Jump to Recipe Print RecipeTacos are a universal comfort food, but have you ever considered a twist that marries the joy of dumplings with this beloved staple? Enter my Smash Dumpling Tacos—an ingenious fusion that’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something quick and satisfying. These delightful tacos feature a luscious pork filling nestled in crispy mini tortillas, all topped with zingy quick-pickled cucumbers and a umami-rich dumpling dipping sauce. The best part? They’re not just delicious; they’re a fun way to liven up your dinner routine and impress any guests at your table. Ready to dive into this scrumptious adventure? Let’s get started! Why Try Smash Dumpling Tacos? Quick Preparation: These tacos are designed for busy weeknights, making them an ideal choice when you’re short on time. Delicious Flavor Fusion: Combining traditional dumpling filling with a taco twist results in a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. Crispy Texture: The frying method ensures a delightful crunch on the outside, perfectly complementing the juicy pork filling. Versatile Options: Easily swap out the pork for chicken or tofu, tailoring the recipe to suit your dietary preferences. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Impress your friends and family with this unique dish—perfect for gatherings or a fun family dinner. If you’re a fan of exciting flavors, you might also love our Grilled Steak Tacos for another mouthwatering treat! Smash Dumpling Tacos Ingredients • Curious about what goes into these delicious Smash Dumpling Tacos? For the Pork Filling Ground Pork – A rich filling recommended for its juicy flavor; try mixing in some diced green onions for an extra zing. Garlic Powder – Adds depth to the filling; you can substitute with fresh minced garlic if desired. Soy Sauce – Provides umami goodness; tamari works well for a gluten-free option. For the Tacos Mini Tortillas – Choose corn or flour based on your preference for the crispy taco shell; they should be soft enough to fold. For the Quick-Pickled Cucumbers Cucumbers – Use English or Persian cucumbers for their crunch; slice them thin for quicker pickling. White Vinegar – Perfect for the tangy pickling solution; apple cider vinegar can also be a great alternative. Sugar – Balances the acidity; adjust the sweetness to your liking for the best flavor. Salt – Essential for quick pickling; feel free to use sea salt for a subtle mineral touch. For the Dipping Sauce Dumpling Dipping Sauce – For convenience, a store-bought option can save time, but homemade is always delightful! Sriracha – Adds a fiery kick; adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance. Enjoy crafting your Smash Dumpling Tacos and delight in these quick, delicious bites that are sure to become a family favorite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Smash Dumpling Tacos Step 1: Prepare the Pork Filling In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil and brown 1 pound of ground pork, breaking it apart into small pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the pork is fully cooked and no longer pink, seasoning it with garlic powder and soy sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Step 2: Assemble the Tacos Once your pork filling is ready, take mini tortillas (corn or flour) and spoon about two tablespoons of the filling into the center of each tortilla. Fold the tortillas carefully to encase the luscious pork filling, pressing the edges together securely to create a pocket. Step 3: Fry the Tacos Heat about ½ inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the assembled tacos in the hot oil, frying them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning, flipping once for even cooking. Step 4: Make Quick-Pickled Cucumbers While the tacos are frying, prepare your quick-pickled cucumbers. In a bowl, mix ½ cup of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Slice cucumbers thinly and add them to the marinade, letting them soak for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors and provide a refreshing crunch. Step 5: Serve the Tacos Once your Smash Dumpling Tacos are golden brown and aromatic, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Top each taco with a generous amount of quick-pickled cucumbers and drizzle with a savory dumpling dipping sauce before serving. Make Ahead Options These Smash Dumpling Tacos are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the pork filling up to 3 days in advance; simply brown the ground pork and season it as instructed, then let it cool before transferring to an airtight container in the fridge. Additionally, you can assemble the tacos (filling the mini tortillas) up to 24 hours ahead; store them in a single layer in the fridge to maintain their shape. When you’re ready to cook, just heat oil in a skillet and fry the assembled tacos for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re crispy. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh, flavorful Smash Dumpling Tacos with minimal effort, making busy weeknights so much easier! What to Serve with Smash Dumpling Tacos Elevate your dining experience by exploring delightful pairings that complement these crispy, juicy tacos. Creamy Avocado Salad: A refreshing side that adds a cool, creamy element, beautifully balancing the flavors of the tacos. Steamed Broccoli: Offers a nutritious crunch and pairs well with the savory taste of the pork filling. Lightly season it for added zest! Spicy Roasted Chickpeas: Adds a crunchy, spicy kick, providing a fun contrast to the soft and juicy tacos. They’re irresistible as a finger food! Chili-Lime Rice: To soak up any extra dipping sauce, this zesty rice dish brings in bright notes that marry perfectly with the dumpling flavors. Fresh Mango Salsa: This fruity salsa bursts with sweetness and acidity, enhancing the overall experience and adding a tropical flair. Mango Smoothie: For an uplifting drink, blend mango with yogurt and a splash of lime juice for a refreshing, creamy accompaniment. Pickled Carrots: Tangy and vibrant, these add a crunchy texture that complements the tacos while providing an extra layer of flavor. Crispy Wontons: Serve these as a fun appetizer, adding an extra crunch reminiscent of the dumpling’s crispy exterior. Coconut Milk Gulab Jamun: For dessert, these sweet treats provide a sweet finish, blending beautifully with the dinner’s flavors. Enjoy creating a complete meal that your family will never forget! Smash Dumpling Tacos: Fun Variations Awaits Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize your Smash Dumpling Tacos for an even more delightful experience! Ground Chicken: Swap ground pork for ground chicken for a lighter option that’s just as flavorful. Tofu Delight: For a vegetarian twist, use crumbled firm tofu sautéed with spices for a delicious filling. A great way to introduce plant-based goodness into your meals! Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes to your pork filling for a zesty kick that will make your taste buds sing. Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an aromatic lift that enhances both flavor and freshness. Different Sauces: Experiment with a spicy chili sauce instead of dipping sauce, for those who crave a bit of heat. Many sauces can create a unique flavor profile! Crunchy Toppings: Toss on some crushed peanuts or shallots for a delicious crunch that complements the tender filling. Baked Option: For a healthier twist, try baking the tacos instead of frying—brush lightly with oil and find that delightful crunch! Fruit Pairing: Serve with a side of mango salsa to add a sweet and tangy contrast that perfectly balances the savory aspects of these tacos. Want more taco inspiration? Try our flavorful Grilled Steak Tacos next time for a different spin on dinner! How to Store and Freeze Smash Dumpling Tacos Fridge: Store assembled tacos in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. If possible, separate the pickled cucumbers to keep the tacos crisp. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pork filling separately for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before sealing in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: To enjoy leftovers, reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and then assemble fresh tacos. Frying assembled tacos after refrigeration may ensure a crispy texture. Quick-Pickled Cucumbers: These can be stored in the fridge in a sealed jar for up to 1 week, making them ideal for quick meals and snacks alongside your Smash Dumpling Tacos. Expert Tips for Smash Dumpling Tacos • Season Well: Ensure the pork filling is well-seasoned to enhance flavors. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance before assembly. • Avoid Sogginess: Fry the tacos until they’re golden and crispy; this adds texture and helps prevent any sogginess from the filling. • Fresh Is Best: Serve the Smash Dumpling Tacos immediately after frying for the best texture and taste—reheating might alter their wonderful crispness. • Pickle Perfection: Allow the cucumbers to soak for at least 10 minutes to achieve a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the tacos. • Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to swap ground pork for chicken or tofu. It allows you to tailor your Smash Dumpling Tacos to your dietary preferences. Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe FAQs How should I select and store the cucumbers for quick pickling? Absolutely! Choose firm cucumbers without any dark spots or blemishes, which indicates freshness. For quick pickling, I recommend using English or Persian cucumbers as they have a lovely crunch. Store uncut cucumbers in the fridge, where they’ll last for about a week. If you’ve already sliced them for pickling, keep them in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 1 week. Can I freeze the pork filling for my Smash Dumpling Tacos? Very! To freeze the pork filling, let it cool completely and then transfer it into a freezer-safe bag, pressing out the air to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. What’s the best way to reheat leftover Smash Dumpling Tacos? For the best results, it’s recommended to fry the tacos again to re-crisp them. You can reheat the assembled tacos in a hot pan with a little oil for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are crispy again and heated through. This way, you’ll maintain that delightful crunch on the outside while keeping the filling juicy! Are there any dietary considerations with the ingredients in the Smash Dumpling Tacos? Absolutely! If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, opt for ground chicken or tofu as a substitute for pork to make it lighter. Always check the labels of store-bought sauces for gluten or common allergens if you have sensitivities. Additionally, for a gluten-free version, you can use tamari sauce in place of regular soy sauce. How long can the assembled tacos sit before cooking? You can assemble the tacos up to 24 hours in advance! Just remember to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results and to retain their crispy texture, keep the quick-pickled cucumbers separate until you’re ready to fry the tacos! Smash Dumpling Tacos: Crispy, Juicy Delights for Busy Nights Smash Dumpling Tacos offer a delightful twist on comfort food, merging dumpling filling with crispy tacos for a quick, satisfying meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsPickling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 tacosCourse: DinnerCuisine: Asian, MexicanCalories: 220 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pork Filling1 pound Ground Pork Mix in diced green onions for extra zing1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Substitute with fresh minced garlic if desired2 tablespoons Soy Sauce Tamari for gluten-free optionFor the Tacos8 pieces Mini Tortillas Choose corn or flour based on preferenceFor the Quick-Pickled Cucumbers2 cups Cucumbers Use English or Persian, sliced thinly½ cup White Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can also be used1 tablespoon Sugar Adjust sweetness to your liking1 teaspoon Salt Sea salt is a good optionFor the Dipping Sauce½ cup Dumpling Dipping Sauce Store-bought or homemade1 tablespoon Sriracha Adjust to your spice tolerance Equipment SkilletBowlPaper Towels Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPrepare the Pork Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add oil and brown the ground pork, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Season with garlic powder and soy sauce.Assemble the Tacos: Spoon about two tablespoons of filling into the center of each mini tortilla. Fold each tortilla to encase the pork filling.Fry the Tacos: Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet. Fry the tacos for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.Make Quick-Pickled Cucumbers: In a bowl, mix white vinegar, sugar, and salt. Slice cucumbers thinly and marinate for about 10 minutes.Serve the Tacos: Remove tacos from oil, drain on paper towels, top with quick-pickled cucumbers and drizzle with dipping sauce. Nutrition Serving: 1tacoCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 12gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 2mg NotesThese tacos are perfect for busy weeknights and can be made with various proteins to suit dietary preferences. Enjoy immediately after frying for best texture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
