Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, I felt a whirlwind of excitement wash over me while contemplating a new take on taco night. Enter Smash Dumpling Tacos, a delightful fusion that combines the beloved crispy textures of dumplings with the zest and charm of traditional tacos. This innovative recipe is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly customizable, allowing everyone to join the culinary fun. Whether you’re catering to vegetarians or little food explorers, there’s a filling option that’ll ignite your taste buds. Imagine serving up these golden-brown beauties, perfect for impressing friends or simply enjoying a cozy night in. Curious how to whip up this delectable dish? Let’s dive in! Why Are Smash Dumpling Tacos Irresistible? Crispy Texture: The unique dumpling wrappers create an incredibly crisp exterior that holds delicious surprises inside. Customizable Fillings: Whether you prefer savory pork, vibrant veggies, or a milder mix for kids, this recipe offers delightful options for every palate. Fusion Delight: Marrying the best of Asian and Mexican cuisines, these tacos are a culinary adventure that sparks joy at any gathering. Quick and Easy: With straightforward instructions, you can whip up these tacos in no time, making them ideal for a busy weeknight without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for Sharing: Serve them at your next get-together and watch as they become the star of the evening, just like these Chicken Street Tacos! Smash Dumpling Tacos Ingredients For the Dumpling Wrappers • Dumpling Wrappers – The base of the tacos, providing a crispy shell. Substitution: Use tortillas for a traditional feel or wonton wrappers for a thinner, crispier option. • Plain Flour – Essential for making dumpling wrappers; contributes to structure. No substitutions suggested for this ingredient. • Boiling Water – Activates gluten in the flour, aiding dough formation. Make sure water is just boiled and cooled slightly before mixing. • Salt – Enhances the flavor of the wrappers and filling. No substitutes suggested. For the Filling • Pork Mince – Central filling ingredient offering rich flavor. Substitution: Ground chicken or turkey for leaner options, or a mixture of mushrooms and tofu for a vegetarian filling. • Spring Onions, Chives, and Coriander – Add fresh flavor and aroma to the filling and toppings. Substitutions: Red onion for spring onion, scallions for chives, parsley for coriander. • Garlic and Ginger – Provide depth of flavor. Substitutions: Onion powder for garlic, ground ginger for fresh ginger. • Light and Dark Soy Sauce – Seasoning for depth and umami flavors. Substitution: Tamari for gluten-free, coconut aminos for soy-free. • Sesame Oil – Adds nutty flavor to the filling. Substitution: Peanut oil or olive oil. • Rice Wine Vinegar – Contributes to filling’s tanginess. Substitution: Apple cider vinegar or lime juice. • Egg – Binds filling ingredients together. Substitution: Flaxseed or chia seed mixture for a vegan option. For the Toppings • Carrot, Cucumber, Spring Onions, Coriander, Chili Oil – Add freshness and crunch. Substitutions: Shredded cabbage for carrot, radishes for cucumber, mint for coriander. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Smash Dumpling Tacos Step 1: Prepare Wrapper Dough In a mixing bowl, combine plain flour and salt, ensuring an even distribution. Gradually pour in just-boiled water, mixing with a fork until the dough looks shaggy and starts to come together. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in cling film and allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Step 2: Make Filling In a large bowl, mix together the pork mince, chopped spring onions, chives, coriander, minced garlic, and ginger. Add the light and dark soy sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, and beaten egg, combining everything thoroughly with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the filling is well-balanced and flavorful, then set aside while you roll out the wrappers. Step 3: Roll Wrappers Divide the rested dough into 8 equal pieces, rolling each into a ball. On a floured surface, flatten each ball and use a rolling pin to create a thin circle, about 3–4 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of your prepared filling in the center of each circle, folding the wrapper over to create a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges tightly to seal them securely, preventing any filling from escaping. Step 4: Cook Tacos Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the filled dumplings in the skillet, lightly smashing them down with a spatula to form flat cakes. Fry for about 2 minutes or until they turn golden brown on the bottom. Flip each taco, then add about 1/4 cup of water to the pan, cover immediately, and steam for about 1 minute to cook the filling completely. Step 5: Crisp the Bottom After steaming, remove the lid and let the Smash Dumpling Tacos cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the water to evaporate and the bottoms to crisp up beautifully. Look for a golden-brown color on the base. Once they are perfectly crispy, transfer the tacos to a serving platter and keep warm while you cook the remaining dumplings. Step 6: Serve Top each taco with fresh toppings, such as shredded carrot, cucumber slices, extra spring onions, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle chili oil on top for an added kick if desired. Serve your Smash Dumpling Tacos warm, inviting everyone to dive in and enjoy this delightful fusion of flavors! What to Serve with Smash Dumpling Tacos Elevate your dining experience with these delightful side dishes and accompaniments that perfectly complement the comforting fusion of flavors in each bite. Spicy Asian Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad offers a cool crunch with a hint of spice, balancing the savory flavors of the tacos. Avocado Crema: A creamy avocado drizzle adds richness and a touch of acid, enhancing the flavors without overshadowing the tacos. Sesame Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans in sesame oil and garlic provide a delicious contrast in texture, adding a green, vibrant element to your plate. Mango Salsa: Sweet and tangy, this bright salsa amplifies the freshness, bringing a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with each taco bite. Crispy Wonton Chips: A fun crunchy side, these wonton chips are perfect for dipping into sauces and will keep your taco night lively and interactive. Chili Drizzle: For those who prefer an extra kick, a drizzle of spicy chili oil not only amps up the flavor but also adds a beautiful finish to your dish. Make Ahead Options These Smash Dumpling Tacos are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious fusion meal without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the dumpling wrappers and filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them separately in airtight containers. To maintain their quality, make sure the wrappers are well-wrapped to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the tacos by rolling and cooking them as outlined in the recipe, starting from Step 3. With this prep, you’ll have warm, crispy Smash Dumpling Tacos ready to delight your family with minimal effort—ideal for those busy weeknights! Smash Dumpling Tacos Variations Feel free to customize these fabulous Smash Dumpling Tacos with your favorite ingredients and flavors! Spicy Twist: Add sliced jalapeños or chili flakes to the filling for a fiery kick. Perfect for those who crave a little heat in every bite! Veggie Delight: Substitute the pork mince with a blend of mushrooms and shredded carrots for a vibrant vegetarian filling. It offers splendid texture and flavor! Kid-Friendly Option: Replace the filling with shredded chicken and cheese, keeping it mild for little ones who are sensitive to strong flavors. They’ll love this cheesy twist! Umami Explosion: Drizzle a bit of truffle oil over the filling before sealing the dumplings for an elevated touch of flavor. It brings a luxurious element to your taco night! Crunchy Herb Garnish: Top your tacos with crispy fried onions and fresh mint for an extra layer of crunch and freshness. It’s a layer of fun that everyone will enjoy! Protein Punch: Swap ground pork for ground beef or turkey to change up the flavors while still keeping the dish hearty and delicious. Enjoy this meat-loving version! Crispy Cabbage Slaw: Instead of traditional toppings, toss together shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame dressing for a crunchy slaw that packs a punch of flavor. It’s delightful! Zesty Lime Drizzle: Squeeze fresh lime juice over your assembled tacos for a burst of tangy brightness that balances the flavors beautifully. This simple addition transforms every bite! Each of these variations brings a unique twist to your Smash Dumpling Tacos, making them perfect for any palate. Plus, if you’re looking for more fusion inspiration, you might also enjoy these scrumptious Chicken Street Tacos. The possibilities are endless, so have fun creating your perfect taco experience! Expert Tips for Smash Dumpling Tacos Hot Oil Essential: Always ensure the oil is hot before adding dumplings; this prevents them from sticking and becoming soggy. Press for Crispiness: For extra crispy Smash Dumpling Tacos, smash each dumpling firmly while cooking and consider extending the cooking time slightly before flipping. Avoid Overfilling: It’s tempting to add lots of filling, but too much can lead to the wrappers bursting. Stick to a spoonful per wrapper for the best results. Rest the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes helps relax the gluten, making it easier to roll out and shape the dumpling wrappers. Customizable Creations: Feel free to experiment with different fillings! Think outside the box and try combinations that reflect your taste buds, whether it’s vegetarian or lean meats. How to Store and Freeze Smash Dumpling Tacos Room Temperature: Let the tacos cool completely before storing at room temperature for up to 1 hour. Avoid leaving them out longer to maintain freshness. Fridge: Keep any leftover Smash Dumpling Tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps preserve their flavor while preventing sogginess. Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay frozen for up to 2 months. Reheating: To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, ensuring they crisp up again. Avoid the microwave, as it may make them soggy. Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right dumpling wrappers? Absolutely! For the crispiest Smash Dumpling Tacos, I recommend using fresh dumpling wrappers if you can find them. They’re thicker and can hold up against the filling. If you’re looking for something a little lighter, wonton wrappers work beautifully, providing a thinner, crispier texture. Tortillas can also substitute for a more traditional taco feel, although they won’t achieve the same dumpling crunch. What is the best way to store leftover Smash Dumpling Tacos? When storing leftover Smash Dumpling Tacos, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their delicious crispiness, I recommend reheating them in a skillet over medium heat rather than in the microwave. This method revives their crunch perfectly and prevents moisture from making them soggy. Can I freeze Smash Dumpling Tacos? Yes, you can! For optimal results, wrap each uncooked taco tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. They can stay frozen for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, simply heat oil in a skillet, add the tacos, and follow the cooking steps. You may need to cook them a couple of minutes longer since they’re starting from frozen. What if my filling is too moist? Very! If your filling seems too moist, you can always add a little bit of breadcrumbs or cooked rice to absorb some of that excess moisture. This will help to keep your dumpling wrappers from becoming soggy while they cook. Another option is to allow the filling to rest for a bit before using it; this can help the flavors meld and any excess liquid to evaporate. Are Smash Dumpling Tacos safe for pets or those with allergies? It’s best to be cautious! While the basic ingredients used in Smash Dumpling Tacos are generally safe for most people, certain elements like garlic and onions can be harmful to pets. If you’re concerned about allergies, be sure to check with guests beforehand. For a more allergy-friendly version, consider substituting the soy sauce with coconut aminos, which can be gentler on sensitive stomachs. Crispy Smash Dumpling Tacos for Your Flavorful Fusion Night Smash Dumpling Tacos are a delightful fusion that combines crispy dumplings with traditional taco flavors. Perfect for any gathering! Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsResting Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins Servings: 4 tacosCourse: AppetizersCuisine: Asian, MexicanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? Dumpling Wrappers4 cups Plain Flour Essential for making dumpling wrappers; contributes to structure.1 cup Boiling Water Make sure water is just boiled and cooled slightly before mixing.1 teaspoon Salt Enhances the flavor of the wrappers and filling.Filling1 pound Pork Mince Central filling ingredient offering rich flavor.2 stalks Spring Onions Add fresh flavor; substitutions include red onion.2 tablespoons Chives Substitutions include scallions.1/4 cup Coriander Add fresh flavor; substitution is parsley.3 cloves Garlic Provide depth of flavor.1 tablespoon Ginger Provide depth of flavor; substitutions include ground ginger.2 tablespoons Light Soy Sauce Seasoning for depth and umami flavors.2 tablespoons Dark Soy Sauce Substitution is tamari for gluten-free.1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Adds nutty flavor; substitutions include peanut oil.1 tablespoon Rice Wine Vinegar Contributes to filling's tanginess; substitutions include apple cider vinegar.1 large Egg Binds filling ingredients together; substitution is flaxseed for vegan option.Toppings1 cup Carrot Add freshness and crunch; substitution is shredded cabbage.1 cup Cucumber Add freshness and crunch; substitution is radishes.2 stalks Spring Onions Additional toppings.1/4 cup Coriander Additional toppings; substitution is mint.to taste Chili Oil Drizzle for an added kick. Equipment Mixing bowlSkilletRolling Pin Method Dumpling Wrapper PreparationIn a mixing bowl, combine plain flour and salt, gradually pouring in just-boiled water. Knead for about 5 minutes to make smooth dough.Wrap the dough in cling film and allow it to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.Filling PreparationIn a large bowl, mix together pork mince, spring onions, chives, coriander, garlic, and ginger. Add soy sauces, sesame oil, vinegar, and beaten egg.Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring the filling is well-balanced, then set aside.Wrapper RollingDivide rested dough into 8 pieces, rolling into balls. Flatten each ball on a floured surface to create thin circles.Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle, folding to create half-moon shapes. Pinch edges to seal.CookingHeat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place filled dumplings, smashing them down with a spatula to form flat cakes and fry until golden brown.Flip, add 1/4 cup of water, cover, and steam for about 1 minute.Remove lid, let cook for another 2-3 minutes to crisp the bottoms.Transfer to a serving platter and keep warm while cooking the rest.ServingTop each taco with fresh toppings and drizzle chili oil if desired. Serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 2tacosCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 22gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg NotesCustomizable fillings can reflect personal preferences; experiment with vegetarian options or lean meats. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
