Description
Tony’s Arayes are crispy grilled pita pockets stuffed with juicy, spiced ground beef and toasted until golden and tender. Inspired by Middle Eastern street food, they’re bold, flavorful, and perfect for quick dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 small jalapeño, finely minced
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 4 large pita breads, cut in half
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine ground beef, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, parsley, jalapeño, and onion. Mix gently until combined.
- If using cheese, fold mozzarella into the mixture.
- Cut pita breads in half and carefully open each pocket.
- Divide meat mixture into 8 portions and press evenly inside each pita pocket, spreading thinly to the edges.
- Mix melted butter with olive oil and brush the outside of each stuffed pita.
- Heat a grill pan, skillet, or grill over medium heat.
- Cook pitas 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until crispy and golden and meat reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Remove and rest 2–3 minutes before slicing into triangles.
- Serve warm with yogurt sauce or tahini if desired.
Notes
- Do not overwork the meat to keep it tender.
- Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the bread before the meat cooks through.
- Thicker pita breads hold filling better.
- Can be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Rest briefly before slicing to retain juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pita halves
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
