Description

These Smash Dumpling Tacos combine the juicy, flavorful goodness of ground pork patties with a crunchy cabbage slaw, all wrapped in soft street taco tortillas. Cooked on a griddle or cast iron skillet, the patties are smashed to create crispy edges, delivering a perfect texture contrast. The dish is accented with an easy-to-make savory and slightly spicy dipping sauce and an optional spicy mayo topping, making it an ideal quick and satisfying meal for any taco lover.

Ingredients

Dipping Sauce

½ cup soy sauce (sub tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons green onions (thinly sliced)
4 teaspoons garlic (minced)
4 teaspoons rice vinegar
4 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons ginger (grated)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce
Optional: red pepper flakes

Cabbage Slaw

½ cup green cabbage (thinly sliced)
½ cup matchstick carrots
¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
¼ cup green onions (sliced)

Ground Pork Patties

1 pound ground pork
¼ cup green onions (minced)
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (minced)
2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce
½ teaspoon kosher salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Other

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for cooking only – do not add to meat mixture)
6 street taco tortillas
burger press
parchment squares
Optional: spicy mayo (for topping)

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Instructions

Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, green onions, minced garlic, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, sesame oil, garlic chili sauce, and optional red pepper flakes until well combined. Set aside for serving as a dipping sauce.
Make Slaw: Combine thinly sliced green cabbage, matchstick carrots, chopped fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions in a mixing bowl. Toss thoroughly to combine and set aside.
Make Burger Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together ground pork, minced green onions, minced cilantro, minced garlic, garlic chili sauce, kosher salt, and ground black pepper until just combined. Divide the mixture into 6 equal-sized balls and set aside.
Prep Other Ingredients/Tools: Have the burger balls, parchment squares, and burger press ready near your cooking surface. This helps ensure quick and efficient cooking, as the process moves fast.
Cook Smash Tacos: Preheat a flat top griddle or a large cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil and spread evenly. Place burger balls on the hot surface, cover each with a parchment square, and use the burger press to flatten them as much as possible, which takes about 15-20 seconds per patty. Cook undisturbed for 40 seconds, then flip the patties. At the same time, place tortillas on the griddle next to the patties. Close the lid and cook for 1-2 minutes. Open the lid, flip the tortillas over on the griddle, then use a spatula to lift each patty and place it on top of a toasted tortilla. Transfer to plates.
Assemble: Divide the prepared cabbage slaw evenly among the 6 smash tacos. Add a dollop of optional spicy mayo on top if desired.
Serve: Serve immediately with the reserved dipping sauce on the side for added flavor and enjoyment.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
Use a flat top griddle, cast iron skillet, or a flat-top insert on a grill for best results.
Having all ingredients prepped and tools ready helps cook patties quickly and efficiently.
Adjust the spicy mayo topping according to your heat preference.
Optional red pepper flakes in the sauce add an extra kick if desired.
Use fresh ground pork for the best texture and flavor in the patties.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian Fusion