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A Dubai Taco is a fusion of a smash‑burger and a taco, featuring Wagyu ground beef seasoned with Middle‑Eastern spices, instant coffee, and a tangy mayo‑ketchup sauce, all served on a warm corn tortilla with provolone cheese.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
The Dubai Taco is a modern fusion created by Mad Scientist Barbecue after visiting 77 Texas Barbecue in Dubai. It blends the Texas‑style smash‑burger technique with Middle Eastern spices, reflecting Dubai’s multicultural food scene where Western BBQ meets Arabic flavor profiles.
Authentic spices include cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, and a touch of instant coffee. If any are unavailable, you can substitute cardamom with a pinch of all‑spice, use regular paprika instead of smoked, and replace coffee with a dash of cocoa powder for depth.
Unlike a typical taco that uses seasoned ground beef or shredded meat, the Dubai Taco uses a Wagyu smash‑burger patty infused with coffee and aromatic spices, then pressed onto a corn tortilla and topped with provolone, giving it a richer, meat‑centric flavor and a crispy edge.
The Dubai Taco isn’t a traditional dish but has become popular at casual gatherings, food festivals, and modern brunches in Dubai, especially among expatriates who enjoy a blend of American BBQ and Middle Eastern flavors.
Serve the Dubai Taco alongside a fresh tabbouleh salad, hummus with warm pita, or a side of spiced roasted cauliflower for a balanced meal that highlights the same aromatic spices.
Common errors include over‑mixing the beef (which makes it tough), using a cold griddle (preventing a proper crust), and adding too much coffee, which can turn bitter. Follow the timing and press the patty quickly for best results.
Baking powder raises the pH slightly without the strong alkaline taste of baking soda, helping the meat stay tender and develop a golden crust while keeping the subtle spice flavors intact.
Yes. Prepare the seasoned beef mixture and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Cook the tacos fresh on the griddle, then store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a skillet to retain crispness.
The tortilla should be lightly toasted, the patty should have a dark, caramelized crust with a juicy interior, and the provolone should be fully melted with a glossy sheen. The taco should look reddish‑brown from the spices with a slight char on the edges.
The YouTube channel Food Talk TV specializes in live, interactive cooking streams featuring a rotating roster of home‑cooking creators who share everyday recipes, BBQ techniques, and cultural food explorations for a community‑focused audience.
Food Talk TV blends casual, live‑chat interaction with detailed step‑by‑step demonstrations, often incorporating viewer suggestions in real time. This interactive, community‑driven style contrasts with the polished, pre‑produced format of many other cooking channels.
Food Talk TV is known for creative mash‑ups like Korean‑style BBQ tacos, Japanese‑inspired ramen burgers, and Southern‑style shrimp and grits with a global twist, showcasing a wide range of cultural flavor blends.
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