Taiwanese-style Souvlaki

Ingredients

While the original Greek Souvlaki is typically made with marinated pork or chicken, this Taiwanese adaptation incorporates local Taiwanese flavors and ingredients. The marinade is infused with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, giving the skewers a unique Asian twist. Additionally, the traditional Greek pita bread is replaced with fluffy steamed buns, known as "gua bao," which are commonly used in Taiwanese cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Souvlaki, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) boneless pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1.1 lb) boneless pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 12 gua bao buns (steamed buns) 12 gua bao buns (steamed buns)
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• Hoisin sauce, for serving Hoisin sauce, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
• Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugar: 8g)
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, five-spice powder, and chili flakes (if using). Mix well to make the marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the pork pieces in a ziplock bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the pork. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
4. 4.
   Thread the marinated pork onto skewers, discarding any excess marinade. Grill the skewers for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
5. 5.
   While the pork is grilling, steam the gua bao buns according to the package instructions.
6. 6.
   To serve, spread a thin layer of hoisin sauce on each steamed bun. Place a grilled pork skewer inside each bun and top with cucumber slices and fresh cilantro leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork shoulder — For tender and juicy skewers, choose a well-marbled cut of pork shoulder.
• Gua bao buns — If you can't find gua bao buns, you can substitute them with soft burger buns or small tortillas.
• Hoisin sauce — Adjust the amount of hoisin sauce according to your taste preferences. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice for extra tanginess.

Tips & Tricks

• Soak the wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
• For a spicier kick, add more chili flakes to the marinade.
• Serve the skewers with a side of pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
• Experiment with different meats such as chicken or beef for variety.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the skewers in a hot skillet or under the broiler.

Serving advice

Serve the Taiwanese-style Souvlaki skewers as a main course alongside a fresh salad or steamed rice. They can also be enjoyed as a delicious appetizer or as part of a vibrant Taiwanese street food feast.

Presentation advice

Arrange the skewers on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves and cucumber slices. Serve the gua bao buns on the side, allowing guests to assemble their own skewer-filled buns.