Introduction

Speedy Smash Dumpling Tacos are a fun and flavorful twist on traditional dumplings, served in mini tortillas for a quick and delicious meal. Juicy seasoned pork cooks crisp on the stove, making these tacos an irresistible snack or dinner option.

Three small, round flatbreads are placed on a wooden board, each topped with a dark brown, slightly crispy layer of seasoned meat. On top of the meat, there is a fresh green layer of thinly sliced curly scallions, chopped green herbs, and small white sesame seeds scattered around. Next to the flatbreads is a small white bowl with a bright red inside filled with a dark reddish-brown sauce with floating spices. The background shows a burlap bag with green leafy plants and white flowers, and a white vase covered in black spots and lines, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

400g ground pork (not too lean for juiciness)
1 tablespoon black vinegar (or rice wine vinegar)
1/4 cup cilantro leaves (can substitute mint, Thai basil, garlic chives, or parsley)
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or 2 teaspoons ginger paste)
Mini flour tortillas (or wholemeal/corn tortillas or scallion pancakes)
Oil for frying
Quick pickled cucumber (for topping)
Sliced scallions (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, chopped cilantro, and grated ginger. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients throughout the meat.
Step 2: Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the pork mixture onto each mini tortilla. Use the back of the spoon to spread the filling into a thin, even layer covering the entire tortilla.
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: Use a spatula or fish slice to press down firmly on each tortilla, helping the pork cook evenly and become crispy. Cook for about 4 minutes.
Step 5: Flip the tacos and cook for another 1 minute to crisp up the tortilla side. Remove from the pan and keep warm covered with foil.
Step 6: Repeat the cooking process with remaining tacos. Serve topped with quick pickled cucumber, cilantro, scallions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil or dumpling dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

Substitute ground chicken, turkey, or a plant-based ground meat alternative if you prefer not to use pork.
For a fresh herb twist, replace cilantro with mint, Thai basil, garlic chives, or parsley to suit your taste.
Try using scallion pancakes instead of tortillas for a crispier, more authentic Asian-inspired taco.
If fresh ginger isn’t available, ginger paste works just as well and saves prep time.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked dumpling tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

The image shows three small flatbreads on a wooden board, each topped with a dark, grilled meat layer that is slightly charred around the edges. On top of the meat, there is a fresh green layer made of chopped scallions, thinly sliced green onion coils, cilantro leaves, and white sesame seeds scattered across. To the left, there is a small white bowl with colorful floral patterns, filled with a dark red sauce containing chili flakes. In the background, a burlap sack with white flowers and green leaves is visible, along with a tall white container decorated with black dots and stripes, all set against a white marbled surface. 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 pork filling ahead and store it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. For best texture, cook and assemble the tacos fresh just before serving.

Can I use something instead of pork?

Yes, ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives are excellent substitutes to keep the tacos juicy and flavorful.

Speedy Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 137 reviews

Speedy Smash Dumpling Tacos feature a deliciously juicy ground pork filling seasoned with savory black vinegar, ginger, and herbs, spread thinly over mini tortillas and pan-fried until crispy. These tacos are topped with quick pickled cucumber, fresh cilantro, scallions, and sesame seeds, then drizzled with chili oil or dumpling dipping sauce for an irresistible burst of flavor. Perfect as a quick snack or appetizer, they can also be made with alternative proteins or served with scallion pancakes for an exciting twist.

Author: liam
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 mini tacos 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Ingredients

Scale

Dumpling Filling

1 lb ground pork (not too lean for juiciness; can substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based ground meat)
2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger (or 2 teaspoons ginger paste)
2 tablespoons black vinegar (substitute rice wine vinegar if unavailable)
Fresh cilantro (coriander), roughly chopped (or substitute with mint, Thai basil, garlic chives or flat-leaf parsley)

Assembly

Mini flour tortillas (can substitute with wholemeal or corn tortillas, or scallion pancakes)
Cooking oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works well)
Quick pickled cucumber (thinly sliced and pickled in vinegar and sugar)
Additional fresh cilantro leaves for topping
Sliced scallions
Sesame seeds
Chili oil or dumpling dipping sauce for drizzling

For Quick Pickled Cucumber

1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare Dumpling Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, fresh grated ginger, black vinegar, and chopped cilantro. Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients throughout the meat for consistent flavor.
Assemble Tacos: Spoon a heaped tablespoon of the dumpling filling onto each mini tortilla. Use the back of the spoon to spread the filling into a very thin, even layer covering the entire tortilla surface.
Cook Tacos: Heat a small amount of oil in a large frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Place the prepared tortillas filling-side down into the pan. Press gently with a spatula or fish slice to ensure even contact and help the filling cook thoroughly while crisping up the tortilla. Cook for about 4 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
Flip and Crisp Tortillas: Carefully flip each taco and cook on the tortilla side for an additional 1 minute to achieve a nice crispy finish on both sides.
Keep Warm and Repeat: Remove cooked tacos from the pan and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm. Repeat the cooking process with remaining tortillas and filling.
Prepare Quick Pickled Cucumber: In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until sugar dissolves. Add thinly sliced cucumbers and let them pickle for at least 10 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Top each cooked dumpling taco with quick pickled cucumber, fresh cilantro leaves, sliced scallions, and sesame seeds. Drizzle with chili oil or your preferred dumpling dipping sauce. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

For juicier tacos, use ground pork that has some fat content rather than very lean meat.
If you dislike cilantro, substitute with fresh mint, Thai basil, garlic chives, or flat-leaf parsley.
Scallion pancakes can replace tortillas for a flavorful and textured variation.
You can prepare the filling ahead of time but cook the tacos just before serving to maintain crispiness.
This recipe is adaptable for ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives to fit dietary preferences.
Quick pickled cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the pork.

Keywords: dumpling tacos, ground pork tacos, quick Asian tacos, pan-fried tacos, easy appetizer, scallion pancakes, spicy tacos, black vinegar tacos, ground meat tacos

Speedy Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Ingredients

Instructions

Tips & Variations

Storage

How to Serve