I Flew 8,000 Miles to Learn this BBQ Recipe

I Flew 8,000 Miles to Learn this BBQ Recipe is a medium Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 820 calories per serving. Recipe by Mad Scientist BBQ on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 37 min

Cost: $18.74 total, $4.68 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Ground Beef (65% lean (35% fat) ground beef; can use ground brisket trim for extra flavor)
  • 500 g White Onion (Finely diced)
  • 2 pieces Green Chili (Jalapeño) (Seeded and finely diced; adjust for heat)
  • 1 piece Bell Pepper (Diced; any color works)
  • 2 tsp Smoked Paprika (Adds smoky depth)
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder (Helps create a tender crust)
  • 1 tsp Chicken Bouillon Powder (Provides umami; beef bouillon can be used instead)
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp Ground Cardamom
  • 1 tsp Instant Coffee (Adds depth; regular coffee grounds can be used)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 1 tbsp Beef Tallow (For cooking; can substitute with vegetable oil or clarified butter)
  • 4 pieces Flour Tortillas (Medium size; keto low‑carb tortillas work as well)
  • 4 slices White American Cheese (Can use cheddar, Swiss, or any meltable cheese)
  • 2 tbsp Mayonnaise (Base for the spicy sauce)
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup
  • 1 tsp Fresh Chili (Finely chopped; choose your heat level)

Instructions

  1. Dice Vegetables

    Finely dice the white onion, seed and finely dice the green chilies, and dice the bell pepper. Set aside.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine Dry Spices

    In a small bowl, whisk together smoked paprika, baking powder, chicken bouillon powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cardamom, instant coffee, and black pepper.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Season the Beef

    Place the 1 kg ground beef in a large mixing bowl. Add the diced vegetables and the spice mixture. Using your hands, gently mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Form Meat Balls

    Weigh out 110 g portions (about 4 oz) and roll each into a smooth ball. You should have roughly four balls.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Preheat the Griddle

    Place the carbon steel griddle over high heat and preheat to about 400°F (200°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  6. Add Cooking Fat

    Add 1 tbsp beef tallow to the hot griddle and let it melt, spreading it thinly.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: 400°F

  7. Press Beef onto Tortilla

    Place a tortilla on the griddle, then set a meat ball on top. Cover with a second tortilla (optional) and immediately press down with the griddle press so the beef flattens to the shape of the tortilla.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 400°F

  8. Flip and Crisp

    Using a spatula, flip the taco so the other side of the tortilla crisps. Cook for another 2 minutes until the tortilla is golden and the beef is cooked through.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: 400°F

  9. Melt the Cheese

    Open the taco slightly, sprinkle a slice of white American cheese (or your cheese of choice) inside, then close and let it melt for about 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

  10. Prepare the Spicy Sauce

    In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and the finely chopped fresh chili. Stir until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Assemble and Serve

    Drizzle the spicy sauce inside the taco, fold it over, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.

    Time: PT1M

  12. Clean Up

    Wash all used bowls, utensils, and the griddle while it’s still warm. Wipe down the stovetop.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
820
Protein
45 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
45 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Can be made keto with low‑carb tortillas, Not suitable for vegetarians

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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I Flew 8,000 Miles to Learn this BBQ Recipe

Recipe by Mad Scientist BBQ

A fusion taco that combines the juicy, seasoned smash‑burger patty with a crispy tortilla, melted cheese and a spicy mayo‑ketchup sauce. Inspired by the legendary Dubai taco from 77 Texas Barbecue, this recipe brings Texas‑style BBQ flavor to your kitchen.

MediumTex-MexServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
36m
Prep
3m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
49m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.74
Total cost
$4.68
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Mix spices into the ground beef thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution
  • Press the beef ball onto the tortilla with the griddle press to create a seamless crust
  • Achieve a golden‑brown crust on both sides of the tortilla without burning
  • Melt the cheese completely so it coats the interior
  • Combine mayo, ketchup, and chilies into a cohesive spicy sauce

Safety Warnings

  • The carbon steel griddle reaches very high temperatures; use oven mitts.
  • Hot beef tallow can cause severe burns; add it carefully.
  • Pressing the tortilla can release steam; keep hands clear of the press.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of the Dubai Taco in Tex-Mex cuisine?

A

The Dubai Taco is a modern fusion dish that blends Texas‑style barbecue flavors with the street‑food concept of Egyptian hawashi. It reflects Dubai’s multicultural food scene, where American BBQ meets Middle Eastern street fare, creating a unique taco that has become a local favorite.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of hawashi in Egyptian cuisine compared to the Dubai Taco?

A

Traditional hawashi is a simple flatbread stuffed with spiced ground meat, often served plain. The Dubai Taco upgrades it with a crispy tortilla, a smash‑burger style crust, melted cheese, and a spicy mayo‑ketchup sauce, adding Tex‑American flair to the original concept.

cultural
Q

How is the Dubai Taco traditionally served in Dubai’s Texas barbecue restaurants?

A

At 77 Texas Barbecue in Dubai, the taco is served hot off the carbon‑steel griddle, folded with the tortilla crisp on the outside, a crunchy beef crust inside, melted cheese, and a generous drizzle of a secret spicy mayo‑ketchup sauce. It’s eaten immediately for maximum texture contrast.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is the Dubai Taco associated with in Dubai’s food culture?

A

The Dubai Taco is popular as a late‑night snack after a night out, at casual gatherings, and during food festivals that showcase international fusion. Its bold flavors make it a crowd‑pleaser for both locals and tourists seeking a taste of Texas in the Middle East.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are used in the Dubai Taco versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include 65 % lean ground beef (or ground brisket trim), smoked paprika, chicken bouillon, and a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and instant coffee. Substitutes such as regular paprika with liquid smoke, beef bouillon, or ground cumin can be used, but they will alter the signature flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other Tex‑Mex dishes pair well with the Dubai Taco?

A

The Dubai Taco pairs excellently with classic sides like Mexican street corn (elote), a fresh cilantro‑lime slaw, or a simple black‑bean salad. A cold cerveza or a citrusy margarita balances the rich, spicy flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Dubai Taco at home?

A

Common mistakes include over‑mixing the meat (which makes it tough), using a cold griddle (resulting in a soggy crust), pressing the tortilla too slowly (causing tearing), and not melting the cheese fully. Follow the timing and press technique carefully for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this Dubai Taco recipe use a carbon steel griddle and press instead of a traditional skillet and parchment paper?

A

The carbon steel griddle reaches higher, more even temperatures than a regular skillet, creating the signature smash‑burger crust. Using the tortilla as the press surface integrates the taco into the patty, eliminating waste and infusing flavor, which parchment paper cannot achieve.

technical
Q

Can I make the Dubai Taco ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. You can season and form the meat balls up to 24 hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Cooked tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat on a hot griddle to restore crispness. Freeze uncooked balls for up to 2 months.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Mad Scientist BBQ specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Mad Scientist BBQ, hosted by Jeremy Odor, specializes in adventurous barbecue techniques, deep‑dive flavor science, and creative twists on classic BBQ dishes, often featuring high‑heat equipment like carbon steel griddles and primitive pits.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Mad Scientist BBQ's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Mad Scientist BBQ blends rigorous food science with bold BBQ traditions, focusing on precise temperature control, unconventional ingredient pairings, and storytelling about global BBQ cultures—setting it apart from typical Tex‑Mex channels that stick to traditional recipes.

channel
Q

What other Texas‑style recipes is the YouTube channel Mad Scientist BBQ known for?

A

Mad Scientist BBQ is known for recipes like the Texas‑style brisket smoked over oak, smoked pork ribs with coffee‑rub, and the ‘Smoked Chili Chocolate’ dessert, all showcasing the channel’s love for deep flavor and experimental techniques.

channel

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