Description
Speedy Smash Dumpling Tacos are a creative and delicious fusion dish combining crispy pan-fried dumplings with fresh taco toppings. This quick 25-minute recipe uses frozen dumplings cooked in a skillet, then smashed for a fun texture inside soft taco shells, topped with crunchy vegetables and creamy sriracha mayo, perfect for a satisfying meal or party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dumplings & Cooking
- 12 frozen dumplings (pork, chicken, or vegetable, your choice)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
Taco & Toppings
- 6 soft taco shells or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup creamy sriracha mayo or your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Dumplings: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the frozen dumplings in a single layer and cook until the bottoms turn golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Steam the Dumplings: Carefully pour 1/4 cup of water into the skillet and cover immediately with a lid. Let the dumplings steam for 5-6 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
- Crisp the Dumplings: Remove the lid, flip the dumplings, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to crisp the other side. Remove the dumplings from the skillet and set aside.
- Smash the Dumplings: Using a spatula, gently press down to smash each dumpling to create a flattened texture that will fit nicely into the taco shells.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place 2 smashed dumplings into each soft taco shell or flour tortilla.
- Add Toppings: Top the dumplings with shredded lettuce, shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions for fresh crunch and flavor.
- Drizzle Sauce: Finish each taco with a generous drizzle of creamy sriracha mayo or your preferred dipping sauce to add a spicy, creamy kick.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately. For added variety, pair with guacamole, salsa, or an Asian-style cucumber salad and sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for extra crunch.
Notes
- You can choose any frozen dumpling variety: pork, chicken, or vegetable, depending on your preference.
- Make sure to cover the skillet tightly during steaming to cook dumplings thoroughly and avoid excess water evaporation.
- Smashing dumplings helps create a crispy, taco-friendly texture perfect for holding toppings.
- Use soft taco shells or small flour tortillas to best accommodate the smashed dumplings.
- For a vegetarian version, select vegetable dumplings and use a vegan mayo alternative if desired.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha mayo to control the spice level of the tacos.
- Leftover tacos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh for crispiness.
