These tacos combine the savory, umami-rich taste of dumplings with the handheld convenience of tacos. They’re quick to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners, parties, or even a fun date-night meal at home. The crispy seared edges, soft tortilla, and fresh toppings make every bite exciting.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated
Green onions, finely chopped
Soy sauce
Sesame oil
Sugar (optional, for balance)
White pepper
Round flour tortillas
Oil for frying
Shredded cabbage or slaw mix (for topping)
Cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
Chili crisp or sriracha (for topping)
Kewpie mayo or spicy mayo (for drizzling)
Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Directions
In a bowl, chicken with garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper until well combined.
Lay a tortilla flat and spread 2–3 tablespoons of the meat mixture on one side, pressing it evenly and thinly.
Heat a lightly oiled non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the tortilla meat-side down into the skillet.
Smash the meat down slightly with a spatula to help it sear evenly. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the meat is browned and crisp.
Flip and cook the tortilla side for another 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and warmed through.
Remove from the skillet and let rest briefly.
Top the meat side with cabbage slaw, cucumber, chili crisp or sriracha, mayo, and fresh cilantro.
Fold gently like a taco and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 tacos and takes approximately 30 minutes total—15 minutes prep and 15 minutes cooking.
Variations
Protein Choices : Chicken with beef, shrimp, or plant-based ground meat.chicken wit
Sauce Options: Use hoisin, gochujang mayo, or garlic soy drizzle instead of spicy mayo.
Spice Level: Adjust by adding more chili crisp or hot sauce, or omit for a milder version.
Tortillas: Use corn tortillas or gluten-free alternatives if preferred.
Extra Crunch: Add crushed peanuts or fried shallots as a topping.
Storage/Reheating
These tacos are best enjoyed fresh for peak crispiness. To store, place any leftover cooked taco bases and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat taco bases in a dry skillet over medium heat until warmed and crispy again. Add toppings fresh after reheating.
FAQs
What are Smash Dumpling Tacos?
They’re a fusion dish combining dumpling filling and tortillas. The meat is smashed onto the tortilla and seared until crispy, then topped with fresh, flavorful garnishes.
Can I use store-bought dumpling filling?
Yes, if you have pre-made dumpling filling or frozen dumpling mix, you can use it for convenience.
What kind of tortillas work best?
Small flour tortillas work best as they hold their shape and crisp up nicely. You can use street taco-sized tortillas for perfect portions.
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the meat with plant-based ground or a mix of finely chopped mushrooms and tofu.
Do I need a non-stick pan?
A non-stick skillet helps ensure the meat doesn’t stick and sears evenly, but a well-oiled cast iron pan also works great.
How can I make the tacos spicier?
Add chili oil, sriracha, or a spicy mayo drizzle to kick up the heat.
Can I meal prep Smash Dumpling Tacos?
You can prep the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Cook the tacos fresh for best results.
What toppings go well with these tacos?
Crispy cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, spicy mayo, chili oil, sesame seeds, and herbs like cilantro or Thai basil all pair well.
Are these tacos freezer-friendly?
It’s best not to freeze assembled tacos, but you can freeze the uncooked dumpling filling for up to 2 months.
Can I bake them instead of pan-frying?
Pan-frying gives the best texture, but you could bake them at 425°F on a greased baking sheet for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
Smash Dumpling Tacos are a bold, tasty, and fun twist on two favorite dishes—dumplings and tacos. Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for a quick dinner or a unique dish to impress your guests. Once you try them, they’re sure to become a repeat favorite.
Smash Dumpling Tacos are a bold fusion of crispy tacos and savory Asian dumplings. Juicy dumpling-style filling is smashed onto tortillas, seared until golden, and topped with crunchy slaw, fresh cucumbers, and spicy mayo—making for a crispy, juicy, flavor-packed bite.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:6 tacos
Category:Main Dish
Method:Pan-Fried
Cuisine:Fusion
Diet:Halal
Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 green onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
6 small round flour tortillas
1–2 tablespoons oil for frying
1 cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
Chili crisp or sriracha, to taste
Kewpie mayo or spicy mayo, for drizzling
Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
In a bowl, mix ground chicken with garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar (if using), and white pepper until well combined.
Lay a tortilla flat and spread 2–3 tablespoons of the meat mixture evenly on one side.
Heat a lightly oiled non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the tortilla meat-side down into the skillet.
Press the meat gently with a spatula to ensure even contact and searing. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the meat is browned and crispy.
Flip and cook the tortilla side for another 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and warmed through.
Remove from skillet and rest briefly. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Top the meat side with shredded cabbage, cucumber, chili crisp or sriracha, spicy mayo, and cilantro if desired.
Fold gently like a taco and serve immediately.
Notes
Use store-bought dumpling filling for convenience.Try with beef, shrimp, or plant-based meat alternatives.Customize toppings with hoisin, pickled veggies, or crushed peanuts.Best served fresh, but you can prep the filling ahead of time.Use a non-stick or well-oiled cast iron skillet for best results.
