I’m back with another take on the viral-inspired smash burger tacos recipe! I can’t wait for you to try these — they’re flavor-packed with a Japanese BBQ twist that’s bold, easy, and perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
You all loved these street corn smash burger tacos so dang much, that I had to get back into the test kitchen and create another flavor variation that would be just as fire, so without further ado, let’s break down these Japanese BBQ smash burger tacos so you can make them for your own families .
- A fun flavor twist on the viral classic smash burger taco recipe
- Easy to make and so delicious!
- All you need is 6 ingredients.
The Smash Burger Taco Trend
The smash burger taco trend isn’t anything new, but it originally took off on Tiktok a few years ago with a Big Mac-style smash burger taco. You would smash the ground beef directly onto the tortilla and then crisp up both sides and top with your favorite Big Mac toppings — shredded lettuce, pickles, American cheese, and a burger sauce.
This trend definitely lives up to the hype IMO, so the team and I created a street corn variation that you all loveddddd. And now I’m back with this Japanese BBQ flavor variation. It’s so dang good.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground beef: I love the flavor of ground beef for these tacos, but have tested with both ground turkey and ground chicken and both those alternatives work great. Just know turkey and chicken will shrink more when cooked on the tortilla since they are both leaner meats.
- Japanese-style BBQ sauce: There are lots of great options for Japanese BBQ available at major grocers in the US, I prefer Bachans and that’s what I used for this recipe.
- Street taco flour tortillas: Street tacos size tortillas are the GOAT for smash burger tacos! Why? It’s the perfect size to smash the meat allllll the way to the edges of the tortillas.
- Asian salad dressing: Same as the Japanese BBQ, there are so many great store-bought options here. I love the Good & Gather Asian-style sesame vinaigrette from Target.
- Kewpie mayonnaise: Kewpie adds just the right amount of creaminess to the slaw. I like to add a little extra drizzle to my dressed tacos right before serving, YUM.
- Coleslaw mix: Any store-bough slaw mix will do. I love using a mix with multiple colors of cabbage + shredded carrots to add great crunch and variety in color.
Don’t forget your cast iron!
To achieve that perfect char on your smash burger tacos, I highly recommend using a cast-iron skillet. The high heat and even distribution of the pan will give your tacos that delicious crispy edge. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can also use a regular frying pan or grill.
How to Make This Smash Burger Tacos Recipe
- Prepare the burger meat: Add the ground beef and Japanese BBQ sauce to a bowl and stir together. Form meatballs that are 2 tablespoons in size.
- Press the burger meat onto the tortilla: Take each meatball and press it into each tortilla, making sure to spread the meat as thin as possible until it reaches the edge.
- Cook burger meat: Place the tortillas meat side down in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Flip the taco and cook for an additional 30 seconds to brown the tortillas.
- Prepare the slaw: Add the Asian salad dressing and mayonnaise to a large bowl and whisk together. Add the coleslaw mix and toss until combined.
- Assemble the smash burger tacos: Top each taco with a scoop of coleslaw mix.
- Serve and ENJOY.
try it!
2-Ingredient Protein Tortillas
Use these 2-ingredient homemade protein tortillas for your smash tacos — they’re so gummy and delicious!
Serving Ideas
You can go traditional and serve these smash burger tacos with fries! I recommend my air fryer zucchini fries, air fryer sweet potato fries or classic potato wedges.
Looking for something a little more Asian-inspired? I recommend my sesame soy kale salad, rainbow sesame noodle salad or my vegetarian fried rice.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover tacos, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 10 minutes.
More of My Favorite Taco Recipes
What size tortillas should I use, and can I swap flour for corn?
I highly recommend using flour street corn taco shells. These are my favorite! Corn tortillas can be used as well as my homemade protein tortillas. You do you!
What toppings go well with these smash burger tacos?
I love serving these Japanese BBQ smash burger tacos with all of my favorite Asian-inspired toppings. Think shelled edamame, chopped cilantro, pickled ginger, or sliced cucumber right on top of the slaw. Let me know what your favorites are in the comments!
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Add the ground beef and Japanese BBQ sauce to a bowl and stir to combine. Use a tablespoon scoop to scoop two tablespoons of the meat mixture and form a ball.
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Lay a tortilla on a clean work surface. Take one meatball and press it into the tortilla. Spread the meat as thin as possible until it reaches the edge. Repeat until you have used all of the meatballs.
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the tortillas meat side down in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Oil will form from the meat. Flip the taco and cook for an additional 30 seconds to brown the tortillas. Remove from the pan and set aside. Repeat until all of the tacos are cooked.
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Add the Asian salad dressing and mayonnaise to a large bowl and whisk together. Add the coleslaw mix and toss until combined.
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Top each taco with a scoop of coleslaw mix.
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Serve immediately.
Calories: 356 kcal, Carbohydrates: 20 g, Protein: 14 g, Fat: 24 g, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 5 g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Photography by: The Wooden Skillet
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