Craving dumplings but don’t have the time to fold and steam? These Smash Dumpling Tacos bring you all the delicious, juicy flavors of your favorite dumplings—without the fuss. Inspired by the viral smash burger taco trend, this recipe gives a clever twist using dumpling-style pork filling, crispy tortillas, and zesty toppings. It’s fast, fun, and seriously tasty.

Why You’ll Love These Smash Dumpling Tacos

• All the flavor, none of the wrapping: Skip the traditional dumpling process and get right to the good stuff.
• Crispy and juicy: The pork filling is seared to perfection, while the tortilla gets golden and crisp.
• Weeknight-friendly: Quick to prepare and cook—perfect for busy nights.
• Customizable: Use chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat, and switch up herbs to match your taste.

Ingredients Overview

• Ground Pork (or substitute): Juicy, flavorful, and classic for dumplings.
• Aromatic Add-Ins: Scallions, garlic, and ginger for that signature dumpling kick.
• Sauces & Seasonings: Soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, black vinegar—rich umami in every bite.
• Mini Tortillas: Act as the crispy base. Try scallion pancakes for an upgrade.
• Pickled Cucumbers: A bright, tangy topping to cut through the richness.
• Finishing Touches: Chili oil, sesame seeds, fresh herbs.

How to Make Smash Dumpling Tacos

1. Prepare the Filling

Mix together:

• Ground pork
• Chopped scallions
• Chopped cilantro
• Garlic & ginger
• Soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, black vinegar
• Black pepper

Stir until fully combined.

2. Quick-Pickle the Cucumbers

Toss diced cucumber with rice vinegar and a pinch of salt. Let sit while you cook the tacos.

3. Assemble the Tacos

Spread a thin layer of the pork filling onto each mini tortilla. Use the back of a spoon to press it flat and even.

4. Fry Until Crispy

Heat a bit of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Place tortillas pork-side down, and press them with a spatula to “smash” the filling into the pan.
Cook for 4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Flip for 1 more minute to crisp the tortilla.

5. Garnish and Serve

Top with pickled cucumbers, extra cilantro or scallions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and your favorite dumpling dipping sauce or chili oil. Serve hot!

Tips for Success

• Prep ahead: The pork filling can be made and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Make it special: Swap tortillas for homemade scallion pancakes for a richer, flakier base.
• No cilantro? Try mint, Thai basil, parsley, or garlic chives instead.
• Spice lovers: Don’t skip the chili oil drizzle!

Storage

• Before cooking: Assembled tacos can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
• After cooking: Store leftovers in an airtight container. Reheat in a skillet to bring back the crispiness or microwave in 30-second bursts for a softer version.

Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dumpling Tacos:

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

For the Pickled Cucumber:

• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp salt

To Serve:

• Dumpling dipping sauce
• Chili oil
• Sesame seeds
• Extra cilantro and scallions

Instructions

1. Make the Filling:
   In a bowl, combine pork, scallions, cilantro, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, black vinegar, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
2. Pickle the Cucumber:
   Combine diced cucumber with rice vinegar and salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
3. Assemble Tacos:
   Spoon about 2 tablespoons of pork mixture onto each tortilla and spread it into a thin, even layer.
4. Fry the Tacos:
   Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high. Place tortillas pork-side down, pressing with a spatula. Cook for 4 minutes, flip, and cook for 1 minute more. Repeat.
5. Garnish & Serve:
   Top with pickled cucumber, sesame seeds, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of chili oil or dipping sauce. Enjoy immediately.

Make These Tonight!

With just a few pantry staples and 30 minutes, these Smash Dumpling Tacos will satisfy every dumpling craving—no steamer required.