed instructions are included below in the recipe block for convenience.

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl or large zip-top bag combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano and dried thyme. Mix well to combine.
2. Add the lamb to the marinade, seal or cover, and turn the meat several times to coat evenly. You can marinate the lamb at room temperature for 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor. If refrigerated, allow the meat to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before cooking.
3. When ready to cook, preheat your broiler or grill. If broiling, position an oven rack so skewers will be about 4 inches from the heat. Lightly grease a broiler pan or grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Thread the skewers by alternating 5 cubes of lamb with 2 onion wedges and 2 bell pepper pieces on each skewer. For this recipe plan on 6 skewers (about 12-inch metal skewers) so each serving has one skewer.
5. Broil or grill the skewers, turning at least once, until the vegetables are tender and the lamb is cooked through — about 8 to 10 minutes total. Cooking time will vary slightly with your heat source and how well-done you prefer the meat. Serve each skewer over cooked white rice.

Recipe Tips

• Cube the lamb into uniform pieces so they cook evenly—aim for roughly the same size for each cube.
• If you can’t find the exact cut called for, ask your butcher for a boneless leg of lamb or an equivalent roasting cut trimmed and cut into cubes.
• Vary the vegetables to suit your taste. Zucchini rounds, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms work well when threaded between meat pieces.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to help prevent burning, or use metal skewers for easy turning and reuse.

What to serve with Lamb Souvlaki with Rice

• A crisp green salad dressed with lemon and olive oil complements the rich lamb and lightens the plate.
• Roasted or lemon-dressed potatoes are a great alternative to rice for a heartier meal.
• For beverages, medium-bodied red wines such as Syrah, Merlot, or Cabernet-style wines typically pair nicely with lamb.

How to store

Leftovers keep well: cool any leftover skewers and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or covered in a skillet over medium heat so the meat stays tender. If you prefer, remove meat from the skewers before storing and reheat with a splash of olive oil or a bit of stock to preserve juiciness.

Why I love this recipe

1. Lamb brings a distinctive, savory flavor that is both comforting and celebratory—perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.
2. The simple oregano-thyme-garlic marinade delivers a bold Mediterranean profile without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
3. Skewers are a fun, attractive way to present a meal—guests enjoy the visual appeal and the food is easy to serve and eat.

Other Greek-inspired recipes to try

• Greek-style shrimp over rice
• Greek spinach pie (spanakopita)
• Authentic Greek pita bread
• Pastitsio (Greek lasagna)
• Simple Greek salad with lemon-oregano vinaigrette