Arayes (Lebanese Meat-Stuffed Pita) | CookOS

Arayes (Lebanese Meat-Stuffed Pita)

Name: Arayes (Lebanese Meat-Stuffed Pita)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 10 servings
Cuisine: Lebanese
Ingredients: 2 lb ground beef ((80% 20% fat)); 3.2 oz onion (1 medium (1 cup chopped)); 1 oz parsley (1 cup finely chopped); 1/2 Tbsp Lebanese 7-spice; 1/2 Tbsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp chili powder ((optional)); 5 pita bread; 2 Tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

Arayes are Lebanese pita breads stuffed with seasoned ground beef kofta and pan-fried until the exterior turns golden and crispy while the meat filling stays juicy. They come together in under 20 minutes and work equally well as a quick appetizer or satisfying main course.

🌍Lebanese 🏷️Arayes 🏷️Kofta arayes 🏷️Lebanese meat-stuffed pita 🏷️Meat-stuffed pita Pita pockets stuffed with kofta

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Total

20 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$19–$31

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Alphafoodie · by Samira

Ingredients

2 lb ground beef ((80% 20% fat))
3.2 oz onion (1 medium (1 cup chopped))
1 oz parsley (1 cup finely chopped)
1/2 Tbsp Lebanese 7-spice
1/2 Tbsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp chili powder ((optional))optional
5 pita bread
2 Tbsp olive oil (for brushing)

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Instructions

1
In a large bowl, mix well the ground beef, chopped onion, chopped parsley, Lebanese 7-spice mix, salt, pepper, and optional chili powder.
2
Cut the pita bread in half and gently open the sides to make the pockets.
3
Spread a portion of the meat mixture on the inside of each pita pocket. Use as much meat as you want—I stuff them with 1/4 cup of the mix per pocket.
4
You can cook the arayes on the grill, on a grill pan, or in the oven. On a grill pan: Heat it over medium heat and brush it with olive oil. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Press them lightly to cook evenly.In the oven: Brush a baking tray with oil or cover it with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 400ºF/200ºC for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.On the grill: Preheat to medium-high heat and grill for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.Check for doneness: the internal temperature of the meat should be 160°F/71°C, and there should be no visible pinkness.
5
You can optionally keep the arayes warn in the oven at 120ºF/50ºC. Then, serve them hot, and enjoy!

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Don't overstuff the pita—use about 2–3 tablespoons of meat mixture per half to prevent splitting and ensure even cooking.
Press the filling toward the edges of the pita pocket before cooking so it stays contained and crisps evenly.
Cook over medium-high heat and avoid moving the arayes for the first 2–3 minutes to develop a golden crust without burning.
Pat the finished arayes on a paper towel briefly to remove excess oil and keep them from becoming greasy.

Substitutions

Ground lamb → ground beef (traditional, slightly gamier flavor)
Lebanese 7-spice → za'atar or dukkah (different but complementary spice profile)
Fresh parsley → fresh mint (lighter, more refreshing note)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes per side to restore crispness.

Common Questions

Can I make arayes ahead of time?

Yes. Stuff the pita bread up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Pan-fry just before serving for best crispness.

What is Lebanese 7-spice and can I substitute it?

It's a warm spice blend typically containing cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg. Use 1/4 tsp each of cinnamon and allspice plus a pinch of cloves as a substitute.

How do I know when arayes are cooked through?

Pan-fry 3–4 minutes per side over medium-high heat until the pita is deep golden brown and the interior beef registers 160°F if checked with a meat thermometer.

Can I bake arayes instead of pan-frying?

Yes. Brush both sides with olive oil and bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through. They won't be quite as crispy as pan-fried but still delicious.