Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps

Name: Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 lb beef; 2 clove garlic; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; freshly ground black pepper; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp honey or sugar; 1 clove garlic; 1 Thai chili; 2 tbsp water; 1 head butter lettuce or Boston lettuce; 1 cup cooked rice vermicelli noodles; 1 cup bean sprouts; 1 carrot; 1 cucumber; fresh herbs; crushed peanuts

What You’ll Find Here

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Welcome to a culinary journey to Vietnam with our Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps recipe. These vibrant and flavorful wraps are a beloved dish in Vietnamese cuisine, known for their combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves and dipped in a tangy sauce, these wraps offer a delightful balance of textures and a burst of refreshing flavors. Join us as we explore the authentic flavors of Vietnam and guide you through the steps to create your own Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps masterpiece.

Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps, known as “Bò bía” in Vietnamese, are a popular street food and appetizer in Vietnamese cuisine. These wraps are a delicious blend of flavors and textures, showcasing the influence of Chinese and Southeast Asian culinary traditions in Vietnamese cooking.

Historical Blend: The origins of Bò bía are believed to trace back to Chinese immigrants who settled in Vietnam. Over time, the dish has evolved, incorporating local ingredients and flavors.
Fresh and Vibrant: What sets Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps apart is the use of fresh herbs, rice paper wrappers, and a combination of sweet, savory, and tangy sauces. These wraps are a celebration of Vietnamese cuisine’s emphasis on balance and freshness.
Customizable: While the classic Bò bía includes beef, jicama, carrots, herbs, and rice vermicelli, variations exist to suit individual preferences. You can find versions with shrimp, tofu, or even fruits.

Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps

Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps, also known as "Bo Bia" or "Bò Cuốn," are a traditional Vietnamese dish that showcases the essence of Vietnamese flavors. This dish features thinly sliced beef marinated in a fragrant sauce, along with an array of fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and rice noodles. The wraps are assembled by wrapping the flavorful ingredients in crisp lettuce leaves and served with a tangy dipping sauce. With its vibrant colors and textures, this dish is a true feast for the senses. Whether you're seeking a light and refreshing meal or an impressive appetizer, Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps are sure to satisfy your cravings.

Tools and Equipment

Sharp knife: Buy On Amazon
Cutting board: Buy On Amazon
Mixing bowl: Buy On Amazon
Grill pan or skillet: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
Tongs: Buy On Amazon
Serving platter or plate: Buy On Amazon / Buy On Amazon
Small bowls for dipping sauce: Buy On Amazon

Author: Anna Cooking Method: Grilling, Stir-frying Cuisine: Vietnamese Courses: Appetizer, Lunch, Non-Veg

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Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 40 mins Difficulty: Advanced Servings: 12 Calories: 93.2 Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, vegetable oil, and black pepper. Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes.
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In the meantime, prepare the dipping sauce by combining fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey or sugar, minced garlic, Thai chili (if using), and water in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.
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Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef slices and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
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To assemble the wraps, take a lettuce leaf and place a small amount of cooked rice vermicelli noodles on it. Top with a few slices of cooked beef, bean sprouts, julienned carrot and cucumber, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts. Fold the sides of the lettuce leaf inward and roll it up tightly.
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Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
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Serve the Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps on a platter or plate, accompanied by the dipping sauce on the side.
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Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 93.2kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 3.54g6%
Saturated Fat 1.74g9%
Cholesterol 20.03mg7%
Sodium 632.87mg27%
Potassium 117.78mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 7.19g3%
Dietary Fiber 0.57g3%
Sugars 2.29g
Protein 9.28g19%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Please note that the nutritional values provided are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. It's always best to double-check with your specific ingredients and measurements for accurate nutritional information.

Note

Tips and Variations:

For added flavor, you can marinate the beef overnight in the refrigerator.
Customize your wraps by adding other fresh vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or sliced mango for a hint of sweetness.
Experiment with different herbs such as Thai basil, cilantro, or perilla leaves to enhance the flavors.
If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with marinated tofu or tempeh.

Serving Suggestions:

Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps are perfect as a light lunch or dinner option. Serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering or as a part of a Vietnamese-inspired meal alongside dishes like Pho or Bánh Mì.

Allergen Information:

Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps can be customized to accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions:

Allergens in Sauces: Be cautious of allergens in sauces, especially if you have soy or fish allergies. Many traditional Vietnamese sauces contain soy sauce or fish sauce. Consider using alternative sauces or making your own.

Wine or Drink Pairing:

Pairing a beverage with Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps can enhance your dining experience:

Vietnamese Iced Coffee: A popular choice to balance the savory flavors of the wraps with a sweet and refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee.
Herbal Tea: Vietnamese herbal teas, such as lemongrass or pandan tea, complement the fresh herbs and bring out the vibrant flavors of the wraps.

Storage and Leftovers:

Here's how to store and enjoy leftovers of Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps:

Separate Components: If you have leftover components like the beef, herbs, and rice paper, store them separately to maintain freshness. Keep them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Reheating: You can reheat the beef or other protein separately in a pan or microwave. Be cautious not to overcook it to maintain its tenderness.
Fresh Rice Paper: Rice paper tends to become sticky when refrigerated. To store rice paper, place a damp paper towel between each sheet and keep them in an airtight container.

Keywords: Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps, Bo Bia, Bò Cuốn, Vietnamese cuisine, lettuce wraps, Vietnamese beef wraps

Frequently Asked Questions

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What type of beef is best for Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps?

Thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak is ideal for Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps due to its tenderness and quick cooking time. These cuts absorb the marinade well and cook evenly in just a few minutes. Ensure the beef is sliced thinly to achieve a tender bite and make it easier to wrap in the lettuce leaves.

Can I use other proteins instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute beef with other proteins like chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu. The marinade works well with various proteins, providing a flavorful base. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the protein type, ensuring everything is cooked through but remains tender for the wraps.

What kind of lettuce is best for Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps?

Butter lettuce or Boston lettuce is recommended for Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps because of its soft, pliable leaves. These types of lettuce are sturdy enough to hold the fillings while still being tender and easy to bite. Romaine lettuce is another option, but it can be a bit crisper and more challenging to wrap.

Can I make Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare the ingredients ahead of time but assemble the wraps just before serving. Store the beef, vegetables, noodles, and herbs separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the wraps when ready to serve to keep the lettuce crisp and prevent it from becoming soggy.

How should I serve Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps?

Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps are usually served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, and garlic. Arrange the lettuce leaves and fillings like beef, noodles, carrots, cucumbers, and fresh herbs on a platter. Provide small bowls of dipping sauce for each person to enhance the flavors of the wraps.

Are Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure to use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients, including fish sauce, rice noodles, and fresh vegetables, are naturally gluten-free. Double-check the labels of any store-bought sauces or marinades to ensure they are gluten-free as well.

How do I store leftover Vietnamese Beef Lettuce Wraps?

For best results, store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Lettuce and fresh herbs should be stored dry, while the beef and rice vermicelli noodles can be stored together. When ready to eat, reheat the beef gently and reassemble the wraps with fresh lettuce to keep the dish crisp and flavorful.