Grilled beef wrapped in wild betel leaf

Ingredients

1 lb of ground beef (or you can also use a mixture such 1/2 beef and pork or 1/2 beef and chicken)

1/2 tablespoon of finely minced garlic

1/2 tablespoon of finely minced shallots

1 tablespoon of curry powder

2 tablespoon of chopped lemon grass

2 teaspoons of fish sauce

Sugar, salt, scallion oil

1 teaspoon of cracked pepper

1 package of fresh or frozen betel leaves

Roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped

How to cook

Combine meat with garlic, shallots, lemongrass, curry, fish sauce, sugar, pepper and salt. Detach the betel leaves from their stems and roll the leaves with meat combination, with glossy side of leaves facing down. Then grill the rolls over small charcoal ovens. Top with dry roasted peanuts and scallion oil and serve immediately or with vermicelli noddle.

Preparation

As you navigate the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City in the afternoon, you'll often be enticed by the savory and aromatic scent of seasoned grilled beef rolls, emanating from bustling stalls enveloped in the fragrant smoke of charcoal. This delightful dish, wrapped in wild betel leaf, has become a cherished snack among Vietnamese people, particularly the residents of Ho Chi Minh City, enjoyed alongside beer or wine.

The Aroma of Wild Betel Leaf

While the raw betel leaf may lack a strong scent, it imparts a delightful herbaceous and slightly peppery fragrance to the grilled beef. Native to Southeast Asia and cultivated for centuries, wild betel leaf is rich in antioxidants and recognized for its medicinal properties. In Vietnamese culture, it is not only a staple in cuisine but is also revered for its health benefits. This dish is often served with vermicelli noodles (bún), wrapped in lettuce and rice paper as spring rolls, or enjoyed on its own as an appetizer. Although the grilled beef rolls are delicious by themselves, they are commonly paired with the ever-present Vietnamese dipping sauce. The accompanying plate of fresh vegetables is also noteworthy, offering a vibrant array of flavors and textures.

A Perfect Afternoon Snack

Grilled beef wrapped in wild betel leaf is an excellent choice for an afternoon snack, ideal for gatherings among friends. It offers the chance to socialize, share stories, and revel in the fragrant aroma wafting through the air. Being a grilled dish, it is often prepared outdoors, particularly on street corners. Whether the weather is cool or even drizzly, there is something special about enjoying this dish in such an atmosphere. The sizzling sounds of grilling beef combined with the enticing aroma create an inviting ambiance, drawing passersby to pause and savor a few moments with this delectable treat.