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toniiv

Active member
I made chicken souvlaki the other day, and for the first time it came out tougher than I expected. The strange part is that, as far as I can tell, I didn't overcook it. I used the same basic recipe I've made before, but the chicken just wasn't as tender or juicy this time.

Now I'm trying to figure out what might have gone wrong. Could it have been the cut of chicken, the quality of the meat, or maybe the marinade? I usually let it marinate for several hours, but I'm wondering if there's something else that makes a bigger difference.

What are your best tips for consistently tender chicken souvlaki? Do you use yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, or another ingredient that really helps? I'd love to hear your techniques so I can avoid ending up with tough souvlaki the next time I fire up the grill.
 

Homemade Gyro Ideas - Which Meat?

I've been thinking about trying homemade gyros for the first time, but I'm a little unsure about the best meat to use. I've seen recipes that call for ground lamb and beef, while others recommend using slices of leg of lamb, pork, or even chicken. I know the gyros you get in restaurants are often made on a vertical rotisserie, so I'm curious what works best for home cooks without that equipment.

If you've made gyros at home, what cut or combination of meats gave you the best results? Is leg of lamb worth the extra cost, or is a mixture of ground meats more authentic and easier to work with? I'd also love to hear if you have any seasoning tips or cooking methods that help recreate that classic gyro flavor and texture. Any advice before I give it a try would be greatly appreciated!

What is your favorite meat to cook on the grill Greek-style?

What is your favorite meat to cook on the grill Greek-style? I always think Greek grilling is at its best when the seasoning is fairly simple and the flavor of the meat still comes through.

Lamb is probably the first thing that comes to mind, especially chops seasoned with olive oil, lemon, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pork souvlaki is another favorite, and chicken can be excellent when it has had enough time to marinate. I also really enjoy biftekia on the grill, especially when they are seasoned with herbs and served with lemon potatoes, salad, or grilled pita.

I’d love to hear what everyone else prefers. Do you usually grill lamb, pork, chicken, sausages, or something else? Are there any particular marinades, seasonings, or family techniques you always use? And what sides do you normally serve with a Greek-style grilled meal?

Favorite Greek Leftovers?

What are your favorite Greek dishes to eat as leftovers?

Some foods definitely seem best when they’re freshly cooked and served right away, but I’ve noticed that other Greek dishes somehow taste even better the next day. It seems like the extra time gives all the olive oil, herbs, tomatoes, spices, and other flavors a chance to come together.

I especially notice this with dishes like pastitsio, moussaka, gemista, and some of the ladera dishes. I’ll make them for dinner and then actually look forward to having them again for lunch the next day.

Are there any Greek foods that you think improve after sitting overnight? Do you reheat them, eat them at room temperature, or have a favorite way of serving the leftovers?

I’d love to hear which dishes everyone purposely makes extra of because they know they’ll be just as good, or even better, tomorrow!

What seafood do you like in Greece?

I'm planning another trip to Greece, and one thing I'm especially looking forward to is the seafood. Every time I've visited, it seems like every taverna has something a little different depending on where you are, and I've had some incredible meals along the coast.

I'm curious to hear what seafood do you always order when you're in Greece? Do you stick with grilled octopus, calamari, shrimp, or whole grilled fish, or is there a lesser-known dish that you think visitors should try? Are there certain islands or regions that you think serve the best seafood? I'd also love to hear if you have a favorite way it's prepared, not only to give me inspiration for what to order, but also when cooking at home.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Anyone Else Grow Their Own Oregano?

I've started growing my own Greek oregano, and it's become one of my favorite herbs to have on hand. There's nothing like it! The flavor is so much better than the dried oregano I buy at the store! I sometimes take cuttings and dry my own, too, and mine even tastes better than store bought.

Right now I keep mine in large pots instead of planting it in the ground. Since our winters can get pretty cold, I bring the pots indoors before the first hard frost and then put them back outside in the spring. It's worked fairly well so far, but I'm wondering if there's a better approach.

For those of you who grow oregano, do you keep it in containers year-round, plant it directly in the garden, or do something else entirely? How does it handle your winters? I'd love to hear what has worked best for you and any tips you've picked up over the years.
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