Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe
Smash Dumpling Tacos are a delicious fusion dish combining the crispy texture of pan-fried dumplings with fresh, vibrant taco-style toppings. These homemade dumplings feature a savory pork filling with aromatic herbs and spices, cooked by pan smashing and steaming for a crunchy bottom and tender top, then topped with fresh vegetables and chili oil for an irresistible bite.
- Author: Sana
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 smash dumpling tacos 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Fusion (Chinese-Mexican inspired)
Dumpling Wrappers Dough
- 2 cups plain flour (240g)
- ½ cup boiling water (120ml)
- 1 teaspoon salt
Filling
- 250 g pork mince
- 3 spring onions, finely chopped
- Handful chopped chives
- Handful chopped coriander
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 inch ginger, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg
Toppings
- Carrot, shredded
- Cucumber, shredded
- Spring onions, sliced
- Coriander leaves
- Chilli oil, for drizzling
Additional
- Prepare Dough: In a bowl, mix plain flour and salt. Create a well in the center and gradually stir in boiling water that has cooled for 2 minutes. Stir until dough becomes shaggy, then knead for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in cling film and let it rest while preparing the filling.
- Make Filling: Combine pork mince, chopped spring onions, chives, coriander, crushed garlic, chopped ginger, light and dark soy sauces, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Form Dumpling Wrappers: Divide dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle, about 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
- Fill Dumplings: Place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling evenly in the center of each wrapper, spreading slightly but leaving edges clear for sealing.
- Cook Dumplings – Smash & Fry: Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Place each filled dumpling in the pan and press down firmly (‘smash’) to flatten the dumpling thin. Fry for 2 minutes without moving, allowing the bottom to crisp.
- Steam Dumplings: Add 3 tablespoons of water to the pan, immediately cover with a lid to steam for 1 minute. This cooks the filling through while keeping dumpling tops soft.
- Crisp Bottoms: Remove lid and continue cooking uncovered for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the bottoms crisp up further for a crunchy texture.
- Assemble Tacos: Transfer crispy dumpling tacos to plates. Top with shredded carrot, cucumber, sliced spring onions, fresh coriander leaves, and drizzle with chili oil.
- Serve: Serve the smash dumpling tacos hot and enjoy the perfect combination of crunchy, tender, savory, and fresh flavors.
Notes
- Resting the dough is important to make it easier to roll out and achieve a tender texture.
- You can substitute pork mince with chicken or a plant-based mince for variation.
- Adjust the amount of chili oil to your spice preference.
- If short on time, store-bought dumpling wrappers can be used instead of making dough from scratch.
- Ensure the pan is hot before adding dumplings to get a crispy base.
Keywords: smash dumplings, dumpling tacos, pork dumplings, pan-fried dumplings, fusion recipe, Asian tacos