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20-Minute Middle Eastern Crispy Arayes (Meat Stuffed Pitas)

Say hello to Arayes, or meat stuffed pitas, the ultimate Middle Eastern street food that combines crispy pita bread with a flavorful filling of spiced ground lamb. Perfectly pan-fried or finished in the oven for that crispy exterior, these Lebanese pitas are easy to make and even easier to love.

low-carb arayes on a plate with yogurt sauce.

Delicious Meat-Stuffed Pitas (Arayes)

These are meat stuffed pitas called Arayes – think of them like a super flavorful middle eastern meat pocket. I dipped them in my easy homemade white sauce and added pickled red onions and fresh parsley. You will be hooked.

You can make these super thin, in which case you can cook them in a pan right on your stovetop. But if you want each pita to be stuffed with extra meat, you’ll need to finish them off in the oven until they’re cooked through. Either way, you are in for a killer blast of flavor with every bite!

Why You’ll Love It

These incredible, crispy meat-filled pitas are about to become a new household staple after that first bite, trust me! Here are a few reasons why:

  • Bursting with Flavor: The spiced meat mixture is packed with warm spices like ground cumin, smoked paprika, and allspice, giving every bite a bold kick.
  • Crispy Perfection: Whether you cook them on a grill pan, in the oven, or in an air fryer, these pita bread pockets get a golden brown, crispy exterior that’s absolutely irresistible.
  • Versatile Meal: Meat-stuffed pita pockets make an easy lunch, a show-stopping main dish, or even a grab-and-go snack the whole family will love.
  • Customizable Fillings: Use ground lamb, beef, or chicken, and add extras like pine nuts, fresh herbs, or tomato paste to create your own flavorful filling.
  • Middle Eastern Classic at Home: Inspired by popular Lebanese meat-stuffed pitas, my low-carb version brings authentic Middle Eastern restaurant vibes to your kitchen.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the meat filling and pita quarters in advance, store them in a freezer-safe container with plastic wrap or parchment paper, and cook whenever you need a quick, delicious meal.

Low-carb Arayes Ingredients

ingredients for low-carb arayes

(Note: These are the recipe’s starring ingredients, but you can find all the ingredients in the recipe card below!)

  • Ground Lamb (or Beef): The star of the show! Ground lamb brings a rich, savory flavor that’s classic for Middle Eastern recipes, but you can totally use ground beef or even ground chicken if that’s what you have on hand or prefer.
  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet depth of flavor to the spice mix. Trust me, this is a game-changer in your spiced meat mixture!
  • Sumac: A tart and tangy spice that’s a staple in Lebanese cooking. It brightens up the meat filling and gives it that authentic Middle Eastern vibe.
  • Fresh Parsley: This herb isn’t just for garnish—it adds a pop of freshness to the meat mixture and balances out all those warm spices.
  • Onion (Grated): Finely grated onion blends seamlessly into the mixture, adding flavor and moisture without being overpowering. Pro tip: Use a food processor to make this step super quick and easy.
  • Garlic: Minced garlic is a must for that bold, aromatic punch we all love. Fresh is always best!
  • Pita Bread: Go for low-carb pita pockets or pita halves that are sturdy enough to hold all that flavorful filling.
  • Pickled Red Onions: The perfect tangy topping that cuts through the richness of the lamb-stuffed pita. Don’t skip these—they’re a game-changer and the perfect finishing touch to these meat stuffed pitas.
  • Tahini Sauce or Homemade White Sauce: Whether you prefer the nutty creaminess of tahini or my easy yogurt-based white sauce, these savory sauces take the whole dish to the next level. 

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

While this dish is perfect as is, you could make it your own with the following swaps and additions: 

Swaps:

  • Ground Meat Options: Swap ground lamb for ground beef, ground turkey, or even extra lean ground beef for a lighter take.
  • Pita Bread: Use gluten-free pita or homemade pita if you want to switch things up. You can also use flatbreads or naan for a slightly different texture. I always look for good low-carb options, and there are many tasty ones out there.
  • Dairy-Free White Sauce: Replace the yogurt-based white sauce with tahini sauce or a drizzle of olive oil for a creamy, dairy-free option.
  • Onion Powder: If you’re out of fresh onions, use ½ teaspoon of onion powder in the meat filling.
  • Tomato Paste: Add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the spiced meat mixture for a deeper, richer flavor.

Additions:

  • Pine Nuts: Toss in a handful of toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the lamb-stuffed pita.
  • Chili Flakes: Love a little heat? Add a pinch of chili flakes to the spice mix for a subtle kick.
  • Fresh Mint: Sprinkle in some chopped fresh mint along with parsley for an extra layer of freshness.
  • Red Peppers: Dice up some fresh red peppers and mix them into the meat filling for a pop of sweetness.
  • Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds on the top of the pita bread pockets before cooking for a nutty, toasty finish.
  • Homemade Garlic Sauce: Drizzle on some garlic sauce if you’re feeling extra indulgent—it’s a Lebanese classic! I have a tasty Lebanese Garlic Sauce recipe for you to try!

How to Make Crispy Meat Stuffed Pitas (Arayes)

The steps are simple, and I’m outlining them below, but be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to view the full, printable recipe card. You can also watch how it comes together in my Instagram reel!

low-carb arayes on a plate

Step 1 – Combine Meat Mixture Ingredients

We’ll start by mixing ground lamb (or ground beef, or a mixture) with a couple generous pinches of salt and pepper, smoked paprika, sumac, coriander, and allspice. Those are the dry spices. Then add fresh parsley, minced garlic cloves, & onion finely grated (or processed). Mix well, then let sit for a few minutes so the flavors soak up nicely.

low-carb arayes ingredients in a mixing bowl

Step 2 – Cut and Fill the Pitas

Grab your favorite pita and cut it into halves or quarters. I used a low-carb pita. Open the pita, then place meat inside and press down against the top and bottom. You can make these however thick you want, it all depends on your preference. If you want to make them thicker, just know you’ll want to finish them off in the oven so they can cook through.

low-carb arayes stuffing the meat pocket

Step 3 – Cook the Pitas

Bring a pan to medium heat. Add neutral oil (or spray). Add the stuffed pitas and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they get nice and crispy and cooked through. If you went with thicker pitas, place them into the oven in an oven safe rack for 8-10 mins at 400°F to finish them off.

frying the low-carb arayes

Step 4 – Make a Creamy White Sauce

I dipped these in a homemade white sauce made by mixing plain thick Greek yogurt, mayo, minced garlic clove, fresh finely chopped parsley, the lemon juice, a generous pinch salt and pepper. Give it a good mix, taste and adjust.

Step 5 – Serve

When the pitas are done, remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, some pickled red onions, and as much sauce as you want.

What to Serve with Low-carb Arayes

FAQ

Can I use ground chicken instead of lamb or beef?

Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great option for these stuffed pita pockets. Just make sure to season the meat mixture generously to bring out all those delicious flavors.

What’s the best way to get crispy pita bread?

To achieve that golden brown, crispy exterior, cook the pita halves over medium heat in a pan with a drizzle of olive oil or use a grill pan for those beautiful char marks. For thicker pitas, finish them in the oven at 400°F on a wire rack or a sheet pan.

What toppings go well with Arayes?

Pickled red onions, pickled shallots, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of tahini sauce or homemade garlic sauce are classic choices. For a little different twist, try sprinkling on sesame seeds or chili flakes before serving.

What’s the difference between Arayes and other Middle Eastern street food?

Arayes are a Lebanese classic street food, known for their spiced meat mixture stuffed into pita bread pockets and cooked until crispy. Unlike shawarma or kebabs, these are flattened portions of meat inside the bread, giving them a unique texture and flavor.

What can I serve with these lamb-stuffed pitas?

These crispy pita bread pockets pair beautifully with a refreshing salad to balance the warm spices. Try them with a Mediterranean Cucumber Avocado Salad for a crisp, tangy side, an Easy Labneh Salad for a creamy, lemon-y option, or a Low-Carb Sumac Salad for a zesty, low-carb addition. These sides bring fresh, vibrant flavors to round out the meal!

low-carb arayes on a plate with dip

How to Store


If you have any remaining pitas, wrap them in foil or an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or on a grill pan to keep that crispy exterior.

To freeze, place uncooked pitas in a freezer-safe container, separated with parchment paper or plastic wrap, and they’ll be ready for an easy lunch or dinner anytime.

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Yield: 4-6 servings

Low-carb Arayes (Meat Stuffed Pitas)

low-carb arayes on a plate

This low-carb arayes recipe is a lighter spin on traditional arayes, Lebanese meat-stuffed pitas! Spiced, ground lamb is tucked into low-carb pitas, then pan-fried until golden brown. Serve them with a creamy yogurt sauce or a drizzle of tahini.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground lamb or beef
  • ½ onion, grated
  • pinch of salt
  • pinch of pepper
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon sumac
  • ½ teaspoon coriander
  • ½ teaspoon allspice
  • 3 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3-4 low-carb pitas
  • 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • optional toppings like pickled red onions, pickled shallots, mint or more fresh parsley

White sauce

  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil mayonnaise
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
  • ½ lemon, juiced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

    1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb (or ground beef, or a mixture) with a couple generous pinches salt and pepper, the smoked paprika, sumac, coriander, and allspice. Add the fresh parsley, minced garlic, and the grated onion. Mix well, then let the meat mixture sit for a few minutes so the flavors soak up nicely.
    2. Cut the low-carb pitas into halves or quarters. Open the pita, then place 1-3 ounces of meat inside and press down against the top and bottom. You can make these however thick you want, it all depends on your preference. If making them thicker, just know that you will have to finish cooking them in the oven.
    3. Bring a large pan to medium heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of the avocado oil (or spray). Add the stuffed pitas and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they get nice and crispy and cooked through. If you went with thicker pitas, place them into the oven in an oven safe rack for 8-10 mins at 400°F to finish cooking them.
    4. Make the white sauce: In a small bowl, add the greek yogurt, mayo, garlic, chopped parsley, the juice of half a lemon, and a generous pinch salt and pepper. Give it a good mix, taste and adjust.
    5. When the pitas are done, remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, some pickled red onions, and as much sauce as you want.

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

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