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Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe

Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe

5.3 from 9 reviews

Smash Dumpling Tacos combine the savory flavors of traditional Asian dumpling fillings with the fun and convenience of mini tortillas. Ground pork seasoned with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce is pressed and cooked directly on tortillas, creating a crispy, flavorful base. Topped with fresh pickled cucumbers, cilantro, scallions, and drizzled with chili oil or dumpling sauce, these tacos make a perfect appetizer or light meal bursting with umami and texture.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dumpling Tacos:

  • 3 scallions (spring onions), finely sliced
  • A handful of cilantro leaves (coriander), chopped
  • 1 lb/500g ground pork mince (or chicken/turkey)
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated (or 2 teaspoons ginger paste)
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 teaspoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 12 mini tortillas
  • Olive oil, for frying

For the Pickled Cucumber:

  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

To Serve:

  • Dumpling dipping sauce
  • Chili oil
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Make the Dumpling Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, ground pork, crushed garlic, grated ginger, light soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, black vinegar, and a good grind of black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
  2. Prepare the Pickled Cucumber: In a small bowl, mix the diced cucumber with rice vinegar and salt. Stir well and set aside to allow the flavors to develop while you prepare the tacos.
  3. Assemble the Tacos: Spoon a couple of tablespoons of the pork mixture onto each mini tortilla. Using your fingers or the back of a spoon, press the mixture evenly into a thin layer on one side of each tortilla.
  4. Cook the Tacos: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the tortillas, filling side down, into the pan. Use a spatula to press down firmly on each tortilla to ensure the pork cooks evenly and adheres to the tortilla. Cook for about 4 minutes until the pork is cooked through and slightly crispy, then flip and cook the other side for an additional minute to crisp the tortilla.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the tacos from the pan and spoon some of the pickled cucumber over each one. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional cilantro and scallions. Drizzle with chili oil or your favorite dumpling dipping sauce. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • The filling can be made with ground chicken or turkey as a lighter alternative to pork.
  • To save time, the dumpling mixture can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and kept refrigerated.
  • Assemble the tacos up to 24 hours before cooking and store covered in the fridge until ready to fry.
  • Adjust the amount of chili oil based on your preferred spice level.
  • Use mini flour tortillas for authentic texture; corn tortillas may not hold the filling as well.

Nutrition

Keywords: dumpling tacos, asian tacos, ground pork tacos, smash dumplings, appetizer recipe, mini tacos, pickled cucumber