Sizzling Lebanese Arayes Kafta Recipe: A Flavor Explosion

Sizzling with Middle Eastern charm, this Lebanese street food favorite blends arayes kafta into a mouthwatering culinary experience that’ll transport you straight to the bustling markets of Beirut.

Fragrant spices dance through tender ground meat, nestled between crispy, golden bread that crackles with each delectable bite.

The magic lies in the perfect balance of smoky grilled flavors and aromatic herbs.

Charcoal-kissed edges bring out the richness of the seasoned kafta, creating an irresistible dish that speaks volumes about Lebanese cuisine.

Every morsel tells a story of tradition and passion, carefully crafted to delight your senses.

This recipe promises a quick and delicious journey into the heart of Middle Eastern street food that you won’t want to miss.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into the Best Arayes Kafta

• Ground Beef: Rich protein punch with ideal fat content for juicy texture, choose 80/20 blend for perfect moisture and flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Deep umami enhancer that binds spices and adds robust Mediterranean depth.
• Onion: Natural sweetness and aromatic foundation that tenderizes meat and builds complex flavor profile.
• Garlic: Powerful zingy element that elevates overall taste and provides traditional Middle Eastern character.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that introduces brightness and cuts through meat's richness.

• Salt: Essential flavor amplifier that balances and highlights other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Warming spice that adds subtle heat and complexity.
• Spices (Unspecified): Aromatic blend creating authentic Middle Eastern warmth and depth.

• Pita Bread: Soft, pillowy carrier that cradles meat mixture, select fresh, flexible breads.
• Olive Oil: Crucial for creating golden, crispy exterior with rich Mediterranean touch.
• Shredded Cheese: Optional creamy element that adds luxurious melting texture.
• Red Onions: Sharp, crisp garnish providing fresh contrast.
• Lemon: Bright, acidic finish that cuts through richness and refreshes palate.
• Shawarma Sauce: Creamy, tangy condiment completing traditional Middle Eastern experience.

Tools to Grill or Bake Arayes Kafta

• Food Processor: Small appliance for finely chopping onion, garlic, and parsley.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining ground beef, onion mixture, and spices.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing ingredients and slicing.
• Sharp Knife: Used for cutting pita breads and chopping garnishes.
• Grill Pan or Baking Sheet: Depending on cooking method, used for grilling or baking arayes.
• Cooking Brush: For applying olive oil to pitas before cooking.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping pitas during cooking.

Steps to Assemble and Cook Stuffed Kafta Bread

• Flavor Fusion

Blend onion, garlic, and parsley into a fragrant mixture that will infuse the meat with incredible taste.

• Meat Preparation

Combine the aromatic onion blend with ground beef, creating a rich and spicy mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

• Pita Transformation

Gently open soft pita pockets and generously fill them with the seasoned meat mixture, ensuring an even and hearty stuffing.

• Cooking Magic

Choose your preferred cooking method: sizzle the pitas on a hot grill pan until golden and crispy, or bake in the oven for a perfectly heated, crunchy exterior.

• Final Touch

Plate these delectable parcels with zesty shawarma sauce, garnish with crisp red onions and bright lemon slices to elevate the entire dining experience.

Tips for Spice Mix & Ground Meat Options

• Choose lean ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for juicier, more flavorful arayes that won't dry out during cooking.
• Experiment with additional Middle Eastern spices like sumac or za'atar to enhance the traditional flavor profile and create a personalized twist.
• Swap ground beef with plant-based ground meat, crumbled tofu, or roasted vegetables for a delicious meatless version that maintains the recipe's core essence.
• Try different cheese varieties like halloumi, feta, or mozzarella to add unique textures and flavor dimensions to the classic arayes preparation.
• Use lavash, thin flatbread, or even tortillas as substitutes for pita if traditional bread is unavailable, ensuring the stuffing remains the star of the dish.

Serving Arayes Hot Off the Grill

• Party Platter Paradise: Create a vibrant spread with multiple arayes arranged on a large wooden board, accompanied by small bowls of shawarma sauce, pickles, and fresh herbs for guests to customize their bites.
• Mediterranean Mezze Magic: Pair arayes with hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush salad, and warm pita bread to transform the dish into a complete Middle Eastern feast that celebrates bold, fresh flavors.
• Picnic Perfect Combo: Pack cooled arayes in a portable container with extra sauce on the side, making them an ideal handheld lunch or outdoor gathering snack that's both delicious and convenient.
• Breakfast Twist: Serve arayes with a side of scrambled eggs, sliced cucumber, and a dollop of yogurt for a hearty morning meal that brings Middle Eastern street food flair to your breakfast table.

Leftover Tips for Sandwich Storage

• Advance Prep Power: Make the beef mixture up to 24 hours ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, keeping flavors concentrated and reducing day-of cooking stress.
• Smart Freezing Strategy: Wrap uncooked stuffed arayes individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to 3 months – perfect for quick future meals when time is tight.
• Leftover Love: Refrigerate cooked arayes in sealed containers for 3-4 days, reheating in a skillet or air fryer to maintain crispy exterior and tender interior without losing moisture.
• Portion Planning: Each arayes serves as a substantial lunch or dinner option, easily scaled for meal prep by preparing multiple batches during weekend cooking sessions for grab-and-go convenience throughout the week.

Sizzling Arayes Kafta Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent arayes kafta from Lebanon blends grilled lamb, spices, and pita into a mouthwatering street food experience. Crisp edges and rich flavors invite diners to savor this irresistible Mediterranean delight.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
• 4 pita breads
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 medium white onion, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup fresh parsley or cilantro
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp tomato paste or pomegranate molasses
• ½ cup shredded cheese of choice, optional
• Olive oil for brushing
• Shawarma sauce for serving

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Pulse onion, garlic, and parsley in a food processor until finely minced, creating an aromatic herb foundation.
2. Meat Mixture: Combine ground beef, tomato paste, and Middle Eastern spices in a mixing bowl, kneading thoroughly until ingredients meld seamlessly into a uniform mixture.
3. Pita Assembly: Carefully slice pita breads, opening their interior pockets and generously stuffing with seasoned meat, ensuring an even, substantial layer. Optional: incorporate melted cheese for enhanced richness.
4. Cooking Technique: Select preferred method – stovetop or oven. For grill pan, brush pitas with olive oil and sear over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a crisp, golden exterior. Alternatively, preheat oven to 400°F, arrange pitas on a lined baking sheet, and roast for 12-15 minutes, ensuring even browning.
5. Serving: Plate arayes kafta alongside shawarma sauce, garnish with fresh red onion slices and vibrant lemon wedges to elevate the flavor profile and provide a zesty contrast.

Notes

• Prep Precision: Finely mince herbs and onions in a food processor for consistent, flavor-packed meat mixture that ensures even seasoning.
• Meat Mastery: Knead ground beef thoroughly to bind spices and create a compact, flavorful filling that prevents crumbling during cooking.
• Crisp Creation: Brush pita surfaces generously with olive oil to achieve golden, crunchy exterior while maintaining moist interior during grilling or roasting.
• Serving Suggestion: Pair arayes kafta with tangy shawarma sauce and fresh lemon wedges to elevate the dish’s bright, zesty Mediterranean profile.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg