Bo La Lot is a traditional Vietnamese dish that features seasoned ground beef wrapped in fragrant betel leaves and grilled to perfection. This dish is often served alongside rice noodles, fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, and a dipping sauce, creating a flavorful and aromatic meal.

The history of Bo La Lot dates back to Vietnamese culinary traditions, where betel leaves were commonly used in cooking due to their unique flavor and medicinal properties. Over time, the combination of seasoned beef and betel leaves became a beloved street food and a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, showcasing the country's rich culinary heritage and innovative flavor profiles. Today, Bo La Lot continues to be enjoyed both in Vietnam and around the world, offering a delightful blend of savory, herbal, and smoky flavors.

Ingredients:

- 500g ground beef

- 1 tablespoon minced garlic

- 1 tablespoon minced shallots

- 1 tablespoon fish sauce

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- Betel leaves (enough to wrap the beef)

- Rice vermicelli noodles, cooked

- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil), for serving

- Dipping sauce (fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, water, garlic, chili)

Method:

1. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, minced garlic, minced shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.

2. Take a betel leaf, place a small amount of the seasoned beef mixture in the center, and wrap the leaf around the beef to form a tight roll. Repeat with the remaining beef and betel leaves.

3. Grill the wrapped beef rolls over medium heat until cooked through and the betel leaves are charred slightly, about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.

4. While the beef is grilling, prepare the dipping sauce by combining fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, water, minced garlic, and chopped chili to taste. Adjust the sweetness and acidity according to your preference.

5. Serve the grilled Bo La Lot with rice vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and the dipping sauce on the side.

Enjoy this flavorful Vietnamese dish with a balance of savory beef, aromatic betel leaves, and refreshing herbs!

Nutrition Value:

1. 500g Ground Beef:

  - Calories: Approximately 1100 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: Approximately 100g

  - Fat: Approximately 75g

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation and seasoning

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 330mg

  - Vitamins: Contains B vitamins (B12, B6) and minerals like zinc and iron

  - Nutritional Benefit: Excellent source of protein, iron, and zinc. Provides essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth.

2. 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic:

  - Calories: Approximately 5 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.2g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Varies

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese

  - Nutritional Benefit: Garlic is rich in antioxidants and may have immune-boosting and heart health benefits.

3. 1 tablespoon Minced Shallots:

  - Calories: Approximately 10 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.2g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Varies

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin B6, and folate

  - Nutritional Benefit: Shallots add flavor and provide some vitamins and minerals, including antioxidants.

4. 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce:

  - Calories: Approximately 10 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g

  - Protein: Approximately 1g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 1100mg (varies by brand)

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin B12

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds umami flavor and is a source of protein, but high in sodium.

5. 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce:

  - Calories: Approximately 10 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1g

  - Protein: Approximately 1g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 1000mg (varies by brand)

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin K

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds savory flavor but is also high in sodium.

6. 1 tablespoon Sugar:

  - Calories: Approximately 45 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 12g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: No significant vitamins

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides sweetness and helps balance flavors, but should be consumed in moderation.

7. 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper:

  - Calories: Approximately 3 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.6g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.1g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamin K

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds spice and flavor without adding significant calories or nutrients.

8. Betel Leaves (enough to wrap the beef):

  - Calories: Negligible (used primarily as a wrapper)

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds a unique flavor and aroma, plus small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

9. Rice Vermicelli Noodles, cooked:

  - Calories: Approximately 200 kcal (per cup cooked)

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 45g

  - Protein: Approximately 4g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Varies based on preparation

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy from carbohydrates and some protein, gluten-free alternative to wheat noodles.

10. Fresh Herbs (mint, cilantro, basil), for serving:

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: Negligible

  - Protein: Negligible

  - Fat: Negligible

  - Sodium: Negligible

  - Cholesterol: Negligible

  - Vitamins: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and various antioxidants

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds freshness, flavor, and small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants.

11. Dipping Sauce (fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, water, garlic, chili):

  - Calories: Approximately 15 kcal (per tablespoon)

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 3g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.5g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 800mg (varies based on ingredients and proportions)

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin C from lime juice

  - Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and acidity to the dish, but can be high in sodium depending on the amount of fish sauce used.