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Smash Dumpling Tacos Recipe

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4 from 10 reviews

Smash Dumpling Tacos combine the juicy, flavorful essence of smashed ground beef patties with Asian-inspired cabbage slaw and a tangy dipping sauce, all served on warm street taco tortillas. This quick and easy recipe uses a griddle or skillet to create perfectly crispy edges and tender centers, perfect for a playful fusion taco night that takes just 20 minutes to prepare and serve.

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)

Burger Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 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

For Cooking

  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (for cooking only – do not add to meat mixture)
  • 6 street taco tortillas
  • Parmesan squares (for pressing burgers)
  • Burger press

Optional Toppings

  • Spicy mayo (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Make Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, green onions, garlic, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, sesame oil, garlic chili sauce, and optional red pepper flakes. Set this flavorful dipping sauce aside to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Make Slaw: Combine thinly sliced green cabbage, matchstick carrots, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions in a mixing bowl. Toss gently to mix and set aside to let the slaw flavors develop.
  3. Make Burger Mixture: In a large bowl, add ground beef, minced green onions, minced cilantro, garlic, garlic chili sauce, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. Divide the mixture into six equal-sized balls and set aside.
  4. Prep Other Ingredients and Tools: Gather the burger balls, parchment squares for pressing, and burger press. Make sure everything is ready to use at the cooking station because the cooking process moves quickly.
  5. Cook Smash Tacos: Preheat a flat top griddle or large cast iron skillet to medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and spread it evenly. Place each burger ball on the hot surface with a parchment square on top, then use the burger press to smash the patties flat, pressing for about 15-20 seconds each. Let patties cook untouched for 40 seconds to develop a crispy crust. Flip the patties, place the tortillas on the griddle next to each patty, close the lid (if using a griddle with lid), and cook for 1-2 minutes more. Flip the tortillas to toast the other side. Use a large spatula to lift each patty and place it on top of a toasted tortilla, then transfer to a serving plate.
  6. Assemble: Divide the prepared cabbage slaw evenly among the six smash tacos. Add a dollop of spicy mayo on top if desired for an extra kick.
  7. Serve: Serve the smash dumpling tacos immediately along with the prepared dipping sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy, savory meat and fresh, tangy slaw wrapped in soft tortillas.

Notes

  • Using parchment squares when smashing the patties helps prevent sticking and allows you to press the patties very thin for optimal crispy edges.
  • Keep the tortillas warm by placing them on the griddle briefly so they are soft and pliable when assembling the tacos.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic chili sauce and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Ground beef with around 15-20% fat content works best for juicy, flavorful smash patties.
  • You can substitute street taco tortillas with small corn or flour tortillas depending on your preference.
  • Serve immediately for the best texture contrast between crispy patties and fresh slaw.