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Crispy & Juicy Lebanese Arayes Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 57 reviews

Enjoy a delicious twist on Lebanese street food with these Crispy & Juicy Arayes. These pita pockets are stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spiced ground beef, onion, garlic, and herbs, then cooked until golden and crisp. Perfect for a satisfying main dish, they can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared for versatile preparation options.

Ingredients

Scale

For the 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

For the Pita

  • 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, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  2. Stuff the pita: Cut each pita in half to create pockets and gently open each one. Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef mixture into each pocket, then flatten the filling evenly inside.
  3. Brush and flatten: Lightly brush both sides of each stuffed pita with olive oil. Press gently to distribute the filling evenly and help the pitas stay closed.
  4. Cook: You have three cooking options—
    • Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium heat and grill the arayes for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
    • Skillet: Heat a dry nonstick pan over medium heat and cook the arayes, flipping once they are golden on one side.
    • 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 to ensure even crispiness.
  5. Serve hot: Allow the arayes to rest briefly after cooking. Then slice and serve warm alongside dips such as hummus, labneh, or a fresh salad like tabbouleh for a complete Lebanese experience.

Notes

  • Use 80/20 ground beef to achieve juicy and flavorful filling.
  • Grate onions finely so they blend smoothly with the meat mixture without large chunks.
  • Avoid overfilling the pita pockets to prevent tearing or leaking during cooking.
  • Brushing pitas with olive oil helps create extra crispiness on the outside.
  • Pair with traditional Lebanese sides like hummus, labneh, or tabbouleh for an authentic meal.
  • Store leftover cooked arayes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze uncooked stuffed pitas for up to 2 months.

Keywords: Arayes, Lebanese Arayes, Ground Beef Pita, Middle Eastern Street Food, Grilled Pita, Beef Pockets

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/crispy-and-juicy-lebanese-arayes-recipe/