- February 25, 2026
- 30 Minute Meals
Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pitas)
Arayes are crispy, golden brown meat-stuffed pita pockets filled with a seasoned ground meat mixture and cooked until juicy inside and perfectly crisp outside. This easy arayes recipe brings bold Middle Eastern street food flavor to your home kitchen using simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
If you love crispy edges, juicy fillings, and big flavor with minimal effort, arayes deserve a spot in your kitchen. Often described as Middle Eastern meat pies or stuffed pitas, arayes are made by spreading a thin layer of seasoned ground meat inside pita bread, then cooking it until the outside is crisp and the inside stays tender. They’re fast, affordable, and incredibly satisfying, that are perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or tasty treats straight off the grill.
This recipe walks you through exactly how to make Lebanese arayes at home, with options for grilling, baking, or pan frying depending on the season and your setup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Juicy at the Same Time
A thin meat filling cooks quickly, keeping the raw meat juicy while the pita pockets turn perfectly golden brown. - Easy Ingredients, Big Flavor
Everything comes together in one large bowl using pantry spices like ground cumin, paprika, and black pepper. - Versatile Cooking Methods
Make these on an outdoor grill, grill pan, cast iron skillet, or baking sheet (no special equipment required).
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
- Ground lamb or ground beef
- Yellow onion (grated and drained)
- Garlic
- Fresh parsley
- Kosher salt
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Ground allspice
- Ground coriander
- Black pepper
- Olive oil
Substitutions & Notes:
- Ground beef works beautifully if lamb isn’t your thing.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint can add extra depth.
- A splash of cold water can be added to the onion mixture if your meat feels very lean.
For Assembly
- Pita bread (Look for soft, pocket-style pita bread, so it opens easily without tearing)
- Olive oil
How to Make and Assemble Arayes
Step 1: Start by preparing the meat mixture. Add the ground meat to a large bowl along with the finely grated onion (press out the excess liquid), garlic, fresh parsley, spices, salt, black pepper, and a little olive oil. Mix gently with your hands or a fork just until combined. Overmixing can make the filling dense instead of tender.
Step 2: Next, prepare the pita pockets. Cut each pita in half and carefully open the cut side to create a pocket. Spread a thin, even layer of meat filling inside each half. You want enough to coat the inside without overstuffing. This helps everything cook evenly and prevents soggy bread.
Step 3: Lightly brush the outside of each stuffed pita with a little olive oil. Set aside any remaining pitas while you preheat your cooking surface.
Cooking Instructions (Baking, Grilling, Stovetop)
Grilling (Preferred Method)
Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the arayes directly on the grates and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula. The pita should be crisp and golden brown, and the meat fully cooked.
Oven Method
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the stuffed pitas in a single layer. Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Stovetop Method
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Pan fry the arayes for 3–4 minutes per side, working in batches so the skillet stays hot.
Expert Tips
- Keep the meat layer thin for fast cooking and better texture.
- Grated onion blends smoothly into the meat filling and keeps it juicy.
- Avoid using a food processor for mixing—hand mixing gives better control.
- Always cook arayes until the ground meat is fully done and no longer pink.
- Serve immediately for the best crunch.
What to Pair With It
Arayes are delicious on their own or as a wrap, and pair great with sauces and sides. Serve them with tahini sauce, garlic yogurt sauce, or this delicious roasted red pepper and feta sauce (tirokafteri). A simple chopped salad with fresh herbs, cucumbers, and tomatoes balances the richness perfectly. They also pair well with hummus, roasted vegetables, or rice for a more complete meal. Here are some additional favorites-
More Recipes To Try
Arayes (Middle Eastern Stuffed Pitas)
Ingredients
For the Meat Filling
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Lamb 85/15 recommended
- 1/2 Onion grated and liquid pressed out
- 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- 4 tbsp Parsley minced
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Allspice
- 1/2 tsp Coriander
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp Red Pepper Paste optional
For Assembly
- 3 Pita Breads halved
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil for brushing
- 2 tsp Red Pepper Paste
Instructions
Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion (press out excess liquid), garlic, parsley, salt, cumin, paprika, allspice, coriander, black pepper, and olive oil.
- Mix gently until just combined, but do not overmix, or the filling will become dense.
Assemble the Arayes
- Carefully open each pita half to create a pocket.
- Spread a thin, even layer of the meat mixture inside each pita, pressing it gently so it adheres to the bread without overfilling.
- Mix the red pepper paste and olive oil together. Then lightly brush the outside of each stuffed pita with the mixture.
Cooking Instructions
- Grill Method (Preferred): Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill arayes for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the pita is crisp and the meat is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165 F. Oven Method: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place arayes on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 F.
- Serve with garlic sauce, pickled onions, and a side salad and enjoy.
Notes
- Sub ground beef for ground lamb as an alternative