Delicious and Nutritious Vietnamese Steak Wraps Recipe
Greetings foodie friends! As a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I am thrilled to share with you my latest recipe creation: Vietnamese Steak Wraps! This dish combines savory grilled flank steak with the crisp freshness of lettuce leaves and the bold flavors of traditional Vietnamese ingredients. Trust me, it’s a recipe that will have your taste buds dancing!
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its use of fresh herbs and spices, drawing on French and Chinese influences but standing out with its unique flavor profile. And this recipe is no exception. You’ll be using fresh cilantro leaves, mint leaves, and red onion to infuse the dish with bright flavors.
The steak is marinated in a combination of rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil before hitting the grill. This creates an irresistible sweet-and-savory contrast that pairs perfectly with the crisp lettuce leaves.
Whether you’re looking for a delicious lunch or dinner option that packs a flavorful punch or are craving something different for your next meal, this Vietnamese Steak Wrap recipe is sure to satisfy. So let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Do you love hearty, savory dishes that are easy to prepare? If so, you’ll absolutely love this Vietnamese Steak Wraps recipe. Trust me, it’s a winner.
There are several reasons why I believe this recipe is one of the best options out there. Firstly, it’s incredibly flavorful. The combination of fresh cilantro leaves, mint leaves, red onion and steak creates a medley of taste in every bite. It also has a hint of sweetness from the sugar and rice vinegar that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Secondly, this dish is versatile. You can easily make variations by substituting steak with chicken, ground beef or pork mince. Or you can transform them into Spring Rolls or Banh Mi with vermicelli rice noodles and Nuoc Cham sauce.
What really makes this dish stand out though is how easy it is to prepare. With just one pan and an assortment of ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, you can whip up this dish in no time.
Overall, whether you’re looking to impress your guests with a delightful dinner or preparing a quick and healthy meal for yourself after work – this Vietnamese Steak Wraps recipe fits the bill perfectly. Trust me, one bite will leave you wanting more.
Ingredient List
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s first take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make these delicious Vietnamese steak wraps. Fresh cilantro leaves and fresh mint leaves add an authentic Vietnamese flavor to the dish, while red onion and lettuce leaves help to bulk up the filling. For the wraps themselves, you’ll need flour tortillas, which provide the perfect vessel for holding all of the tasty ingredients. To add some heat, we’ll also be using crushed red pepper flakes. Other flavor enhancers include rice vinegar, sesame oil, and fish sauce. Don’t forget to pick up some high-quality beef! We recommend using flank steak, thinly sliced, but other options include beef top sirloin steak cut 1 inch thick or even substitutes such as ground beef or chicken. Finally, some of our ingredients are found in smaller quantities like slivered red chili, lime juice, and sugar (divided into 2 tablespoons) that truly bring together this delicious recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients to make Vietnamese Steak Wraps, it’s time to put them together and create this yummy dish. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal.
Step 1: Marinate the steak
Thinly slice flank steak into pieces and put it in a large bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sugar to the bowl. Mix ingredients until the beef is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare vegetables
While waiting, thinly slice the red onion into rings, chop the fresh cilantro and mint leaves, and separate the lettuce leaves.
Step 3: Grill the steak
Heat a grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add marinated beef and leave it for about 4 minutes on each side.
Step 4: Make nuoc cham sauce
In a small bowl, mix together juice and rind of two freshly squeezed lemons, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 3/4 cup of water, 1 finely sliced small red chilli, and 2 cloves of minced garlic.
Step 5: Assemble the wraps
Take a lettuce leaf or a piece of tortilla wrap, spread some nuoc cham sauce on it, then add a few slices of grilled beef, some onions, cilantro, mint leaves, and any other vegetable you prefer. Roll up tightly to enclose ingredients inside. Repeat with remaining wraps.
Enjoy your flavorful Vietnamese Steak Wraps!
Substitutions and Variations
As a chef, I encourage making changes to recipes to suit personal preferences and dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider for the Vietnamese Steak Wraps recipe:
– Meat: Instead of flank steak, you can use boneless beef top sirloin or another cut of beef. You can also substitute with ground beef or turkey lettuce wraps. Vietnamese pork mince, lemongrass beef, or chicken also work well.
– Lettuce: I recommend using lettuce leaves for this recipe, but you can substitute with rice paper or flour tortillas if you prefer.
– Vegetables: If red onion and cucumber aren’t your favorite vegetables, try using carrot, bell pepper, or bean sprouts instead. You may also add sliced mushrooms or water chestnuts for an extra crunch.
– Herbs: For a unique twist on this recipe, use Thai basil or coriander instead of cilantro and mint leaves.
– Spices: Add more crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicier, or use less if you prefer mild flavors.
– Sauce: Instead of Nuoc Cham dipping sauce, try hoisin sauce or peanut sauce.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Substituting ingredients can lead to discovering new favorite dishes.
Serving and Pairing
These Vietnamese Steak Wraps are a versatile dish that can be served in a couple of different ways. You can choose to serve them as a main course or as an appetizer. As a main course, they go well with a variety of side dishes such as brown rice, steamed vegetables or potato salad. If you prefer them as an appetizer, they pair well with egg rolls, spring rolls or banh mi sandwiches.
For presentation, I recommend serving the wraps family-style on a large platter with the lettuce cups and sliced red onions on one side and the beef and herb mixture on the other. This way your guests can build their own wraps just the way they like them.
If you’re serving these wraps at a party or gathering, it’s important to consider your guests’ dietary preferences. Be sure to have some options available for those who may be vegetarian or gluten-free. For vegetarian options, try substituting the beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu. And for gluten-free options, swap out the flour tortillas for rice paper wrappers.
To add more flavor to your meal, consider pairing your Vietnamese Steak Wraps with nuoc cham dipping sauce, a classic Vietnamese sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chili peppers and garlic. This tangy sauce complements the savory flavor of the beef and elevates the taste experience.
Overall, these Vietnamese Steak Wraps are a great addition to any menu – whether you’re looking for something hearty or light – and are also perfect for entertaining guests!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Congratulations! You’ve whipped up a batch of these delicious Vietnamese Steak Wraps and now you’re looking to store them for later – this is where I come in! It’s important to note that these wraps can be stored in the fridge or freezer, depending on your preference.
If you’re planning on storing them in the fridge, here’s what I recommend: wrap each wrap individually in cling film or aluminum foil and keep them in an airtight container. This will help keep them fresh for up to three days. But before serving, make sure to remove the wrapper and heat them up. Placing the wraps briefly in the microwave or oven should do the trick.
Now, if you want to store them in the freezer for a longer shelf life, I’ve got you covered too. Just follow these steps: wrap each wrap individually in cling film or aluminum foil, then place them all in a large freezer bag. This will keep them fresh for up to two months! To thaw, simply move them from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight and heat them up as previously instructed.
One last thing – let’s talk about reheating. Though these wraps are best served fresh, there may come a time when you need to reheat leftovers. For best results, reheat the wraps one at a time in the microwave or oven until heated thoroughly. Be sure to avoid overcooking, as it will make the wraps dry and unappetising.
With this storing and reheating guide at your fingertips, there’s no need to worry about having extra Vietnamese Steak Wraps on hand – they’ll stay fresh and delicious whenever you’re ready to enjoy them again!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to make sure your Vietnamese Steak Wraps come out perfect. Here are some tips to ensure the best tasting outcome.
1. Thinly Slice the Meat:
For this recipe, it’s essential to slice the flank steak as thinly as possible. The thinner the steak, the easier it will be to roll inside the lettuce wraps. Plus, thin slices cook quickly and evenly.
2. Marinate for a Minimum of 2 Hours:
Marinating the beef in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, soy sauce, and garlic adds another layer of flavor to the meat. I recommend marinating for a minimum of 2 hours, but preferably overnight if possible. This will tenderize and infuse more taste into the meat.
3. Don’t Overcook:
When cooking the flank steak on a grill or pan, be sure to avoid overcooking it as it can become chewy and tough. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side on medium-high heat for optimum tenderness.
4. Use Fresh Ingredients:
Make sure you use fresh herbs such as mint leaves, cilantro leaves along with fresh onions and lettuce leaves to upgrade your wrap experience.
5. Prep Your Lettuce Wraps With Care:
Arrange lettuce leaves on a tray in a single layer (or place them inside a ziplock bag). This will prevent them from getting crushed or wilted while you’re preparing other ingredients.
6. Variations to Experiment With:
Explore different variations of this recipe by having Korean Kimchi or pickled vegetables instead of cucumbers or adding spiciness with red chili flakes if desired.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to create delicious and authentic Vietnamese Steak Wraps at home that will impress your loved ones or dinner guests!
FAQ
Now that you’re familiar with the recipe ingredients and how-to, let’s dive into some common questions and concerns you might have with this Vietnamese Steak Wraps Recipe. In the following section, I will address some frequently asked questions, including possible substitutions and variations, as well as tips for perfect results. So if you’re ready, let’s get started!
What lettuce is best for wraps?
When it comes to preparing lettuce wraps, the choice of leafy greens is entirely up to personal preference. While any variety of lettuce can be used, widely favored options include Boston Bib and Romaine Hearts. For a bit of variation, consider trying it with cabbage leaves or jicama wraps.
What to serve with Korean lettuce wraps?
I have been tasked to share some Asian-inspired recipes with you today. On the menu, we have a delicious Wonton Soup, a healthy Cauliflower Fried Rice, crispy Shrimp Tempura, flavorful Pickled Carrots and Radish, refreshing Thai Cucumber Salad, savory Sautéed Mushrooms, tasty Roasted Broccoli Salad, and satisfying Eggplant Stir Fry. So, let’s get cooking!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Vietnamese Steak Wraps recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that incorporates a variety of bold flavors and textures. Whether you choose to use flank steak or opt for ground beef, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. The fresh cilantro and mint leaves add an aromatic freshness that perfectly compliments the tangy rice vinegar and citrus juices.
Additionally, these wraps are incredibly versatile and can be served as an appetizer or a main dish. They pair exceptionally well with a variety of side dishes, including grilled veggies or rice dishes.
One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it can be prepared ahead of time, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Whether you are preparing a quick weeknight meal for your family or hosting a dinner party, these Vietnamese Steak Wraps are sure to impress.
So, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try – it’s easy to follow and bursting with flavor. Experience the magic of Vietnamese cuisine in every bite!
Vietnamese Steak Wraps Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs flank steaks
- 2 lemons, juice and rind of
- 6 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 6 (8 inch) flour tortillas
- 6 lettuce leaves
- 1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Cut beef across the grain in thin slices; combine lemon peel, juice, 2 tablespoons sugar, sesame oil, 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper in medium bowl; add beef; toss to coat; cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
- Combine water, vinegar, remaining 4 tablespoons sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt in small saucepan; bring to a boil; boil 5 minutes without stirring until syrupy; stir in crushed red pepper; set aside.
- Remove beef from marinade; discard marinade.
- Thread beef onto metal or wooden skewers (soak wooden skewers in hot water 30 minutes to prevent burning); grill beef over medium-hot briquette about 3 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Grill tortillas until hot.
- Place lettuce, onion, beef, mint and cilantro on tortillas; drizzle with vinegar mixture; roll tortillas to enclose filling.
- Note: You can also grill these under a preheated broiler or flash-fry.