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Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves

Spiced ground beef rolls tightly wrapped in wild betel leaves and grilled until fragrant and juicy.

33 minMediumServes 4280 cal/serving

VietnameseAppetizerGrillHigh ProteinLow CarbDairy-FreeEgg-FreeNut-FreeAlcohol-FreePork-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 24 wild betel leaves, washed
  • 2 tbsp lemongrass, minced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 shallots, minced
  • 4 tsp fish sauce
  • 1/2 tsp five-spice powder
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 2 tbsp minced lemongrass, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 minced shallots, 4 tsp fish sauce, 1/2 tsp five-spice powder, and half of the 1 tbsp vegetable oil.

  2. 2

    Mix thoroughly and marinate for 20 minutes.

  3. 3

    Lay a 24 washed wild betel leaves flat with the shiny side down, place a small cylinder of beef mix near the stem, and roll tightly.

  4. 4

    Thread rolls onto skewers and brush with the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil.

  5. 5

    Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

  6. 6

    Grill rolls for 3 to 4 minutes per side until charred and beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.

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Questions

What should Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves look like when it is ready?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 6: cook until charred and beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. A reading of 160 F on a thermometer settles it.

How long should Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves marinate?

Step 2 reads: "Mix thoroughly and marinate for 20 minutes." Follow the time in step 2. Shorter still seasons the surface. Much longer is not better with acidic marinades, which turn the outside of meat or fish mushy.

What can I use instead of five-spice powder in Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves?

The entry for Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves calls for 1/2 tsp five-spice powder. In its place: Ground cinnamon and star anise or anise seed, with a pinch each of clove and black pepper.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves?

Yes. Choose turkey that is not extra-lean and add a tablespoon of oil to the pan, because turkey has less fat and browns more slowly. Season it a little harder than you would beef. As written, the entry for Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves uses 1 lb ground beef.

Does Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves contain fish?

Yes: 4 tsp fish sauce. The full allergen list for this entry is fish. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

How many calories are in Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 280 calories, with 22 g protein, 4 g carbohydrate and 19 g fat, plus 1 g fiber and 480 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

How long does Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves keep?

Refrigerate what is left of Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat in a hot skillet rather than the microwave to keep the char.

Serve it with

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