Dubai Tacos

How to Make Dubai Tacos

1. 1

   Step 1: Cook the spiced meat

   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes, then add the ground lamb or beef and break it up with a spoon. Sprinkle in the shawarma spice blend and a pinch of salt, and continue to cook until the meat is well browned and any moisture has evaporated, about 6–8 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning — the filling should be fragrant and slightly concentrated.

   For this step

   • 1 lbGround lamb or beef
   • 2 tbspShawarma spice blend (or baharat)
   • 1 mediumYellow onion, finely diced
   • 2 tbspVegetable oil
   
2. 2

   Step 2: Make the garlic-yogurt sauce

   While the meat cooks, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and the juice of one lemon in a small bowl until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of water if you prefer a thinner drizzling consistency. Refrigerate until assembly — this bright, tangy sauce is the cooling counterpoint to the spiced meat.

   For this step

   • 1/2 cupPlain Greek yogurt
   • 2 clovesGarlic cloves, minced
   • 1 largeLemon (juice)
   
3. 3

   Step 3: Assemble and crisp the tacos

   Wipe the skillet clean and return to medium heat. Lay one small tortilla flat in the pan, sprinkle a thin, even layer of shredded mozzarella over half the tortilla, top with a generous spoonful of the spiced meat, then fold the empty half over to make a semicircle. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, pressing with a spatula, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden and crisp. Repeat with remaining tortillas, cheese and meat.

   For this step

   • 8 countSmall flour tortillas
   • 1 1/2 cupsShredded mozzarella (or melty cheese)
   
4. 4

   Step 4: Garnish and finish

   Transfer tacos to a plate and spoon or drizzle the garlic-yogurt sauce over each one. Scatter chopped fresh cilantro on top for brightness and, if you like, add a squeeze of lemon or a few thin slices of chili for heat. Serve immediately so the tortillas stay crisp and the cheese is still gooey.

   For this step

   • 1/4 cupFresh cilantro, chopped
   
5. 5

   Step 5: Serve and enjoy

   Serve the Dubai Tacos hot with extra yogurt sauce on the side and optional pickles or a simple salad. They’re great for casual dinners, sharing with friends, or for recreating that viral street-food moment at home.
   

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes, then add the ground lamb or beef and break it up with a spoon. Sprinkle in the shawarma spice blend and a pinch of salt, and continue to cook until the meat is well browned and any moisture has evaporated, about 6–8 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning — the filling should be fragrant and slightly concentrated.
2. While the meat cooks, whisk together Greek yogurt, minced garlic, and the juice of one lemon in a small bowl until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and a teaspoon of water if you prefer a thinner drizzling consistency. Refrigerate until assembly — this bright, tangy sauce is the cooling counterpoint to the spiced meat.
3. Wipe the skillet clean and return to medium heat. Lay one small tortilla flat in the pan, sprinkle a thin, even layer of shredded mozzarella over half the tortilla, top with a generous spoonful of the spiced meat, then fold the empty half over to make a semicircle. Cook for 1–2 minutes per side, pressing with a spatula, until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is golden and crisp. Repeat with remaining tortillas, cheese and meat.
4. Transfer tacos to a plate and spoon or drizzle the garlic-yogurt sauce over each one. Scatter chopped fresh cilantro on top for brightness and, if you like, add a squeeze of lemon or a few thin slices of chili for heat. Serve immediately so the tortillas stay crisp and the cheese is still gooey.
5. Serve the Dubai Tacos hot with extra yogurt sauce on the side and optional pickles or a simple salad. They’re great for casual dinners, sharing with friends, or for recreating that viral street-food moment at home.