Name: Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 18–20 normal-size store-bought dumpling wrappers OR 8 larger homemade wrappers; 2 cups plain flour (240 g); ½ cup boiling water (120 ml, cooled 2 minutes); 1 teaspoon salt; 250 g beef mince (ideally 80/20); 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; 1–2 tablespoons water or beef stock (optional but recommended); Carrot, shredded; Cucumber, julienned; Spring onions; Coriander; Chilli oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 60 reviews

If you are craving a flavorful, fun-to-eat dish that combines crispy textures with juicy, savory filling, look no further than the Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe. This inventive recipe takes traditional dumplings and transforms them into a vibrant taco-style delight. It’s perfect for impressing friends or simply enjoying a comforting meal that bursts with fresh herbs, umami-packed beef, and a gorgeous crunch. Every bite offers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, making this dish an instant favorite in any kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with ground pink meat shaped like a ring with a well in the center holding a whole raw egg yolk. On top of the meat are small piles of finely chopped bright green scallions, minced pale yellow garlic, and chopped dark green herbs. The ingredients sit neatly layered and ready to be mixed. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of the Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver a satisfying meal. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the elastic, tender dough to the aromatic filling and crisp, colorful toppings, every component is essential to get that perfect flavor balance and texture.

Dumpling wrappers: Choose 18–20 store-bought dumpling wrappers for convenience or make your own with a simple flour and boiling water dough for extra freshness and texture.
Plain flour: Serves as the base for homemade wrappers, providing structure and chewiness when kneaded well.
Boiling water: Helps create a tender yet elastic dough when mixed with flour.
Salt: Enhances flavor in the dough and filling.
Beef mince: Ideally 80/20 fat ratio, for juicy, flavorful filling.
Spring onions, chives, coriander: Fresh herbs that add brightness and a lovely green pop.
Garlic and ginger: Classic aromatics that bring warmth and depth.
Soy sauces (light and dark): Deliver essential umami and a bit of color.
Sesame oil: Adds a nutty, fragrant undertone to the filling.
Rice wine vinegar: Balances richness with a hint of tang.
Egg: Binds the filling ingredients together beautifully.
Water or beef stock: Optional, to keep the filling juicy and tender.
Carrot and cucumber: Fresh, crunchy toppings that brighten each bite.
Chilli oil, spring onions, coriander: Final touches to add heat, freshness, and aroma.

How to Make Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Make the dough

Start by mixing the plain flour and salt in a bowl. Then create a little well in the middle and gradually pour in the boiling water that has been cooled for just a couple of minutes. Stir gently until you form a shaggy dough, then knead it on a clean surface for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Wrap it in cling film and let it rest while you prepare the filling — this resting step is key for that perfect dough texture later.

Step 2: Prepare the filling

In a medium bowl, combine the beef mince, finely chopped spring onions, chives, coriander, crushed garlic, and minced ginger. Add both light and dark soy sauces, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, egg, salt, and pepper, and if you want extra juiciness, a touch of water or beef stock. Mix everything together gently—you want it well incorporated but not overworked, so your filling stays tender inside the tacos.

Step 3: Assemble the dumpling tacos

Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and roll each out into a circle, roughly matching the size of your wrappers if you’re using store-bought. Spoon 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling onto the center of each wrapper, spreading it evenly while leaving some edge space for sealing and smashing later.

Step 4: Cook the dumpling tacos

Heat a splash of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Carefully place the dumplings in the pan and press them down gently with a spatula to create that characteristic “smash” and give the bottoms a beautiful golden crust. Cook for around 2 minutes until crisp and golden, then flip to the other side.

Step 5: Steam & crisp

Add 3 tablespoons of water to the pan and cover it immediately with a lid to steam the dumplings for about one minute. This step ensures the filling cooks through and stays juicy. After steaming, remove the lid and allow the bottoms to crisp once more for 2 to 3 minutes, locking in that addictive crunch that makes these tacos so irresistible.

Step 6: Finish & serve

Once cooked, transfer your smash dumpling tacos onto a serving plate. Top them generously with shredded carrot, julienned cucumber, chopped spring onions, fresh coriander, and a good drizzle of zingy chili oil for that extra kick. Serve immediately while warm and crispy for the best experience.

How to Serve Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe

A woman's hand holds a flatbread sandwich filled with bright green cucumber strips, thin orange carrot pieces, fresh green herbs like cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions, all layered on a golden-brown, slightly charred flatbread. The sandwich is being dipped into a small bowl of dark reddish-brown chili oil with visible chili flakes and sesame seeds. In the blurred background on a wooden surface, there is another similar flatbread topped with the same fresh vegetables and herbs. The scene is set on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of these tacos lies in the fresh, crunchy toppings that cut through the savory richness. Bright shredded carrot and crisp cucumber ribbons are essential, while a sprinkle of spring onions and fresh coriander adds a burst of herbal freshness. Don’t skip the chili oil—it’s the secret to adding a spicy, aromatic punch that elevates every bite to new heights.

Side Dishes

Pair your Smash Dumpling Tacos with a simple Asian-inspired side salad featuring cabbage, sesame, and a light soy dressing. Alternatively, some pickled vegetables or a cooling cucumber salad with rice vinegar will complement the tacos perfectly. For a heartier meal, lightly steamed greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli work wonderfully to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your dumpling tacos on a rustic wooden board for a casual, street-food vibe. Layer with small bowls of dipping sauces such as extra chili oil, hoisin sauce, or a tangy soy and lime dip for guests to customize. For a crowd, arrange the tacos on a large platter and top with microgreens or toasted sesame seeds for an eye-catching finish that invites everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Smash Dumpling Tacos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the best texture, keep the crispy bottoms facing up and separate any wet toppings like cucumber or shredded carrot to add fresh before serving again.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked assembled dumplings before the smash step by laying them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing once cooked as the texture may suffer.

Reheating

To reheat, gently pan-fry the refrigerated or thawed dumplings in a little oil over medium heat, pressing carefully to crisp the bottoms again. Add a splash of water and cover briefly to steam and warm through, then uncover to restore crispiness. This method helps revive the taco’s signature crunch and juicy filling.

FAQs

Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef for the filling?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or pork works wonderfully in the Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed, and maintain the same mix of aromatics and seasonings to keep the bold flavor profile.

Do I need to make the dumpling wrappers from scratch?

Not at all. Store-bought dumpling wrappers are perfectly fine and save time. However, making your own dough adds a lovely fresh taste and allows you to control thickness, which some cooks prefer for better texture.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe’s heat level is mild by default, primarily because chili oil is used as a topping. You can always add more chili oil or fresh chilies to make the tacos as spicy as you like.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe?

Yes! You can swap the beef for chopped mushrooms, tofu, or even a mix of finely shredded vegetables combined with your favorite vegetarian seasonings for a delicious, meat-free alternative that still satisfies.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Definitely! Assemble the dumplings in advance and freeze them. Then on the day, just cook them fresh using the smash and steam method. This makes the Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe an ideal dish for entertaining without last-minute stress.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe that makes it a perfect blend of comfort and excitement all on one plate. The crispy, golden bottoms give way to juicy, deeply flavored filling topped by refreshing, crunchy veggies and spicy chili oil. Whether you’re new to cooking dumplings or a seasoned pro, this recipe invites you to create something fun, delicious, and memorable. Don’t wait to try it — your taste buds will thank you!