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Smash dumpling tacos cooking in pan with crispy golden tortillas and seasoned pork

Smash Dumpling Tacos

Crispy tortilla tacos filled with seasoned ground pork and topped with pickled cucumbers, combining dumpling flavors with viral taco trends
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • 3 scallions (spring onions) finely sliced
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro leaves chopped
  • 1 lb ground pork mince or chicken/turkey
  • 3 garlic cloves crushed
  • 1 inch fresh ginger grated (or 2 tsp ginger paste)
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp black vinegar or rice vinegar
  • black pepper to taste
  • 12 mini tortillas
  • olive oil for frying
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar for pickles
  • 1/2 tsp salt for pickles

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl for pickled cucumber
  • Large frying pan
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine scallions, cilantro, ground pork, crushed garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, fish sauce, black vinegar, and a generous grind of black pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly distributed.
  2. In a small bowl, toss diced cucumber with rice vinegar and salt. Set aside to pickle while you cook the tacos.
  3. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of pork mixture onto each mini tortilla, pressing it into a thin, even layer that covers most of the surface.
  4. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Place tortillas filled-side down in the pan, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Press firmly with a spatula for 4 minutes until the meat is cooked through and tortilla edges are golden and crispy.
  5. Flip carefully and cook for 1 additional minute to warm the tortilla top. The bottom should be beautifully crispy and the pork should be completely cooked through.
  6. Top each taco with pickled cucumber, sesame seeds, extra cilantro and scallions. Drizzle with chili oil or dumpling dipping sauce before serving immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

Black vinegar adds savory depth but rice vinegar works as substitute. Can use chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat instead of pork. Press down firmly when cooking to ensure even cooking and crisping.