Bò Lá Lôt - Beef Wrapped in Betel Leaves

Bò Lá Lôt


Bò lá lôt is beef wrapped in leaves and served on a skewer. I had tasted these before in a really good Asian restaurant (Farang) in Helsinki but didn't know their origin then. I got really excited when I saw a man selling them from his bike in Hoi An and hoped they would be atleast a bit similar to the ones I had eaten... and they were :)
Normally the leaves are grilled, but can easily be made at home in the oven (you won't even need skewers).
They are really tasty and easy to make. I'm already looking forward to making these in the summer on the grill.

You will need

20 Lá Lôt leaves also known as Betel leaves. You can find these in Asian shops.
Pick the leaves leaving a bit of the stem (2cm). Wash the leaves and tap dry with a kitchen towel.

Filling:

250g minced meat (I used about 150g beef and 100g pork)
2-3 lemongrass stalks finely chopped
1/2 garlic clove
1 spring onion chopped
Mix together.
Add fish sauce and soy sauce enough to add the salt amount you like. Mix together with your hands and leave to rest.

Take one leaf at a time and put a small sausage like roll of minced meat inside and roll. Have the green side of the leaf towards the table so you end up having the nicer looking side upwards.
Roll into a small package. With a toothpick make a hole in the leaf so you can insert the end of the stem to keep the roll closed. This way you don't have to leave a toothpick (except for puncturing a hole)) to hold it in place.
Put onto a lined baking tray and brush with vegetable oil. Place in the oven 180 degrees for approximately 15-20 mins until they've gotten a bit of colour.

Chop some roasted peanuts and sprinkle on top.

Eat the rolls like so or dip (chili, fishsauce dip).


I'm sorry about the pics not being the most appealing but I couldn't have my guests wait too long  :D