Chicken Banh Mi Smashed Taco
Chicken Banh Mi Smashed Taco
These Chicken Banh Mi Smashed Tacos are a fresh, zesty fusion of Vietnamese flavours and a taco-style handheld meal. They feature juicy chicken mince smashed into crispy tortillas, vibrant pickled-style vegetables, fresh herbs, and a punchy drizzle of nuoc cham and sriracha mayo. The combination of crunchy, creamy, spicy, and sweet in every bite makes these tacos an absolute winner for quick lunches, family dinners, or casual entertaining.These tacos are high in protein and easy to customise. You can adjust the spice level, switch up the proteins, or make them vegetarian by using tofu or mushrooms instead of chicken. Plus, they're fun to build and eat, making them perfect for sharing with friends or kids.
Equipment
- Large Frying Pan
- Chopping Board
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater or julienne peeler
Ingredients
- 8 tortillas mini
- 500 g chicken mince
- salt & pepper
- 1 carrot grated or julienned
- 1 lebanese cucumber grated or julienned
- 1/2 cup coriander roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup mint roughly chopped
- 2 spring onions finely sliced
- 1/4 cup shallots dried
- 1/2 cup sriracha mayonnaise you can mix mayo & sriracha
- 1/4 cup nuoc cham store bought- vietnamese dipping sauce
Instructions
- Season the mince with salt & pepper. To each tortilla, add about 1/4 cup of chicken mince and flatten out to completely cover the surface to the edges. Add more meat if you prefer a thicker pattie.
- Preheat a large frying pan on high heat. Add 2-3 tacos, mince facing down. Cook for approx. 3-4 minutes, until the mince has browned and cooked through.
- Flip over, lower the heat right down (so the tortillas don’t burn), let them cook for approx. 2-3 minutes.
- Top the taco with carrot, cucumber, coriander, mint, spring onion, dried shallots then drizzle with nuoc cham & sriracha mayonnaise.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips for Beginners
- Press the mince firmly onto the tortilla so it sticks well while cooking.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- You can prepare all toppings ahead of time for quick assembly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with extra sriracha mayo and nuoc cham on the side for dipping.
- Pair with a crunchy Asian slaw or a simple cucumber salad.
- Add pickled vegetables like daikon and carrot for an extra tangy bite.
Make-Ahead or Prepare-Ahead Guidance
- Vegetables and herbs can be chopped and stored separately up to a day in advance.
- Chicken mince can be seasoned ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to cook.
- Cooked tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can pre-cook and reheat gently in a pan.
Freezer Friendly
- The chicken mince (uncooked) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Assemble fresh when ready to eat.
Storage Advice
- Fridge: Store cooked tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan to crisp up.
- Freezer: Freeze raw seasoned chicken mince only. Do not freeze assembled tacos.
Meal Prep Instructions
- Season chicken mince and prepare toppings in advance.
- Cook tacos fresh on the day.
- Store sauces and toppings separately to keep them fresh and vibrant.
Substitutions
Protein:- Swap chicken mince for pork mince, tofu, or sliced mushrooms.
- Replace nuoc cham with soy sauce and lime for a quick substitute.
- Use rice paper wraps for a lighter option or large lettuce leaves for a low-carb version.
FAQs
- Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute chicken mince with tofu or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option. - Can I make these tacos spicy?
Absolutely. Adjust the amount of sriracha in the mayonnaise or add fresh sliced chilli. - Can I prepare these for a party?
Yes, cook the tacos and keep them warm in the oven, then let guests top their own with fresh ingredients. - Can I use store-bought pickled vegetables?
Definitely. Pickled daikon, carrots, or even simple pickled cucumbers would be perfect.
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- Pizza Flavoured Quesadilla
- Greek Beef Smashed Taco
- Big Mac Smashed Taco
- Pulled Chicken Tacos
- Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken Tacos
Helpful Hints
- Use fresh, soft tortillas to prevent cracking when pressing the mince.
- Cook on high heat to achieve a good sear on the chicken mince.
- For extra flavour, marinate the chicken mince with a little garlic, ginger, or lemongrass before cooking.
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