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Speedy Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe

5 from 137 reviews

Speedy Smash Dumpling Tacos combine the savory flavors of ground pork seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, pan-fried to crispy perfection and served in mini tortillas. Topped with fresh scallions and cilantro, with a refreshing quick-pickled cucumber and optional spicy chili oil and sesame seeds, these tacos offer a fusion of Asian-inspired flavors in a convenient and delicious handheld dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Dumpling Filling

  • 3 scallions (spring onions), thinly sliced
  • A handful of cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1 lb (500g) ground pork mince (or substitute with ground chicken or 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

Pickled Cucumber

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

To Serve

  • Dumpling dipping sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Chilli oil
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pickled Cucumber: In a small bowl, combine the diced cucumber with rice vinegar and salt. Mix well and set aside to marinate while you prepare the filling. This quick pickle will add a refreshing crunch and tang to the tacos.
  2. Make the Dumpling Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, crushed garlic, grated ginger, scallions, cilantro, light soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, black vinegar, and a good pinch of black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture feels sticky and cohesive.
  3. Shape and Cook the Dumplings: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Using a spoon, drop small portions of the filling into the pan, flattening each into a patty shape approximately the size of your mini tortillas. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden and crispy, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and nicely browned on both sides.
  4. Warm the Mini Tortillas: Quickly warm the mini tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until pliable and warm, ready to hold the taco fillings.
  5. Assemble the Tacos: Place one or two dumpling patties on each warmed tortilla. Top with a spoonful of pickled cucumber, a drizzle of dumpling dipping sauce, chili oil to taste, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
  6. Serve Immediately: Serve the tacos fresh and hot to enjoy the contrast of crispy, juicy dumplings with the cool, tangy pickled cucumber and spicy chili oil.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground pork with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
  • Adjust the level of chili oil based on your spice preference.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and tortillas made from corn or other gluten-free grains.
  • The quick-pickled cucumber can be prepared up to 2 hours in advance to enhance flavor.
  • These tacos are best served immediately to maintain the crispiness of the dumplings.

Keywords: dumpling tacos, ground pork tacos, quick dinner, Asian fusion tacos, pickled cucumber, sesame oil, easy taco recipe