Viral Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe (with Ground Pork)

Prepare yourself for an exciting twist on traditional tacos—introducing Smash Dumpling Tacos! Inspired by the viral trend, these quick and easy tacos feature a flavorful pork dumpling filling, smashed onto a tortilla, and cooked until perfectly crispy. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro, then drizzle with a mouthwatering dipping sauce for a deliciously unique dinner.

What Makes This Recipe Great

These smash dumpling tacos are a delicious and easier way to enjoy dumplings in less than 30 minutes. They are less work, but still satisfy that dumpling craving (you know it’s real!). 

Similar concept to the viral smash burger tacos, this recent trend is also starting to go viral on social media, and for a good reason. These smash dumpling tacos are juicy, yummy, and full of flavor. Just mix the dumpling meat, flatten it out on the tortillas, then pan-fry both sides until the meat is cooked and the tortillas are crisp. Garnish the top of each taco with kimchi, cilantro, and sesame seeds, and don’t forget my easy homemade dipping sauce (it’s a must!).

This viral recipe comes together in under 30 minutes making it an easy weeknight meal for the whole family! 

There’s always a time and place for dumplings so if you’re looking for a more traditional version, try these Crispy Rice Paper Dumplings and Homemade Korean Dumplings Recipe (Mandu).

Watch a Short Video of This Recipe

Ingredient Notes

Dumpling Filling

• ground pork: While pork is the standard for dumplings, feel free to use other ground meat like ground chicken. 
• mushrooms
• green onions
• cilantro
• garlic cloves
• fresh ginger
• soy sauce
• sesame oil
• rice wine vinegar

Tacos

• small corn tortillas: Or flour tortillas. Instead of dumpling wrappers, we’re using a small or mini tortilla as our shells. 
• avocado oil: Or any neutral flavored oil, for pan frying.
• Optional toppings: Kimchi, more cilantro, sesame seeds, and/or chili crisp

Dipping Sauce

• soy sauce: Or tamari sauce, for gluten-free.
• rice vinegar
• water
• honey
• toasted sesame seeds
• green onion

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients for the dipping sauce in a small bowl and set aside in the fridge.
2. Add all ingredients for the pork filling in a large mixing bowl and mix to combine.
3. Add 3-4 tbsp of the dumpling mixture to each tortilla and spread it out with gloved hands or the back of a spoon.
4. Heat oil in a thin layer in a large frying pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. In the hot pan, place tortillas (as many as you can fit in a single layer) meat side down. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook the other side of the tortilla (tortilla side down) for 1-2 minutes. Repeat with the rest of the tacos. Lower the heat to medium heat if cooking too quickly, 
5. Serve warm, drizzled with dipping sauce, and garnished with cilantro, sesame seeds, and whatever toppings you want to add.

Expert Tips

• I recommend ground pork that’s higher in fat so the meat doesn’t taste try once cooked. You can also substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even beef.
• Highly recommend making the dipping sauce, because it adds so much flavor and moisture to the smashed tacos.

Serving & Storage Tips

Garnish with cilantro, and sesame seeds, or for more heat, you can add kimchi or chili crisp. I also love enjoying it with this Chinese smashed cucumber salad.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. I like to reheat on the stovetop at low heat for 2-3 minutes, but you can also microwave. Reheating on the stovetop yields a crispy tortilla which I like! 

More Taco-Related Recipes

• Crispy Oven Baked Tacos
• Smash Burger Big Mac Tacos
• Paleo Burrito Bowl
• The Best Homemade Guacamole

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