Crispy & Juicy Lebanese Arayes Recipe
This crispy and juicy Lebanese Arayes recipe features pita bread pockets stuffed with a flavorful ground beef mixture seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin and cinnamon. Perfectly grilled, pan-fried, or baked to golden perfection, these stuffed pitas are a delicious Middle Eastern appetizer or snack that pairs wonderfully with dips and salads.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 halves 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- ½ lb (225g) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)
- ½ small onion, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Other Ingredients
- 2 (6-inch) pita breads, halved to form 4 pockets
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
Optional Add-ins
- ¼ tsp chili flakes for heat
- 1 tbsp tahini for extra flavor
- Chopped pine nuts for crunch
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until well combined to ensure an even and flavorful meat mixture.
- Stuff the pita: Cut each pita bread in half to create pockets. Gently open each pocket and spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture inside, flattening it evenly to ensure consistent cooking and to prevent the filling from falling out.
- Brush and flatten: Lightly brush both sides of the stuffed pitas with olive oil. Press gently to distribute the filling evenly within the pita for a uniform crispiness during cooking.
- Cook: Choose one cooking method:
- Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat. Cook the arayes for 4–5 minutes on each side until the pita is crispy and the beef is fully cooked.
- Skillet: Use a dry nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook each side until golden brown and the beef is cooked through, flipping as needed.
- Bake: Arrange the stuffed pitas on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve an even crispiness.
- Serve hot: Allow the arayes to rest briefly after cooking to let the juices redistribute, then slice and serve warm with your choice of dips or fresh salads for a perfect Middle Eastern meal or appetizer.
Notes
- You can add chili flakes to the filling mixture for a subtle heat.
- Incorporate tahini into the filling or serve alongside as a dip for added flavor.
- Sprinkle chopped pine nuts in the filling for extra crunch and texture.
- Ensure the beef is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C).
- If using the baking method, flipping halfway helps achieve an evenly crispy crust on both sides.
Keywords: Lebanese Arayes, Stuffed Pita, Ground Beef Arayes, Middle Eastern Snack, Grilled Pita, Crispy Beef Pita, Arayes Recipe
