Vietnamese Beef & Betel Leaf Stir-Fry Recipe

Stir-fried beef with betel leaves (Thịt Bò Xào Lá Lốt) is a traditional Vietnamese dish known for its distinctive flavor, combining tender, sweet beef with the unique peppery aroma of betel leaves. Not only delicious, this dish also brings significant nutritional value to family meals. Let’s explore how to make this authentic and simple stir-fried beef with betel leaves at home.

A plate of freshly cooked Vietnamese stir-fried beef with betel leaves (Thit Bo Xao La Lot) garnished

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Stir-Fried Beef with Betel Leaves

Both beef and betel leaves are familiar ingredients in Vietnamese cuisine, offering not just special flavors but also essential nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins. Specifically, stir-fried beef with betel leaves can contribute to addressing certain health issues:

• Supplying necessary nutrients to boost overall health.
• Helping to alleviate back pain, nourish the blood, and strengthen tendons and bones.
• Balancing nutrition in daily meals.

Moreover, to ensure food safety and enjoy the full flavor, you can easily prepare this dish at home in just about 30 minutes.

Close-up of stir-fried beef and betel leaves showcasing the rich protein and minerals in the dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make stir-fried beef with betel leaves, gather the following ingredients:

• Servings: 2 people
• Fresh Beef: 250g
• Betel Leaves (Lá Lốt): 100g
• Minced Garlic: 1 clove
• Minced Shallot: 1 bulb
• Fresh Chilies: 2
• Seasonings: Seasoning powder, salt, oyster sauce, fish sauce, ground pepper

Ingredients for Vietnamese stir-fried beef with betel leaves laid out: beef slices, betel leaves, garlic, shallots, chili, and seasonings

Steps to Make Stir-Fried Beef with Betel Leaves

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Wash the beef thoroughly and slice it thinly against the grain.
• Wash the betel leaves carefully under running water (or wash each leaf individually if you don’t have a sprayer). Set aside a few whole leaves if desired for garnish, then roughly chop the rest.
• Wash the chilies and slice them thinly.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef

• In a bowl, combine the beef slices with minced garlic, minced shallot, 1 teaspoon seasoning powder, 1 teaspoon MSG (optional), 1 tablespoon cooking oil, ½ teaspoon ground pepper, and ½ tablespoon fish sauce.
• Mix well and let it marinate for about 20 minutes to allow the beef to absorb the flavors.

Raw beef slices being marinated in a bowl with garlic, shallots, and various seasonings

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

• Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and sauté the minced garlic and shallot until fragrant and lightly golden.
• Add the marinated beef and stir-fry quickly over high heat.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

• When the beef is just cooked to medium-rare, add the chopped betel leaves and sliced chilies. Stir-fry quickly to combine everything. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This final stage is quick, perhaps a minute or two, as the beef cooks fast and you want to avoid overcooking the leaves.

Stir-frying marinated beef with chopped betel leaves and sliced chilies in a hot wok

Once done, transfer the dish to a plate and sprinkle with a little extra ground pepper on top to enhance the flavor. The tender, sweet beef combined with the characteristic aroma of betel leaves will surely make your family meal more appealing.

Tips for Cooking Stir-Fried Beef with Betel Leaves

To achieve the best flavor for your stir-fried beef with betel leaves, keep these points in mind:

• Choose fresh, good-quality beef with a bright red color, light yellow fat, and tender texture. Purchase from reputable sources to ensure food safety.
• Select young, undamaged betel leaves to retain their aroma and taste.
• When stir-frying the beef, use high heat and stir quickly to keep the meat tender. Only add the betel leaves when the beef is just cooked to prevent them from becoming mushy and losing their unique flavor.
• Avoid using too many betel leaves, as this can make the dish bitter and affect the overall taste experience.

Above is a detailed guide on how to make delicious, authentic stir-fried beef with betel leaves. We hope you successfully apply this recipe to create meaningful meals for your family. For more information on other dishes, don’t forget to visit the Sổ Tay Món Ăn website!