There’s something truly exhilarating about transforming simple ingredients into a dish that bursts with flavor and texture. Picture this: the satisfying crunch of roasted peanuts, the vibrant colors of fresh veggies, and the mouthwatering aroma of marinated meat sizzling in a pan. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with my Asian Pork Smashed Tacos.
I first whipped up this recipe after a particularly chaotic week, desperately craving something different from the usual fast food grabs. As I rummaged through my fridge, a few staples and a pack of tortillas ignited a spark of inspiration. The result? A delightful fusion that marries the juicy richness of pork and prawns with the fresh crunch of cabbage and carrots, all enveloped in warm tortillas.
Perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these tacos are not just quick to prepare; they’re also unbelievably versatile. So let’s dive into this mouthwatering adventure that will surely impress even the most discerning home chefs!
Why are Asian Pork Smashed Tacos a must-try?
Flavor Explosion: The rich pork and prawn mixture creates a savory depth that will tickle your taste buds.
Crispy Kicks: Topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh veggies for a satisfying contrast.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 7-8 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
Customizable Delight: Feel free to swap in your favorite proteins or toppings for a unique twist.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Impress your family and friends with this fun and tasty dish!
Make sure to check out my quick taco tips to elevate your taco game.
Asian Pork Smashed Tacos Ingredients
For the Filling
- Pork mince – 550 g for a juicy, flavorful base.
- Prawn meat (optional) – 150 g finely chopped for a delightful seafood twist.
- The Good Oil Extra Virgin High Oleic Sunflower Oil – 2 tbsp for high-temperature cooking.
- Spring onions – 4 finely sliced for a fresh, zesty kick.
- Garlic – 2 cloves crushed and chopped for aromatic richness.
- Fresh ginger – 1 tbsp finely grated to add warmth and depth.
- Chives – 1 handful chopped for a subtle onion flavor.
- Sesame oil – 2 tsp for a nutty finish.
- Soy sauce – 2 tbsp for umami goodness.
- Chinese rice wine – 2 tbsp to enhance the savory profile.
- Fish sauce – 1 tbsp for an authentic Asian flair.
For the Tortillas and Toppings
- Small tortillas – 10 (more or less as needed) for wrapping all the delicious fillings.
- Red cabbage – ¼ shredded for vibrant color and crispness.
- Carrot – 1 grated for a touch of sweetness.
- Fresh coriander – ½ handful chopped for an aromatic finish.
- Roasted salted peanuts – ⅓ cup chopped to add crunch and depth.
- Sriracha sauce – 1 tbsp for a spicy kick.
- Kewpie mayonnaise – 2 tbsp for a creamy, tangy contrast.
These Asian Pork Smashed Tacos are not only a feast for the senses but also incredibly simple to prepare, making them the perfect choice for elevating your taco night!
How to Make Asian Pork Smashed Tacos
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Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the pork mince, prawn meat, half of the spring onion, garlic, ginger, chives, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine, and fish sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until well-blended.
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Prep Tortillas: Lay out the small tortillas in a single layer on a clean surface. Divide the tasty filling evenly among them, pressing it carefully to cover the tortillas while leaving a 1cm border around the edge.
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Cook Tacos: Heat a thin layer of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Place the tortillas, meat side down, into the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and begins to color. Flip the tortillas and let them brown on the other side until golden.
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Toss the Veggies: In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded cabbage with the grated carrot and remaining spring onions until evenly combined, adding a refreshing crunch.
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Assemble and Serve: Transfer the crisped tacos to plates, then generously top them with the cabbage mix, fresh coriander, crunchy peanuts, and a drizzle of sriracha and kewpie mayo for that finishing touch.
Optional: For extra zing, add lime wedges on the side for squeezing.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Asian Pork Smashed Tacos?
Imagine a table filled with vibrant, flavorful sides that enhance the excitement of your taco night.
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Crispy Wonton Chips: These light, crunchy chips are perfect for dipping in soy sauce or homemade salsa, adding extra texture to your meal.
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Fresh Mango Salsa: Bright and tropical, this salsa combines sweet mango, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro, beautifully complementing the savory tacos.
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Vegetable Spring Rolls: Crispy on the outside and bursting with fresh veggies, these rolls seamlessly tie in with the Asian flavor profile while offering a delightful crunch.
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Creamy Avocado Dip: Silky and rich, this dip pairs beautifully with the flavors of the pork and prawn filling, adding a luscious creaminess to each bite.
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Spicy Pickled Veggies: A tangy counterpoint, these add a zesty kick that balances the savory richness of the tacos, ensuring a burst of flavor with every mouthful.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and light, this salad with a zesty dressing provides a cool contrast to the tacos, making every bite feel vibrant and fresh.
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Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice allows the bold flavors of your tacos to shine while contributing a lovely, aromatic base to the meal.
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Iced Green Tea: A perfect pairing to cleanse the palate, this lightly sweetened beverage complements the spices and richness of the dish beautifully.
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Chocolate Mousse Cups: End your meal on a sweet note with these rich, velvety desserts that provide a satisfying finish to your taco feast.
Make Ahead Options
These Asian Pork Smashed Tacos are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the pork and prawn filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix all the filling ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The tortillas can be kept at room temperature, making them easy to grab when you’re ready to assemble. To maintain freshness, toss the cabbage and carrot mix together just before serving to prevent wilting. When you’re ready to enjoy your tacos, heat the filling and cook the tortillas as instructed, allowing you to create delicious, hassle-free meals in no time!
Expert Tips for Asian Pork Smashed Tacos
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Mix Well: Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly mixed to avoid dry bites, enhancing the flavor of your Asian Pork Smashed Tacos.
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Don’t Overfill: Leave a 1cm border around the tortillas to prevent spillage while cooking, which helps maintain the taco’s integrity.
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Monitor Heat: Cook on medium-high heat to get that lovely golden color on the tortillas without burning the filling.
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Fresh Toppings: Use freshly chopped herbs and veggies for vibrant colors and flavors that elevate your dish, making your tacos truly shine.
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Experiment: Don’t hesitate to swap proteins or add unique toppings like avocado or pickled vegetables for a personalized twist!
How to Store and Freeze Asian Pork Smashed Tacos
Fridge: Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: If you want to save some for later, freeze the fillings (without tortillas) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, then warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Wrap and Protect: Make sure to tightly wrap any tortillas to prevent freezer burn if storing them in the freezer!
Asian Pork Smashed Tacos Variations
Feel free to explore these delicious twists that will make your tacos even more unique and satisfying!
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Spicy Kick: Add a few diced jalapeños to the filling for an extra heat factor. This will elevate the flavor and satisfy spice lovers.
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Veggie Power: Replace pork with 550 g of black beans or lentils for a vegetarian delight. The flavors will be just as bold and delicious!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortillas to make this dish accessible for everyone, ensuring all can savor these tasty tacos.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment by substituting fresh basil or mint for coriander to create a fresh twist. These herbs will add a unique fragrance and flavor.
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Coconut Creamy: Swap out 2 tbsp of kewpie mayonnaise for coconut cream to give a tropical vibe and creamy texture to your tacos.
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Nut-Free: Omit the peanuts and boost crunch with toasted sunflower seeds instead. This will still give a delightful texture without the nuts.
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Rice Layer: Add a layer of jasmine rice in the tortillas for a filling base and to soak up all those savory juices. It’s a comforting addition.
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Tropical Touch: Mix in tropical fruits like mango or pineapple into your slaw for a sweet and vibrant contrast to the savory filling. This will brighten up every bite!
Asian Pork Smashed Tacos Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients?
Absolutely! When picking your ingredients, look for pork mince that is pink and moist, avoiding any that appears gray or has an off smell. For fresh prawns, they should smell like the ocean and have a firm texture. Also, opt for spring onions that are vibrant and crispy, and ensure the ginger is firm, without dark spots.
What are the best storage methods and duration for leftovers?
I recommend storing any leftover Asian Pork Smashed Tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps keep the flavors intact while preventing moisture loss. If the tortillas become a bit soft, just pop them in a heated skillet for a minute before serving again to refresh them!
Can I freeze the fillings? If so, how?
Certainly! To freeze the fillings, first, let them cool completely. Then, spoon the mixture into a freezer-safe bag, press out as much air as possible, and seal it tightly. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
What should I do if my tortillas are too soggy?
Very! If you notice that your tortillas turn out soggy, it might be from too much moisture in the filling. To avoid this, ensure your filling is well-drained and not overly wet before assembling the tacos. Additionally, to crisp them up, warm the tortillas in a hot skillet for a minute on each side before filling!
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! If you’re preparing these Asian Pork Smashed Tacos for anyone with allergies, be mindful of shellfish allergies if you’re using prawns. For a gluten-free option, substitute regular tortillas with gluten-free ones, and use tamari instead of soy sauce. These swaps will make your dish enjoyable for everyone at the table!
Savory Asian Pork Smashed Tacos for Taco Night Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine the pork mince, prawn meat, half of the spring onion, garlic, ginger, chives, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine, and fish sauce. Season with salt and pepper, then mix until well-blended.
- Lay out the small tortillas in a single layer on a clean surface. Divide the tasty filling evenly among them, pressing it carefully to cover the tortillas while leaving a 1cm border around the edge.
- Heat a thin layer of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Place the tortillas, meat side down, into the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and begins to color. Flip the tortillas and let them brown on the other side until golden.
- In a mixing bowl, toss the shredded cabbage with the grated carrot and remaining spring onions until evenly combined, adding a refreshing crunch.
- Transfer the crisped tacos to plates, then generously top them with the cabbage mix, fresh coriander, crunchy peanuts, and a drizzle of sriracha and kewpie mayo for that finishing touch.