3 Delicious Ways to Make Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves - Mytour

• Beef: 300g
• Fatty pork (bacon): 100g
• Wild betel leaf
• Leaves of lemongrass: 3 stalks
• Garlic: 7 – 8 cloves
• Scallions, chili peppers
• Seasonings: pepper, broth powder, salt, fish sauce, cooking oil
• Toothpicks or skewers
• Cooking utensils

*Contains 841 calories*

2.2. Procedure

Making beef wrapped in wild betel leaf is very easy, the important thing is whether you pay attention to do it skillfully or not. And below is the popular recipe that every household applies, suitable for all tastes.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients 

– Clean the beef thoroughly, drain the water, then chop or grind it. However, it's recommended to chop for better flavor.

– Pork belly (fatty pork) should also be finely chopped, then mixed with the minced beef and kneaded together.

– Wash the wild betel leaves, drain the water, and optionally soak them in saltwater for about 1 – 2 minutes to ensure cleanliness.

– Finely chop lemongrass, garlic, chili peppers, and thinly slice scallions.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef 

– Place the minced meat in a large bowl, season with 2 teaspoons of broth powder, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 teaspoon of ground pepper, 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, along with lemongrass, garlic, chili peppers, and scallions, then mix well.

– Cover the bowl tightly and marinate for about 30 minutes. You can marinate longer if desired, but note that beef tends to release water easily.

Step 3: Beef Wrapped in Wild Betel Leaf

Wrapping the betel leaves is quite easy but requires skill. Use the veiny side of the leaf to wrap, adjust the amount of meat to fit the leaf. You can roll one round and fold the two edges of the leaf together or fold first and then roll. Roll about 2 – 3 rounds, grip firmly to prevent the leaves from loosening. Use toothpicks or skewers to secure the excess tail of the leaf. Repeat until all the meat is used.

Step 4: Different Cooking Methods for Beef Wrapped in Wild Betel Leaf

– Air Fryer Beef Wrapped in Wild Betel Leaf: Simply brush a little cooking oil on the air fryer tray, arrange the beef rolls inside, and air-fry for 10 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius. Then flip the skewers and cook at the same temperature for about 5 – 8 minutes until done.

– Pan-Fried Beef Wrapped in Wild Betel Leaf: Pour cooking oil in the pan so that it's approximately level with the beef rolls, fry evenly on both sides over low heat. Use paper towels to blot the excess oil after frying to prevent greasiness.

– Grilled Beef Wrapped in Wild Betel Leaf over Charcoal: This is a popular method in the Southern region of Vietnam. To prevent the dish from drying out during grilling while maintaining its nutrients, you can refer to the detailed article on how to make grilled wild betel leaf beef fragrant and delicious.

3. Standardized Finished Product

The most noticeable aspect is the aroma; beef wrapped in wild betel leaf has a very distinctive flavor. The outer aroma is that of wild betel leaf, while the inner aroma is that of beef. The scent of betel leaf predominates, so avoid burning the dish as it will lose its fragrance.

In terms of color, attention must be paid to the outer shell. Wild betel leaves should turn dark green like mature leaves, not black. During cooking, if you know how to flip evenly, it will have an even color on all sides. The dish will look more delicious and enticing.

Not only wrapping with wild betel leaves, but you can also use beef to make beef rolled with shiitake mushrooms in a captivating Japanese style.

When eating, there must be a sweet fragrance of wild betel leaves, and biting into it reveals the rich and fragrant beef flavor with hints of pepper and garlic. The beef should not be too dry, it should still be tender and moist. This dish won't taste good if it's too salty; adding sweet and spicy fish sauce is the key to making it truly appetizing.

4. Some Tips for Making Beef Wrapped in Wild Betel Leaf

– When making beef wrapped in wild betel leaf, it's advisable to add some fat (pork belly with plenty of fat) because beef tends to dry out easily when cooked. Be careful not to add too much fat to avoid greasiness.

– Choosing wild betel leaves is crucial as it directly affects the dish. Avoid choosing old leaves with dark green color and young leaves with banana shoot green color. Choose leaves with natural green color, the bigger the leaves, the easier and firmer the wrapping.

– If you don't like using toothpicks or skewers to secure the rolls, you can heat the betel leaves at high temperature to soften them, making them easier and firmer to roll.

– Beef wrapped in wild betel leaf is delicious, but because of its fat content, it can be quite heavy. Therefore, serving it with pickles or wrapping it with vegetables will enhance the enjoyment, adding a unique flavor. Alternatively, you can explore other beef roll dishes for a change.

Above is the simple way to make beef wrapped in wild betel leaf, ensuring deliciousness for you to treat your family and friends. Don't forget to follow Mytour Blog for more exciting cooking recipes!

The cover photo belongs to your ownership, Thu Uyen!