This Crispy Lebanese Arayes comes together in about 30 minutes and is grilled to perfection for a easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the meat and veggies to suit your taste or use this recipe as a fun “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of those leftover odds and ends. Trust me, everyone will be fighting over the last bite!
Ingredients Breakdown
- 1 lb Ground Lamb or a Mix of Lamb and Beef
- 1 Small Red Onion (Finely Chopped)
- 2 Cloves Garlic (Minced)
- ½ Cup Flat-Leaf Parsley (Finely Chopped)
- 1 Medium Tomato (Grated or Minced)
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Coriander
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- ½ Teaspoon Allspice
- ½ Teaspoon Cinnamon
- Salt and Black Pepper to Taste
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 4 Large Lebanese-Style Pita Breads (Thin, Pocket-Style)
- Olive Oil for Brushing
- ½ Cup Grated Gruyere Cheese (For a Twist)
- A Spoonful of Rao’s Sauce (For a Touch of Sweetness)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Prepare the Filling
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. The smell will be incredible, trust me!
- Add in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, just about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it can get bitter quickly!
- Toss in the ground lamb (or beef) and break it apart as it cooks. Stir in the spices: cumin, coriander, paprika, allspice, and cinnamon, and season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, around 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finally, mix in the grated tomato and chopped parsley. Reduced heat, allowing it to simmer for 2 more minutes to develop those tons of flavor.
Assemble the Pita Pockets
- Lay out the Lebanese pita bread on a flat surface. Depending on how stuffed you like your arayes, scoop a generous amount of filling on one half of the pocket.
- Now here’s the fun part, if you’re adding cheese, sprinkle on a good handful now! Fold the pita over to create a pocket.
- Brush the outside generously with olive oil. After all, we want that beautiful crisp!
Grill or Cook
- Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re using a grill, I recommend using a grill basket or a sheet of foil for easier handling.
- Cook each arayes for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. You’ll know when they’re fusing together and smelling divine. Keep watch so they don’t burn!
Serve Warm
- Serve the arayes warm, preferably with your favorite dipping sauce or a simple salad on the side. My family loves a tangy cucumber yogurt dip or even a little extra Rao’s sauce drizzled on top!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I want to create a comforting meal that still feels a bit special! Seriously, arayes are one of my family’s favorite dishes, and I’m a real sucker for that crispy outside and juicy meat filling combo. The best part is: it’s completely adaptable, so you can use whatever you’ve got on hand. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying yet quick!
If you loved this crispy Lebanese arayes, be sure to check out my Middle Eastern Kebabs, my Lebanese Shawarma, or my Lebanese Stuffed Pita Arayes!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish is a breeze, coming together all in just 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying yet quick.
Versatile
Feel free to switch up the ingredients as you see fit! Use whatever veggies or proteins you have lying around. Ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of beans and grains, endless possibilities await!
Crowd-Pleaser
No one can resist a crispy, golden pocket filled with flavorful meat and spices! Your family will love it, and it’s sure to impress at gatherings with friends (hello, easy dinner party idea!).
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor and a deliciously crispy texture, these arayes make for the ultimate comfort food that’ll warm your soul.
Make-Ahead Friendly
You can prepare the filling in advance! Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Assemble the pockets right before you’re ready to cook, so convenient!
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve This Crispy Lebanese Arayes
These arayes are best served warm and crispy. Pair them with a refreshing salad, tangy yogurt dip, or even some grilled veggies.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to get that crisp back!
Reheating Instructions
The best method is to cook them in a skillet or bake them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! These can be frozen before grilling. Just assemble the arayes, then place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking. Cook from frozen, just add a couple minutes on the cooking time!
Isn’t it amazing how something so simple can bring everyone together? I hope you give this recipe a try; I promise you won’t regret it! Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Crispy Lebanese Arayes
Ingredients
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté until translucent—about 4-5 minutes.
- Add in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Toss in the ground lamb (or beef) and break it apart as it cooks. Stir in the spices: cumin, coriander, paprika, allspice, and cinnamon, and season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink, around 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Finally, mix in the grated tomato and chopped parsley. Reduce heat and let simmer for 2 more minutes.
- Lay out the Lebanese pita bread on a flat surface. Scoop a generous amount of filling on one half of the pocket.
- If adding cheese, sprinkle it on now. Fold the pita over to create a pocket.
- Brush the outside generously with olive oil.
- Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each arayes for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the arayes warm with your favorite dipping sauce or a simple salad on the side.