Greek Grilled Soutzoukaki

Greek Grilled Soutzoukaki

Recipe created by our Grass Roots partner Wellness by Ariana. Ariana is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and the founder of Kalí Zó̱i — meaning "good life" in Greek. After navigating PCOS and fatigue firsthand, Ariana is passionate about helping women nourish their bodies without the noise, rules or guilt. Join Ariana over on Instagram @arianaradjenovic or visit her at WellnessByAriana.com

Some of my most vivid food memories come from a small Greek and Turkish restaurant called ARAP on the island of Kos, Greece, a place that sits at the crossroads of two rich culinary traditions. The food reflects exactly that balance, built on simple, honest ingredients prepared with the kind of confidence that only comes from generations of doing things the same way.

This recipe is my version of the grilled soutzoukakia I order every single time I visit, spiced with cumin, shaped into long ovals, and seared until the outside develops a deep, slightly charred crust. It leans closer to a Turkish köfte in technique and is, without question, one of the best things you will ever eat.

As a holistic health coach and the founder of Kalí Zó̱i, a wellness brand rooted in my Greek heritage, food has always been central to how I approach health. Kalí Zó̱i means “good life” in Greek, and to me that begins with eating real food that connects you to where you come from. Grassroots Grass-Fed Ground Beef and Pork Blend is exactly the kind of ingredient I build meals around, offering high-quality protein with no additives and raised the way animals should be.

Paired with a simple rice pilaf, homemade pita, horiatiki, and tzatziki, this becomes a full Mediterranean spread that comes together beautifully and is sure to wow, the kind of meal that makes you slow down and truly enjoy eating, which is the whole point.

Ingredients

Yellow onion, grated
1 medium
Garlic cloves, grated or minced
3
Ground cumin
2 tsp
Smoked paprika
1/2 tsp
Dried oregano
1/2 tsp
Cinnamon
1/4 tsp
Allspice
1/4 tsp
Salt
1/2 tsp
Black Pepper
1/4 tsp
Olive oil
1 Tbsp

Nutrition Values

  • :

Utensils

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cast iron skillet or heavy pan
  • Tongs or spatula

Instructions

Before you begin, squeeze excess liquid from the grated onion using a paper towel or cheesecloth.

Then, in a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix gently with your hands until just incorporated. Do not overwork the meat.

Divide the mixture into 8 to 10 equal portions and shape each into a tight oval log, about 3 inches long.

Place on a plate, cover, and refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes, then add a thin layer of olive oil.

Cook in batches, being careful not to crowd the pan. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side without moving them, for a total cook time of 8 to 10 minutes.

Cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, then let rest for 3 minutes before serving.

(optional: Top with raw onions and fresh parsley to serve.)

For the full Mediterranean spread, serve this with:

Recent Posts