Crispy & Juicy Lebanese Arayes Recipe

Introduction

Arayes are a delicious Lebanese street food featuring pita bread stuffed with a flavorful ground beef mixture. This recipe yields crispy, juicy pockets perfect for a quick meal or appetizer that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 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
• 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

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2. Step 2: Cut each pita bread in half and gently open each pocket. Stuff each with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture, spreading it evenly inside.
3. Step 3: Lightly brush both sides of each stuffed pita with olive oil. Press gently to distribute the filling evenly and help seal the pocket.
4. Step 4: Cook your arayes using one of the following methods:
   • Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat. Grill arayes for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until nicely browned and cooked through.
   • Skillet: Heat a dry nonstick pan over medium heat. Cook arayes, flipping when the bottoms turn golden brown.
   • Bake: Place arayes on a baking tray and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time.
5. Step 5: Allow arayes to rest briefly after cooking. Slice and serve hot alongside your favorite dips or salads.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add chili flakes to the beef mixture before stuffing the pita.
• Mix tahini into the filling for a rich, nutty flavor twist.
• Sprinkle chopped pine nuts into the filling to add a delightful crunch.
• Use fresh pita bread for best results, as stale pita can be harder to work with and less crispy.

Storage

Store leftover arayes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use lamb instead of beef for arayes?

Yes, ground lamb works beautifully and offers a slightly richer flavor. Use the same seasoning ratios for a delicious variation.

Is it possible to make arayes vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or spiced chickpeas for a tasty vegetarian filling.

Crispy & Juicy Lebanese Arayes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 94 reviews

Authentic Lebanese Arayes are crispy, juicy pita pockets stuffed with a spiced ground beef mixture, grilled or baked to perfection for a flavorful and satisfying Middle Eastern appetizer or snack.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 halves (serves 2-4 as appetizer or snack) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Lebanese
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 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
• 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

1. Prepare the filling: In a bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is uniform.
2. Stuff the pita: Cut each pita bread in half to make 4 pockets. Gently open each pocket and stuff with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture, then flatten the filling evenly inside.
3. Brush and flatten: Lightly brush both sides of the stuffed pita pockets with olive oil. Press gently to ensure the filling is evenly distributed and the pita is flattened slightly for even cooking.
4. Cook: Choose your preferred cooking method:
   • Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat and cook the stuffed pitas for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until crispy and the beef is cooked through.
   • Skillet: Heat a dry nonstick pan over medium heat, then cook the pitas flipping when golden brown on each side until fully cooked.
   • Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the stuffed pitas on a baking tray and bake for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and cooked through.
5. Serve hot: Allow the arayes to rest briefly after cooking, then slice and serve immediately with your choice of dips or salads.

Notes

• Adjust the seasoning and add optional chili flakes for a spicy kick or tahini for a richer flavor.
• Use fresh pita bread for the best texture; stale pita will not crisp as well.
• Ensure the filling is well flattened for even cooking and to prevent the pita from bursting.
• Arayes are best served hot but can be reheated in a skillet or oven to re-crisp.
• Chopped pine nuts add a delightful crunch and can be mixed into the beef filling.

Keywords: Arayes, Lebanese, Ground Beef, Middle Eastern, Pita, Grilled, Spiced Beef, Appetizer