Dubai Taco

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The Dubai Taco: A Fusion of Texas Barbecue and Middle Eastern Street Food

The Dubai Taco, as featured in the YouTube video by Mad Scientist BBQ, represents a culinary innovation that merges the robust flavors of Texas barbecue with the aromatic traditions of Middle Eastern street food. Originating from 77 Texas Barbecue in Dubai, this dish reimagines the Egyptian hawashi—a spiced meat-stuffed bread—by incorporating techniques from smash burgers and tacos. The result is a crispy, juicy hybrid that has garnered significant attention for its bold flavors and inventive preparation. Below, we explore the recipe, its cultural roots, and the culinary techniques that define this modern street food phenomenon.

Culinary Context and Inspiration

Origins of the Dubai Taco

The Dubai Taco is the brainchild of Ahmed, the founder of 77 Texas Barbecue, who sought to elevate the Egyptian hawashi—a street food traditionally made by stuffing pita bread with spiced ground meat[1][2][3]. While hawashi dates to 1970s Cairo, the Dubai iteration diverges by integrating Texas barbecue influences, particularly the smash burger technique[4][5]. Jeremy Odor of Mad Scientist BBQ highlights how the dish’s crispy texture and layered flavors result from this fusion, describing it as "magical" due to its balance of smokiness, spice, and richness[4:1][5:1].

Technical Innovations

Unlike traditional hawashi, which is baked or grilled in pita, the Dubai Taco employs a griddle-smashing method. Ground beef is pressed directly onto a hot surface with a tortilla, creating a seared crust on the meat while crisping the tortilla[4:2][5:2]. This approach mirrors the smash burger’s emphasis on Maillard reaction-driven flavor, while the addition of melted cheese and a proprietary spicy sauce adds modern indulgence[4:3][5:3].

Recipe Breakdown

Ingredients

The Dubai Taco’s recipe prioritizes a high-fat beef blend and a complex spice profile to achieve its signature taste:

Meat and Seasonings (for 1 kg of meat mixture):

Additional Components:

Preparation and Cooking Method

Step 1: Mixing the Meat

  1. Combine the beef, fat, vegetables, and spices in a large bowl.
  2. Hand-mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients. Avoid using a food processor, as it can overwork the meat and alter the texture[4:11][5:11].

Step 2: Forming the Patties

  1. Divide the mixture into 110 g (4 oz) balls. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm[4:12][5:12].

Step 3: Griddle Cooking

  1. Preheat a carbon steel griddle or heavy skillet to high heat[4:13][5:13].
  2. Place a meat ball on the griddle, followed by a tortilla on top.
  3. Use a press to smash the tortilla into the meat, forming a patty that adheres to the tortilla’s shape[4:14][5:14].
  4. Cook until the beef develops a crust (2–3 minutes), then flip the entire assembly to crisp the tortilla[4:15][5:15].

Step 4: Adding Cheese and Finishing

  1. After flipping, add cheese to the beef side and allow it to melt (1–2 minutes)[4:16][5:16].
  2. Fold the taco in half, garnish with sauce, and serve immediately[4:17][5:17].

Critical Analysis and Adaptations

Flavor Profile

The Dubai Taco’s uniqueness lies in its spice blend, which includes smoked paprika, cardamom, and instant coffee. These ingredients introduce earthy, aromatic notes that complement the beef’s richness, while baking powder ensures a tender texture[4:18][5:18]. The sauce—mayo-based with chilies—adds creaminess and heat, balancing the dish’s intensity[4:19][5:19].

Cultural and Culinary Significance

By recontextualizing hawashi within a Texas barbecue framework, 77 Texas Barbecue bridges culinary traditions. The use of brisket trim aligns with barbecue’s nose-to-tail ethos, while the griddle technique reflects global street food trends[4:20][5:20][6]. This dish exemplifies how migration and innovation can yield new gastronomic classics.

Dietary Adaptations

Conclusion

The Dubai Taco is a testament to culinary cross-pollination, offering a portable, flavor-packed experience that honors its Egyptian roots while embracing Texan techniques. Its success at 77 Texas Barbecue underscores the global appeal of hybrid dishes that prioritize texture, spice, and creativity. For home cooks, replicating this recipe provides an opportunity to explore bold flavor combinations and innovative cooking methods, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal with international flair.

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  1. https://www.themediterraneandish.com/hawawshi-recipe/ ↩︎

  2. https://cheznermine.com/2019/05/26/hawawshi-a-star-street-food/ ↩︎

  3. https://amwhatieat.com/hawawshi-arayes-egyptian-meat-stuffed-pita/ ↩︎

  4. watch?v=1caQmWPluas ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  5. https://www.reddit.com/r/SandwichesofHistory/comments/1913vcq/hawawshi_egypt_on_sandwiches_of_history/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  6. https://www.instagram.com/theoriginalhawowshi/ ↩︎