Big Mac Smashed Tacos (Gluten-Free!) Viral Recipe

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting Big Mac smash burger tacos:

Smash Burgers

Lean Ground Beef: Adds juicy, flavorful protein. If you want a leaner option, swap with ground turkey or ground chicken—they’ll still be flavorful, just slightly less rich. For a plant-based version, crumbled tofu, lentils, or finely chopped mushrooms can mimic the texture while adding their own depth of flavor.

Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a deep, umami-packed richness. If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, try gluten-free soy sauce or tamari with a splash of apple cider vinegar for a similar depth. A mix of balsamic vinegar and soy sauce can also work in a pinch.

Onion Powder: Enhances savory depth. No onion powder? No problem! Use grated fresh onion or even chopped green onions for a fresher taste. If you’re really in a bind, just skip it—your tacos will still taste great.

Garlic Powder: Brings a warm, garlicky kick. Fresh minced garlic (about ½ clove per dash of powder) works beautifully as a substitute. If you only have garlic salt, use it but cut back on the added salt in the recipe.

Salt: Essential for seasoning the meat. Any salt will do here—Himalayan pink salt, sea salt, or even low-sodium salt if you’re watching your intake.

Black Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and depth. Swap with white pepper for a milder, slightly earthy kick. If you want a little spice, red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper can do the trick.

Big Mac Sauce

Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce. For a tangier, lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead. If you need a dairy-free alternative, blend silken tofu with olive oil and lemon juice to get a similar texture.

Mustard: Adds a tangy sharpness. Dijon mustard or stone-ground mustard will work just as well. If you prefer a milder taste, honey mustard is a great alternative that adds a bit of sweetness, too.

Maple Syrup: Balances the tang with a touch of sweetness. Swap with honey, agave syrup, or even a pinch of coconut sugar if you don’t have maple syrup on hand. If you prefer a more savory sauce, you can skip the sweetener altogether.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Gives a tangy zip. White vinegar, rice vinegar, or red wine vinegar all work as great substitutes. If you’re in a pinch, lemon juice can also provide the necessary acidity.

Paprika: Adds mild warmth and color. If you’re out of paprika, smoked paprika will give it a deeper, slightly smoky flavor. If you like a little heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper will do the job.

Onion Powder: Helps bring out that classic burger sauce taste. Grated fresh onion or shallots can step in for onion powder. If you don’t have either, you can leave it out and rely on the other seasonings to do the heavy lifting.

Garlic Powder: Gives the sauce its signature depth. Use fresh minced garlic if you have it—it’ll add a slightly bolder punch. If you only have garlic-infused oil, that can work as well, giving a more subtle garlic flavor.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce. Any type of sea salt, Himalayan salt, or kosher salt will work just fine. If using garlic salt or onion salt, reduce the extra salt in the recipe.

Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and rounds out the sauce. White pepper works if you want something milder. For extra spice, cracked black pepper or a pinch of cayenne will kick things up a notch.

Big Mac Taco Assembly

Shredded Green Leafy Lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness. Any leafy green works here! Swap with romaine, iceberg, spinach, arugula, or even finely shredded cabbage for extra crunch.

Cheddar Cheese: Brings creamy, melty richness. Use American cheese for the most authentic Big Mac flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, go for vegan cheddar slices or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.

Corn Tortillas: Serve as the crispy taco shell. Flour tortillas work if you’re not gluten-free. If you want a low-carb version, lettuce wraps or even cheese crisps (baked cheese turned into a shell) make great substitutes.

Pickles or Relish: Brings that classic tangy crunch. Chopped dill pickles, sweet pickles, or even banana peppers can work here. If you like a spicier kick, try pickled jalapeños or giardiniera instead.