Go Back
Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe

When I first made these Smash Dumpling Tacos in my kitchen last month, I honestly wasn't sure what to expect from such an unusual fusion. The concept seemed wild - taking dumpling filling and literally smashing it into tortillas like a burger patty - but the results blew me away completely.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken - Choose ground beef for richer flavor or chicken for a lighter option. Fresh ground meat works best as it holds together better during smashing.
  • 2 garlic cloves minced - Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth that powder simply can't match. Mince finely to distribute evenly throughout the meat.
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce - This provides the essential umami base. Use low-sodium if you're watching salt intake.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil - A little goes a long way with this aromatic oil. It adds that distinctive Asian flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger - Fresh ginger brings bright spicy notes. Avoid powdered ginger as it lacks the punch.
  • 1 tablespoon scallions chopped - Also called green onions, these add mild onion flavor and nice color contrast.
  • Salt and pepper to taste - Season according to your preference, keeping in mind the soy sauce already adds sodium.
  • 8 small flour tortillas - Street taco size works perfectly. Flour tortillas hold up better to smashing than corn.
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil - For frying. Choose vegetable or canola oil with a high smoke point.
  • For Serving:
  • Chili crisp or sriracha
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Pickled onions
  • Extra scallions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Dumpling dipping sauce optional

Method
 

  1. Creating these fusion beauties is surprisingly straightforward, but timing and technique matter. The key is working quickly once you start cooking to maintain that perfect crispy-to-juicy ratio.
  2. Each step builds on the previous one, so having everything prepped beforehand makes the process smooth and enjoyable. Don't worry if your first few look imperfect - the taste will still be incredible.
  3. Start by combining all your protein and seasoning ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix the ground meat gently with minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, and chopped scallions until just combined.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, but avoid overmixing as this can make the meat tough. The mixture should hold together well but still feel light and not dense.
  5. Heat your large skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of neutral oil. While the pan heats, portion your meat mixture into golf ball-sized scoops - you should get about 8 portions. Having them pre-portioned makes the cooking process much smoother and ensures even-sized tacos.
  6. Place one portion of meat directly in the hot pan and immediately press a tortilla on top. Using your spatula or a flat-bottomed pan, gently but firmly smash the meat flat underneath the tortilla. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving it - you'll hear it sizzling as the bottom caramelizes beautifully. This step creates that signature crispy crust that makes these tacos special.
  7. Carefully flip the entire taco so the crispy meat side faces up and the tortilla is now on the bottom. Cook for just 1-2 more minutes to warm the tortilla and allow it to absorb some of the delicious pan juices. The tortilla will pick up incredible flavor without becoming soggy.
  8. Continue this process with the remaining portions, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding your pan. Serve immediately while hot, topped with your choice of garnishes like shredded lettuce, scallions, chili crisp, and sesame seeds for that perfect finishing touch.