Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering adventure that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Vietnam! This tantalizing dish of Grilled Beef Betel Leaves is not just a recipe, but a sensory experience that combines the rich, bold flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with an irresistible grilling technique that will make your guests beg for more. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned beef nestled within aromatic betel leaves, grilled to smoky perfection - a dish that promises to elevate your cooking game and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup minced shallots
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 20 betel leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the beef mixture by combining ground beef, minced shallots, fish sauce, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Gently wash the betel leaves and pat them dry with paper towels. Ensure leaves are clean and free from moisture to help with wrapping.
- Take a small portion of the beef mixture (approximately 1-2 tablespoons) and shape it into an oblong or elongated patty that will fit neatly on each betel leaf.
- Place each beef patty onto a betel leaf, carefully wrapping the meat so that the leaf partially covers the beef mixture.
- Preheat a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature around 400-450°F (204-232°C).
- Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the wrapped beef.
- Grill the beef-wrapped betel leaves for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the beef is fully cooked and the leaves are slightly charred and crisp.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the meat to settle and juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with fresh herbs like mint or cilantro, and accompany with a dipping sauce such as nuoc cham for added flavor.
Tips
- Choose fresh, high-quality betel leaves with no blemishes for the best flavor and presentation.
- For maximum flavor, let the beef mixture marinate for 30 minutes before grilling to allow the seasonings to penetrate deeply.
- Ensure your grill is properly preheated to achieve those beautiful char marks and seal in the meat's juiciness.
- If you don't have a grill, a cast-iron skillet can be an excellent alternative for cooking these delectable parcels.
- Don't overcrowd the grill - give each betel leaf wrap enough space to cook evenly and develop a nice crisp exterior.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding finely minced garlic or a touch of lemongrass to your beef mixture.
- Serve immediately after grilling to enjoy the optimal texture and temperature of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 75mg
