Grilled Beef in Betel Leaf

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced
• 20 betel leaves 20 betel leaves
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 lemongrass stalks, white parts only, finely minced 2 lemongrass stalks, white parts only, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped shallots, minced lemongrass, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, sesame oil, and vegetable oil. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. 2.
   Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss until each slice is coated. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Take a betel leaf and place a slice of marinated beef in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the beef and roll it up tightly. Secure the roll with a bamboo skewer. Repeat this process for the remaining beef slices and betel leaves.
5. 5.
   Grill the beef rolls for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
6. 6.
   Serve the Grilled Beef in Betel Leaf hot as an appetizer or as a main course accompanied by rice noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Betel leaves — Choose fresh betel leaves that are vibrant green in color and free from blemishes. Wash them thoroughly before using to remove any dirt or impurities.

Tips & Tricks

• If betel leaves are not available, you can substitute with grape leaves or lettuce leaves.
• Soaking the bamboo skewers in water prevents them from burning during grilling.
• Serve the Grilled Beef in Betel Leaf with a side of nuoc cham dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• For a spicier version, add a small amount of minced chili to the marinade.
• To make the dish more visually appealing, garnish with chopped peanuts and sliced red chili before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Grilled Beef in Betel Leaf as an appetizer at a dinner party or as a main course for a flavorful Vietnamese-inspired meal. Accompany it with rice noodles, fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, and a side of nuoc cham dipping sauce.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Grilled Beef in Betel Leaf rolls on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts. The vibrant green color of the betel leaves and the succulent beef rolls will make for an enticing presentation.