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Dubai Taco Recipe: Crispy, Cheesy, Flavor Packed

An easy fusion dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Fusion, Middle Eastern-Inspired

Ingredients
  

For the Taco Filling

  • 1 lb 450 g ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 1 green bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño seeds removed and finely minced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp instant coffee granules
  • 3/4 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil

For Assembly

  • 8 small flour tortillas 6-inch
  • 2 cups 8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Sour cream or labneh for serving

Instructions
 

  • Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes. Add the oil.
  • Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the garlic, jalapeño, and green bell pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef in small loose portions onto the hot surface.
  • Sprinkle the coffee granules, cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and baking powder over the meat.
  • Smash the beef flat with a spatula so it cooks in a thin layer, then gently mix it with the vegetables.
  • Let the meat cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes so it develops a deep crust.
  • Break up the beef and continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes, until no pink remains.
  • Warm the tortillas on the empty side of the griddle or in a dry skillet for about 45 seconds per side.
  • To assemble the Dubai Taco Recipe, place a warm tortilla on a plate and add a generous layer of shredded Monterey Jack cheese down the center.
  • Spoon the hot beef mixture over the cheese.
  • Top with chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and sour cream or labneh. Serve immediately.

Notes

This recipe is delicious served with fries, a crunchy salad, or extra lime on the side. For a creamier finish, use labneh instead of sour cream. You can also add sliced pickles, shredded lettuce, or thinly sliced red onion for extra texture and freshness.