The Lebanese Beef Wrap is a vibrant fusion of juicy grilled meat, warm spices, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in soft flatbread. This flavorful street food classic brings the essence of Lebanese cooking straight to your kitchen with a simple, three-step recipe. Whether you’re craving something hearty or just exploring Middle Eastern flavors, this beef kofta wrap delivers bold taste with every bite.
What Is a Lebanese Beef Wrap?
The Lebanese beef wrap is more than just a sandwich, it’s a warm, handheld taste of Middle Eastern tradition. Built around juicy kafta-style beef, it’s the kind of comfort food you find sizzling on a street corner or being passed around at family tables.
A Street Food Staple in Lebanon
In Lebanon, wraps like these are everyday favorites. Made with grilled spiced beef, fresh parsley, onions, and a generous swipe of garlic sauce, they’re often wrapped in warm pita and served with crunchy pickles. It’s quick, satisfying, and deeply flavorful.
From Kafta to Wrap: A Culinary Evolution
Kafta, ground beef mixed with herbs and spices, has long been a staple in Lebanese kitchens. Wrapping it in pita made the dish portable, perfect for meals on the go. If you enjoy creative wraps, check out our twist with crispy cheesy eggplant, another bold variation on classic flavors.
What Makes It So Flavorful?
It’s the spice mix that makes the difference: cumin, cinnamon, black pepper, and the brightness of chopped parsley. Garlic and onion bring heat and depth, while grilling locks in all the juicy goodness. Every bite of this Lebanese meat wrap is savory, aromatic, and completely addictive.
Lebanese Beef Wrap: Easy Kofta-Style Flatbread with Tzatziki
Lebanese Beef Wrap with grilled kofta, homemade tzatziki, spicy harissa-sriracha sauce, and a fresh onion-parsley salad, all wrapped in crispy flatbread.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps 1x
Ingredients
700g ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp paprika
1 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
1 tsp dill
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste
1 tbsp harissa
1 tbsp sriracha
1 tbsp water
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp sumac
Fresh parsley, chopped
4 Lebanese flatbreads
Pickles
Olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the kofta base:
Blend the beef, onion, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper into a smooth paste. Cut the flatbread in half, spread a thin layer of the mixture on one side, top with the other half, and press to seal. - Grill and prep toppings:Grill the filled flatbread in a press or skillet for 5–10 minutes until golden and cooked through. Meanwhile, mix yogurt, drained cucumber, lemon, garlic, dill, and salt for tzatziki. Combine harissa, sriracha, and water for a spicy sauce. Toss red onion with parsley and sumac.
- Assemble and serve:Gently open the grilled wrap, spoon in tzatziki, drizzle spicy sauce, and top with onion-parsley salad and pickles. Add a splash of olive oil, fold, and serve warm.
Notes
Avoid overstuffing the kofta to ensure even cooking. Drain cucumber well to keep tzatziki thick and stable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 wrap
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
The Benefits of Our Key Ingredients
Each component in this dish plays a role in what makes a Lebanese Beef Wrap deeply satisfying. From bold spices to cooling yogurt, these elements work together to build flavor, contrast, and balance.
Juicy Kofta: The Heart of a Beef Kofta Wrap
At the center of every good wrap is the filling, and here it’s a mix of ground beef, parsley, onion, and warm spices like paprika. Grilled just right, it brings smokiness and richness to this beef kofta wrap without feeling heavy.
The Yogurt Sauce That Balances It All
Greek yogurt mixed with grated cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon transforms into a creamy tzatziki that lightens the dish. Garlic does more than flavor, it also supports heart health, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic.
Crunch, Spice, and Freshness in Every Bite
The red onion and parsley salad adds freshness and crunch. Harissa and sriracha bring the heat, while pickles and olive oil round out the layers. For another fresh and bold wrap idea, take a look at our chicken caesar wrap.
The Flatbread That Holds It All Together
Lebanese flatbread is soft, elastic, and designed to wrap without cracking. It holds the fillings tightly without competing with the flavors, just the way a Lebanese meat wrap should.
From Raw to Wrap: Step-by-Step Prep
This recipe might look gourmet, but the prep is surprisingly simple. From kofta blending to the final drizzle, this Lebanese Beef Wrap comes together in under 30 minutes, crispy outside and juicy inside.Build the Wrap Base
Start with ground beef, onion, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse until it forms a thick, cohesive mixture. Cut a round of Lebanese flatbread in half. Spread a thin layer of the kofta on one side, top with the other half, and press gently with a fork to seal. This forms the base of your beef kofta wrap.
Grill to Perfection
Place the filled flatbread in a grill pan or sandwich press and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, until the wrap is golden and crisp. The meat should be cooked through and the outside lightly charred. While it grills, use the time to prep your toppings and sauces.
Mix Your Sauces
Combine thick Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic powder, lemon juice, dill, and a pinch of salt for a quick homemade tzatziki. For the spicy sauce, mix harissa and sriracha with a splash of water. Finish the prep with a red onion, sumac, and parsley salad for crunch.
Final Assembly
Once grilled, gently open the wrap and spoon in the tzatziki. Drizzle the spicy sauce and add the onion-parsley mix plus a few pickles. A bit of olive oil ties it all together. Fold and serve warm. If you love contrast in textures, don’t miss our royal crunchy wrap, another crave-worthy idea.
Tips to Nail Your Lebanese Beef Wrap
It’s easy to make, but a few smart tricks will take your Lebanese meat wrap from good to unforgettable. After many tests at home, here’s what really makes the difference.
Don’t Overstuff Your Wrap
It’s tempting to pile on the meat, but too much kofta can leave your Lebanese Beef Wrap soggy or undercooked. Spread a thin, even layer across the bread to grill it through without losing balance.
Cucumber Rule for Tzatziki
Always squeeze the grated cucumber well before mixing your sauce. Too much water makes the tzatziki runny and soaks the flatbread. Dry cucumber = creamy, stable wrap.
Flatbread Makes the Difference
Authentic Lebanese flatbread is soft, elastic, and crisps up beautifully. Avoid thick pita or wraps that tear easily. A good flatbread holds the filling without overpowering it.
A Lighter Option You’ll Love
Craving something lighter but still satisfying? Try our high-protein carrot wrap, it uses many of the same techniques but with a nutritious twist. It’s a great alternative when you want that Lebanese Beef Wrap flavor, with a lighter feel.
What Makes It a Balanced Meal
This wrap isn’t just tasty, it’s nutritionally thoughtful. The balance of protein, carbs, fat, and fresh herbs makes the Lebanese Beef Wrap a satisfying meal that doesn’t weigh you down.
Calories and Macros in Balance
One wrap averages 480 to 520 calories, depending on sauces and oil. Grilled kofta delivers about 25–30g of protein, while the flatbread offers energy from carbs. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and a dose of probiotics, read more about its benefits in this Cleveland Clinic article.
Salt, Spice, and Digestion
With sriracha, harissa, and pickles, sodium can add up fast. To keep it light, reduce sauces or choose low-sodium options. Parsley and cucumber bring in freshness and digestive support, helping balance out the bold flavors of this Lebanese meat wrap.
Meal Timing Tips
Perfect for lunch or dinner, the wrap is filling yet portable. Meal prepping? Make the kofta and sauces ahead, then grill fresh when ready. For a more indulgent version, our crispy chicken burger wrap is another bold and satisfying choice.
Final Thoughts
The Lebanese Beef Wrap is one of those recipes that’s easy to fall in love with. It brings together juicy kofta, fresh herbs, creamy sauces, and crisp grilled bread in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, it’s a meal that feels special without the stress.
Part of what makes the Lebanese Beef Wrap so addictive is its balance, spicy, cool, crunchy, and deeply satisfying. It’s a great go-to for busy weeknights or meal prep. And if you enjoy bold textures, our buffalo chicken crunch wrap is another craveable option to try.
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FAQ – You Asked, We Answered
What is a Lebanese wrap called?
In many cases, it’s simply called a Lebanese Beef Wrap or a kofta wrap. When grilled with meat pressed inside flatbread, it’s often referred to as “arayes.”
What's in a Lebanese wrap?
A Lebanese Beef Wrap usually contains spiced ground beef (kofta), flatbread, creamy sauces like tzatziki or tahini, pickles, onions, and parsley.
What goes in a beef shawarma wrap?
Beef shawarma wraps feature marinated, slow-roasted beef slices, garlic sauce or tahini, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and sometimes fries, different from the kofta in a Lebanese Beef Wrap.
What is the difference between shawarma and wrap?
“Shawarma” refers to the meat style, shaved from a spit, while “wrap” is the dish format. A Lebanese Beef Wrap uses raw kofta cooked inside flatbread, not spit-roasted meat.
What is a saj wrap vs shawarma?
Saj wraps use ultra-thin saj bread, grilled lightly, and are often stuffed with meats, cheeses, or vegetables. Shawarma refers to the spiced meat itself. A Lebanese Beef Wrap can be made with saj bread but uses kofta instead of shaved shawarma meat.
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