Smashed Dumpling Taco Recipe

Hey there, taco lovers and culinary adventurers! Are you ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey that fuses the best of Asian-inspired dumplings with the beloved Mexican taco? Say hello to my latest kitchen creation with this crispy Smashed Dumpling Tacos Recipe!

Imagine the tantalizing aroma of sizzling pork sausage mingled with garlic, ginger, and a medley of aromatic spices.

Picture a golden tortilla, crisped to perfection, enveloping a savory filling that’s both familiar and delightfully unexpected.

Are you intrigued yet? I thought so!

In this recipe, I’m shaking up tradition by giving classic dumplings a twist with these Asian-inspired tacos.

I’m talking about tender pork sausage, kissed with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of tangy rice vinegar, all nestled inside a crispy tortilla shell.

And let’s not forget the refreshing crunch of cucumber, lightly pickled and poised to elevate every bite.

So grab your apron, sharpen your appetite, and join me as we dive into the delicious world of Smashed Dumpling Tacos.

Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Ready to get cooking?

Let’s taco ’bout it, lol!!!

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Ingredients in Smashed Dumpling Tacos

For these crispy Smashed Dumpling Tacos, you’ll need a pound of savory ground pork sausage. Infuse it with the aromatic essence of three cloves of minced garlic and a generous dollop of ginger paste.

To bring out those irresistible umami flavors, add two tablespoons of soy sauce. To this add a tablespoon of sesame oil, and two teaspoons of fish sauce.

A dash of rice vinegar adds a subtle tang. While half a teaspoon of black pepper kicks up the heat just a notch.

And of course, what’s a taco without its vessel? Grab ten six-inch flour tortilla shells. Get the shells ready to be transformed into golden, crispy perfection under the weight of our delectable pork mixture.

And let’s not forget the fresh green onions! Thinly sliced for a pop of color and flavor. Along with half a cup of vibrant chopped cilantro to lend that unmistakable freshness.

For the topping, we’re keeping it cool and crisp with a diced cucumber. Toss it in a tangy mixture of rice vinegar and salt.

You’ll also want to add Asian Dipping Sauce to top off this easy pork taco recipe! 

Get my recipe for homemade Asian Dipping Sauce here!

Substitute Ingredients for Smashed Dumpling Tacos

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to put your own spin on our Smashed Dumpling Tacos recipe, fear not! There are plenty of substitute ingredients to suit your taste buds.

Instead of ground pork sausage, why not try ground chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative?

For a vegetarian twist, swap the meat for crumbled tofu or cooked lentils seasoned with your favorite spices.

Don’t have ginger paste on hand? Fresh grated ginger or even a pinch of ground ginger will do the trick.

In place of fish sauce, you can use a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a similar depth of flavor.

No cilantro in the fridge? Substitute it with fresh parsley or basil for a different herbaceous note.

And if you’re not a fan of cucumbers, shredded cabbage or crunchy bell peppers would make excellent toppings.

Feel free to get creative and make these tacos your own with whatever ingredients you have on hand!

How to Make Smashed Dumpling Tacos

Follow these easy steps to making these dumpling-inspired tacos for your next fun meal!

Mixing the Cucumber Topping

Let’s mix up the finishing touch to our Smashed Dumpling Tacos with a refreshing topping that perfectly balances the savory flavors below.

In a small bowl, we combine the crisp crunch of diced cucumber with a tangy twist of rice vinegar and a sprinkle of salt.

With a quick toss, the cucumber absorbs the bright acidity of the vinegar, enhancing its natural freshness and adding a delightful contrast to the richness of the pork filling.

Set topping mixture aside.

Making the Meat Mixture

To start crafting the soul of our Smashed Dumpling Tacos, we first embark on a flavorful journey with our meat mixture.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the star of the show: a pound of ground pork sausage, with its rich and savory profile ready to mingle with our aromatic companions.

Next, finely mince three cloves of garlic, releasing their pungent aroma that promises to infuse every morsel with irresistible flavor.

Adding depth and complexity, introduce two teaspoons of ginger paste, a vibrant burst of warmth that dances on the palate.

But what’s a dance without partners? Enter two tablespoons of soy sauce, lending a perfect balance of salty richness, followed by a tablespoon of sesame oil, offering its nutty undertones to the mix.

But the real secret weapon? Two teaspoons of fish sauce, that elusive umami bomb that elevates every bite to new heights of savory bliss.

And to bring it all together, a tablespoon of rice vinegar adds a subtle tang, while half a teaspoon of black pepper provides a gentle kick of heat.

With each ingredient added, stir with purpose, ensuring that every element harmonizes seamlessly, promising a symphony of flavor in every bite.

As the mixture comes together, add the final touches: three green onions, thinly sliced for a burst of freshness, and half a cup of chopped cilantro, lending its vibrant hue and herbaceous aroma to the ensemble.

With a final stir, our meat mixture is ready, a tantalizing fusion of savory, aromatic, and downright delicious flavors, poised to take center stage in our Smashed Dumpling Tacos.

Prepare Meat Ahead of Time

After mixing the ingredients together, you can store the meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days before using it to assemble and fry the tacos. Just make sure to give the mixture a good stir before using it, as some ingredients may settle at the bottom of the container.

By prepping the meat mixture ahead of time, you can streamline the cooking process and have your Smashed Dumpling Tacos ready to enjoy with minimal effort when you’re ready to eat.

Frying the Smashed Dumpling Tacos

Now, let’s dive into the exciting part: frying up our Smashed Dumpling Tacos to crispy perfection!

With our flavorful meat mixture ready to go, it’s time to transform simple tortillas into golden vessels of deliciousness.

We heat a skillet over medium heat, letting it come to the perfect temperature for our culinary masterpiece.

Taking a flour tortilla, we spread about two tablespoons of our savory pork mixture thinly onto one side, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.

Placing the tortilla, pork side down, onto the heated skillet, we let the magic begin.  Press down firmly with a spatula to fully adhere the meat mixture to the tortilla shell!

As the pork sizzles and the tortilla starts to crisp, the aroma of garlic, ginger, and savory spices fills the air, tantalizing our senses.

After about 3-4 minutes, when the pork is cooked through and the tortilla turns golden brown, we carefully flip it over, allowing the other side to crisp up for just a minute more.

And there you have it: our Smashed Dumpling Taco, hot off the skillet, with a crispy exterior that gives way to a savory, flavor-packed filling.

The char on the smashed dumpling tacos adds another level of flavor to this fun meal!

Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and pork mixture, and get ready to indulge in a culinary delight that’s sure to impress!

Add the Toppings!

Drizzle a spoonful of the Asian Dipping Sauce over your tasty taco! 

And spoon the vibrant cucumber topping onto the crispy tacos!  You can’t help but admire the burst of color and texture it brings to the plate.

With each bite, the flavor-burst of the sauce and the coolness of the cucumber topping provides a refreshing counterpoint to the warm, savory flavors of the meat mixture!  I love how it creates a symphony of tastes and sensations that dance on the palate.

So simple yet so satisfying, these toppings are the perfect finishing touch to elevate the Smashed Dumpling Tacos to culinary perfection!!!

How to Store and Reheat Smashed Dumpling Tacos!

Got some leftover Smashed Dumpling Tacos and wondering how to keep them fresh for later? Fear not!

Storing and reheating these flavor-packed delights is a breeze.

Once cooled to room temperature, simply transfer any remaining tacos to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge.

Stored this way, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, ready to be enjoyed whenever hunger strikes.

When it’s time to indulge, there are a couple of easy ways to reheat your tacos.

For best results, we recommend using a skillet over medium heat, allowing the tacos to crisp up once again for that irresistible golden crunch.

Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, until warmed through and crispy.

Whichever method you choose, you’ll be treated to a satisfying meal that’s just as delicious as the day you made them. So go ahead, enjoy every last bite of your Smashed Dumpling Tacos, knowing that even leftovers can be a culinary delight!

Can you Freeze the Leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers of your Smashed Dumpling Tacos for later enjoyment!! Here’s how!

Allow the leftover tacos to cool completely to room temperature before freezing. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the packaging, which can lead to freezer burn.

Once cooled, wrap each taco individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to protect them from freezer burn and to keep them from sticking together.

Place the wrapped tacos in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy identification later.

Store the tacos in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen tacos thaw them overnight in the fridge or a few hours at room temperature.

Once thawed, you can reheat the tacos in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.

Serve and enjoy your reheated Smashed Dumpling Tacos!

What Pairs Well with Smashed Dumpling Tacos?

Looking to round out your meal and elevate the experience of enjoying our Smashed Dumpling Tacos? Look no further!

These flavorful tacos pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments that will take your taste buds on a culinary adventure.

For a refreshing side dish, consider serving a simple green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette, or opt for a vibrant slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing.

A great option for a salad is my Bok Choy Salad!  Get the easy salad recipe here!!

Why not whip up a batch of crispy vegetable spring rolls or savory potstickers to complement the Asian-inspired flavors of the tacos? Or you can prepare frozen potstickers from the store!

And let’s not forget the drinks! A crisp and refreshing Asian-inspired cocktail, such as a lychee martini or a ginger-infused mojito, would be the perfect accompaniment to our flavor-packed tacos.

I served Lemon Meringue Pie for dessert!  This easy dessert recipe is on my website, get it here! 

Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering with friends, these pairing options are sure to delight and impress your guests! And it’ll create a memorable dining experience that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.

Enjoy!!