Making my wife Dubai chocolate strawberries
Making my wife Dubai chocolate strawberries is a medium Middle Eastern recipe that serves 8. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Sam Jose on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $46.10 total, $5.76 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Strawberries (large, washed, dried, stems removed)
- 200 g Dark Chocolate (70% cocoa, broken into pieces for melting)
- 30 g Unsalted Butter (about 2 tbsp, cut into small cubes)
- 100 g Shredded Phyllo Dough (toasted until golden brown)
- 150 g Raw Pistachios (shelled, cracked, peeled)
- 30 ml Tahini (smooth, plain)
- 1 tbsp Powdered Sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
Make Pistachio Paste
Place the cracked, peeled pistachios in a food processor and blend until a smooth paste forms, adding a drizzle of neutral oil if needed to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Time: PT10M
Toast Shredded Phyllo
Heat a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the shredded phyllo dough. Stir constantly for 4‑5 minutes until the crumbs turn golden and fragrant.
Time: PT5M
Combine Pistachio, Tahini, and Phyllo
In a mixing bowl, combine the pistachio paste, tahini, and toasted phyllo crumbs. Mix until a uniform, slightly sticky coating is achieved.
Time: PT3M
Melt Chocolate
Place the broken chocolate pieces in a small saucepan over a simmering pot of water (double boiler) or melt in 20‑second intervals in the microwave, stirring between intervals, until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Strawberries
Pat the washed strawberries completely dry with a kitchen towel; any moisture will cause the chocolate to seize.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Layered Strawberries
Dip each strawberry first into the melted chocolate, allowing excess to drip off, then roll it in the pistachio‑tahini‑phyllo mixture, ensuring an even coating. Place the coated strawberries on a parchment‑lined baking sheet.
Time: PT10M
Freeze to Set
Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and let the strawberries chill for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate and coating are firm.
Time: PT30M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 2g
- Carbohydrates
- 15g
- Fat
- 7g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Tree nuts (pistachios), Dairy (butter, chocolate), Sesame (tahini), Gluten (phyllo)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dark Chocolate: Milk chocolate, Semi‑sweet chocolate
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Shredded Phyllo Dough: Crushed graham crackers
- Instead of Raw Pistachios: Almonds
- Instead of Tahini: Smooth peanut butter
Equipment Needed
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional)
- Small Saucepan
- Mixing Bowl
- Food Processor
- Spatula
- Freezer‑Safe Tray
- Kitchen Towel (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Making a smooth pistachio paste
- Melting chocolate without seizing
- Coating strawberries evenly before the chocolate sets
- Freezing long enough for the layers to harden
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use high‑quality dark chocolate for a glossy finish
- Dry strawberries thoroughly to prevent chocolate from bubbling
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a pinch of crushed pistachios on top before freezing
Troubleshooting
Chocolate seizes or becomes grainy
Remove the pan from heat immediately, add a teaspoon of neutral oil and whisk vigorously; if still grainy, start with fresh chocolate.
Pistachio paste is too dry and crumbly
Add a few drops of neutral oil or a tiny amount of warm water until the paste reaches a spreadable consistency.
Coating falls off after freezing
Make sure the chocolate layer is fully set before applying the pistachio mixture and press the coating gently onto the chocolate while it’s still slightly soft.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Can be kept frozen for up to 1 month
Room temperature: Not recommended; chocolate may melt
Make-Ahead Tips
- Pistachio paste can be prepared 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge
- Melted chocolate can be kept warm in a heat‑proof bowl over a pot of hot water
- Strawberries can be washed and dried a day before assembly
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of layered Dubai chocolate covered strawberries in Middle Eastern cuisine?
While chocolate‑covered fruit is not traditional in classic Middle Eastern desserts, Dubai’s cosmopolitan scene has embraced luxurious, Instagram‑ready treats that combine Western chocolate with local nuts like pistachios and tahini, reflecting the city’s blend of global influences and indulgent hospitality.
What are the traditional regional variations of chocolate covered strawberries in the United Arab Emirates?
In the UAE, variations may include drizzling the strawberries with date syrup, sprinkling with rose‑water‑infused pistachios, or using white chocolate instead of dark. Some versions add a thin layer of saffron‑infused cream for extra aroma.
How is a layered Dubai chocolate covered strawberry traditionally served in Dubai cafés?
They are typically presented on a sleek white platter, sometimes perched on a small decorative leaf, and served chilled as a bite‑size dessert alongside Arabic coffee or tea, emphasizing both visual appeal and contrast of textures.
What occasions or celebrations is the layered Dubai chocolate covered strawberry associated with in Emirati culture?
These elegant treats are popular at weddings, bridal showers, and upscale brunches, symbolizing luxury and celebration; they are also a favorite for festive Instagram posts during holidays like Eid.
What other Middle Eastern dishes pair well with layered Dubai chocolate covered strawberries?
They complement rich desserts such as kunafa, baklava, or rose‑water panna cotta, and can be served alongside a small cup of cardamom‑spiced Arabic coffee for a balanced sweet‑spice experience.
What makes layered Dubai chocolate covered strawberries special or unique in Middle Eastern cuisine?
The combination of silky dark chocolate, creamy pistachio‑tahini paste, and toasted phyllo crumbs creates a multi‑textured bite that fuses Western chocolate indulgence with quintessential Middle Eastern nut flavors, embodying Dubai’s modern culinary identity.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making layered Dubai chocolate covered strawberries?
Common errors include not drying the strawberries fully (causing chocolate to seize), overheating the chocolate, using a pistachio paste that’s too dry, and freezing for insufficient time, which leads to a soft coating that falls off.
Why does this recipe use tahini in the pistachio coating instead of plain butter?
Tahini adds a subtle sesame richness and helps bind the pistachio paste to the toasted phyllo crumbs without making the coating overly greasy, preserving a light yet nutty texture.
Can I make the layered Dubai chocolate covered strawberries ahead of time and how should I store them?
Yes, you can assemble them up to a day in advance and keep them in an airtight container in the freezer. Let them thaw briefly at room temperature (5‑10 minutes) before serving to soften the chocolate slightly.
What does the YouTube channel Sam Jose specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sam Jose focuses on creative home‑cooking experiments, often putting a playful twist on trending internet food challenges while providing clear, step‑by‑step tutorials for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Sam Jose's approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Sam Jose blends humor and personal storytelling with authentic Middle Eastern flavors, frequently adapting traditional ingredients like pistachios and tahini into modern, visually striking desserts that appeal to a global audience.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
