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Algerian Tacos Recipe
Rebiai min eat

Authentic Algerian Tacos with Creamy Cheese Sauce

The iconic Algerian street food wrap. Large flour tortillas stuffed with juicy garlic-paprika marinated chicken, crispy french fries, and a homemade velvety French cheese sauce (Sauce Fromagère), pressed on a grill until perfectly crispy.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 large tacos
Course: main dish, street food
Cuisine: algerian
Calories: 685

Ingredients
  

  • Group 1: Chicken Marinade
  • 500 g 1.1 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into small 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic finely minced
  • 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or natural unsweetened yogurt
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp yellow curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • Group 2: Homemade Cheese Sauce (Sauce Fromagère)
  • 200 ml 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (minimum 30% fat)
  • 150 g 1.5 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (or sharp Cheddar cheese)
  • 50 g 2 oz cream cheese or soft processed cheese slices (like Laughing Cow / Kiri)
  • 1/8 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground white or black pepper
  • Group 3: Taco Assembly & Garnishes
  • 4 extra-large flour tortilla wraps 10 to 12 inches
  • 300 g 10 oz cooked golden french fries, freshly fried and seasoned with salt
  • 4 tbsp Algerian Sauce or a mix of 3 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Harissa paste, and 1 tsp caramelized minced onions

Method
 

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a glass bowl, mix the cubed chicken breast with minced garlic, Greek yogurt, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, curry powder, salt, and black pepper. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes (or room temperature for 10 minutes).
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on the outside and fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepot set over medium-low heat, pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat to low, then slowly add the shredded Gruyère cheese and cream cheese while continuously whisking until completely melted and velvety smooth. Stir in the nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Keep the sauce warm on the lowest heat setting so it stays liquid.
  4. Assemble the Wrap: Lay a large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread 1 tablespoon of Algerian sauce across the center. Place a layer of warm french fries, followed by a generous portion of cooked chicken. Pour a rich ladle (about 3–4 tablespoons) of warm cheese sauce directly over the meat and fries.
  5. Fold and Press: Fold the top and bottom edges of the tortilla inward over the filling first. Next, fold the left and right sides tightly over the center to construct a tight, sealed rectangular packet.
  6. Grill and Serve: Preheat a panini press or cast-iron grill pan over medium heat. Place the taco wrap seam-side down first to seal it. Grill firmly for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until crisp, golden brown, with deep grill marks. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot!

Notes

  • ​Meat Variations: While chicken breast is the most popular filling, traditional Algerian fast-food shops often use a combination of cooked ground beef (seasoned with garlic and parsley) or grilled merguez sausage. You can mix chicken and beef for a "Tacos Mixte".
  • ​Sauce Consistency: If the cheese sauce thickens too much while sitting, whisk in 1 to 2 tablespoons of warm milk or heavy cream to restore its pourable, silky consistency before assembling.
  • ​Keeping Fries Crisp: Ensure the french fries are freshly fried or baked right before building the taco. Cold or soggy fries will absorb the sauce too quickly and soften the tortilla wrapper.
  • ​Storage & Meal Prep: Assembled tacos are best enjoyed immediately. However, cooked chicken and cheese sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and kept in airtight containers in the fridge. Reheat the sauce gently before assembly.
Nutrition Facts :
Serving Size: 1 assembled grilled taco (approx. 320g)
Calories: 685 kcal
Total Fat: 33g (Saturated Fat: 14g, Trans Fat: 0g)
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 980mg
Total Carbohydrates: 58g (Dietary Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 3g)
Protein: 39g
Vitamin D: 0.4mcg | Calcium: 380mg | Iron: 3.2mg | Potassium: 520mg