Cuso’s Beef and Lamb Arayes

Question for the Chef: What are Arayes?

Arayes (Arabic: عرايس) are popular as a Middle Eastern (Levantine) street food. Hardy and tasty, the dish takes spiced beef and lamb and shapes them into a half-moon. This slides into a pita (like a sandwich). Brush on a little olive oil and grill over wood until they crisp up. The results are savory and juicy, reminiscent of a Greek hamburger in pita form.

Introduction

Are you looking for a simple recipe with irresistible flavors? Go no further. These Beef and lamb arayes are crispy, smoky, and savory, and you can eat them with one hand (food on the go). Cuso’s Roasted Garlic and Onion, Gravel, and Southwest Sand Seasonings pack flavor into grilled arayes, which are Levantine street food gems. This recipe for beef and lamb pita pockets is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that you can easily make on your backyard grill. Wood grilling brings everything together with a kiss of fire and smoke. Serve arayes with a garlic and tahini sauce and watch the pita disappear.

Why You’ll love Cuso’s Beef and Lamb Arayes Recipe

Eastern-Mediterranean street food made in the comfort of home
Wood firing adds a smoky aroma and charred texture
Comes together quickly and easily for any gathering
The crispy pita marries perfectly with juicy, flavorful meat
Great for parties, casual meals, or game days
Use it for lunch, a snack, or a unique appetizer

Wood-grilled arayes with pita pockets

Arayes-warm beef and lamb pitas stuffed with meat enriched by Cuso’s Roasted Garlic and Onion, Gravel. And Southwest Sand Seasonings. A traditional recipe from the Middle East, cooked over a wood fire for a crispy-smoky finish. Serve with tahini sauce, and you have a perfect, unique offering for game day lunches or snacks.

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Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

INGREDIENTS FOR CUSO’S BEEF AND LAMB ARAYES

Beef & Lamb Mixture
1 white onion, chopped
1 lemon, juiced
1 bunch of parsley, chopped
6 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground lamb
2 tbsps Cuso’s Gravel Seasoning
3 tbsps Cuso’s Southwest Sand Seasoning
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp Cuso’s Roasted Garlic & Onion Seasoning
Pitas, cut in half and opened carefully
Olive oil to brush on pitas

Yogurt Sauce

1 cup Greek yogurt
2 tbsps Tahini
1 lemon, juiced
1 tbsp Cuso’s Gravel
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 tbsps water

INSTRUCTIONS FOR WOOD-GRILLED ARAYES WITH PITA

1. Start a fire in your charcoal or wood-burning grill. You can also use a gas grill, but you won’t achieve traditional flavors.

2. Mix the meat and seasonings together thoroughly.

3. Prepare the pitas: Slice the pitas in half and gently open them. Stuff the pitas with the meat mixture, about ½ inch thick.

4. Brush the pitas with olive oil before grilling to prevent sticking to the grill grates.

5. Grill the Arayes for about 3 minutes per side, until the pita crisps up and the meat mixture is done (160°F). Let rest.

6. Make the yogurt sauce: While the Arayes are resting, thoroughly combine the ingredients for the yogurt sauce.

7. Dip the Arayes into the yogurt sauce and enjoy this classic Middle Eastern dish!

From the Pantry Resource Files: What Does Arayes Mean?

In Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and much of the Middle East, the word ‘arais’ means bride (Arabic). In these regions, people prepared this dish to honor newlyweds (symbolic of the marriage of meat and bread). Bedouins and villagers alike made these as practical, portable meals that are hearty, easy to carry, and full of flavor.

Tips For Success When Making Cuso’s Beef & Lamb Arayes

Use 80-20 ground beef to maintain juiciness
Wait until the wood embers settle so you don’t burn the pita
Keep the stuffing layer thin so the meat cooks thoroughly and the pita doesn’t break
Oil the grill grates to avoid sticking
Be gentle when turning the pitas
Always rest the arayes for 2-3 minutes after grilling
Common Mistakes Made With Wood-Grilled Arayes with Pita
Making the meat too thick, leaving the center uncooked
Cooking over high flames. Your pita will burn and have a bitter taste
Forgetting to oil the grill. The pita will stick
Under-seasoning. Middle Eastern arayes can handle bold, robust flavors.

FAQs

Are there any traditional add-ons I can use for the wood-grilled arayes?

Add pickles and onions to serving platters. Brush the pita with pomegranate molasses before or after grilling.

What are some serving suggestions for grilled arayes?

Sides: Stick with Mediterranean flavors. Fattoush (fresh vegetable and herb salad, pickled turnips, roasted eggplant dip, and lentils with rice.

Beverages: Black tea (Shai) with mint, pomegranate sparkling water or soda, lemonade, or the national drink of Turkey, Ayran (yogurt-based).

Dessert: Baklava (yes, please!), Knafeh (phyllo dough with sweet cheese and sugar syrup, often garnished with pistachios), Basbousa (Semolina Cake), or fresh figs with honey dip.

I am not fond of lamb. Are there alternative meats for Middle Eastern arayes?

Yes, you can make arayes with all-beef, pork, or ground chicken/turkey.

I don’t have a grill. How else can I make beef and lamb arayes?

- Baking: 425°F; Place the arayes on a wire rack. 10 minutes on each side. Broil for 2 minutes to achieve a crunchy texture.

- Frying: Heat a griddle over medium-high heat. Add a tbsp of olive oil. Cook the arayes for about 3 minutes per side until the pita is crispy. Use your spatula gently to press the pita while frying to achieve even browning.

- Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F. Brush the pita with olive oil, as you would when grilling or baking. Arrange the arayes in a single layer (this may mean cooking them one at a time). Air fry for 5 minutes per side.

How do I select pita for grilled beef and lamb arayes?

Most important to this arayes recipe is that you get hollow pita; otherwise, there’s no pocket to stuff. Greek and Lebanese-style pita work equally well.

I like to play with seasonings. What are some common Middle Eastern spices I might use for wood-grilled arayes?

Flavors that work well with arayes include turmeric, smoked paprika, coriander, parsley, cumin, cinnamon, baharat, onion powder, and garlic powder.

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Lamb

Bacon Lamb Pinwheels: Lamb wrapped in bacon, seasoned with Cuso’s Maple Bourbon Seasoning and topped with Cuso’s Lemon-Pepper whipped feta.

Lamb Gyros: Lamb seasoned with Cuso’s Grass, Gravel, and Roasted Garlic and Onion Seasoning. Grilled and seared, nestled into a pita with pickled onion and tzatziki

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Keep Joining In the Fun

At Cuso’s, we firmly believe in playing with your food in the kitchen or at the grill. Visit us regularly on Instagram (@CusoCuts) for more great grilling ideas. We offer a variety of delicious, all-natural seasonings for you to try. Or, perhaps some low-sugar sauces are on your shopping list.

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