Introduction

Speedy Smash Dumpling Tacos are a delicious twist on traditional dumplings, combining juicy, flavorful pork with crispy tortillas for a perfect handheld treat. Quick to make and packed with umami, they’re ideal for a fun weeknight meal or casual gathering.

The image shows three small flatbreads on a wooden board, each topped with a dark, slightly charred layer of meat or sauce, giving a textured and rich brown look. On top of this base layer, there are fresh green garnishes including thinly sliced green onions curled into rings and chopped cilantro, sprinkled with sesame seeds. To the left, there is a small white bowl with bright red chili oil sauce, filled with visible chili flakes. In the background, there is a burlap bag with white flowers and a white vase with black patterns, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground pork (not too lean for juiciness; ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternative can be used)
1 tablespoon black vinegar (or rice wine vinegar as a substitute)
Fresh cilantro (or mint, Thai basil, garlic chives, or flat-leaf parsley as alternatives)
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated (or 2 teaspoons ginger paste)
Mini flour tortillas (can substitute wholemeal, corn tortillas, or scallion pancakes)
Oil for frying
Quick pickled cucumber (for topping)
Scallions, thinly sliced (for topping)
Sesame seeds (for topping)
Chili oil or dumpling dipping sauce (for drizzling)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, black vinegar, grated ginger, and finely chopped cilantro. Mix thoroughly to distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the meat.
Step 2: Spoon a heaped tablespoon of the filling onto each mini tortilla. Use the back of your spoon to spread the mixture into a thin, even layer covering the whole tortilla surface.
Step 3: Heat a little oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Place the tortillas filling-side down in the pan.
Step 4: Press down gently on each tortilla with a spatula or fish slice to help the filling cook evenly and develop a crispy texture. Cook for about 4 minutes, then carefully flip and cook the other side for 1 minute until the tortilla crisps up.
Step 5: Remove the cooked dumpling tacos from the pan and cover them with foil to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
Step 6: Top each taco with quick pickled cucumber, extra cilantro, sliced scallions, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with chili oil or dumpling dipping sauce to taste before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use ground pork with some fat content to keep the filling juicy—lean meat can dry out easily.
If you dislike cilantro, swap it for mint, Thai basil, garlic chives, or flat-leaf parsley for a different fresh flavor.
For a gluten-free option, try corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas or substitute with homemade scallion pancakes.
To add a smoky dimension, try using black vinegar, but rice wine vinegar works well as a substitute if unavailable.
Make your own quick pickled cucumber by soaking thin cucumber slices in rice vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt for 10 minutes.

Storage

Store leftover cooked dumpling tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispy texture.

How to Serve

The image shows three small flatbreads placed on a wooden board, each topped with a dark brown grilled meat layer that looks slightly charred and glossy. On top of the meat, there is a fresh green mix of sliced scallions, cilantro leaves, and diced green vegetables, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small red chili flakes. To the left of the flatbreads, there is a small white bowl with a bright red interior filled with a dark red sauce containing chili flakes. The background has a white marbled texture surface with a burlap sack holding white flowers and a tall white and black patterned vase. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the tacos ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling mix and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. However, for best texture, cook the dumpling tacos fresh and assemble just before serving.

Can I use something instead of pork?

Yes, ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives can be used. Just be mindful of the fat content to keep the filling juicy and flavorful.

Are the tacos spicy?

The base recipe isn’t very spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili oil or your favorite spicy dipping sauce when serving.