Grilled Beef in Sesame Leaf Wrap

Ingredients

Estimated total cost: €13.30 · €2.66/serving

• 16 large Korean sesame leaves, de-stemmedEst. price €2.50–€4.50
• 2/3 tablespoon shallots, finely minced (let sit for 5 minutes to develop flavor)Est. price €0.08–€0.15
• 1 1/3 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced (lightly toast for added depth)Est. price €0.15–€0.30
• 1/4 cup lemongrass, finely minced (bruise before mincing for stronger aroma)Est. price €0.40–€0.75
• 1 pound 80/20 ground chuckEst. price €8.00–€14.00
• 5 2/3 teaspoons fish sauce (marinate meat for at least 30 minutes for enhanced taste)Est. price €0.25–€0.45
• 1 1/4 teaspoons five-spice powder (toast in a dry pan briefly to release flavors)Est. price €0.10–€0.20
• 1 1/3 tablespoons palm sugar (grate for better dissolving)Est. price €0.35–€0.60
• 2/3 teaspoon turmeric powder (mix with a bit of oil to prevent clumping)Est. price €0.05–€0.10
• Cooking oil, for brushing (use a high smoke point oil like grapeseed or peanut)Est. price €0.02–€0.05

Steps

1. 1

   Begin by heating a pot of water with a touch of salt until it reaches a boil on high heat. Meanwhile, set up a bowl filled with ice water big enough to submerge the sesame leaves completely.

2. 2

   When the water reaches a boil, blanch the leaves for 5 seconds before transferring them to an ice water bath. After that, take out the leaves, gently shake off any excess water, carefully pat each leaf dry, and allow them to air dry on a layer of paper towels. It is important to keep the leaves intact since they will be used as wrappers for the beef.

3. 3

   Begin by heating a wok or pan with a small amount of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Cook the shallots until they turn translucent, which should take about 3 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and promptly mix in the garlic and lemongrass. Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature before proceeding.

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• Cultural note

  Grilled beef in sesame leaf wrap is a traditional Korean dish known as 'ssam'. It is a popular way of eating grilled meat wrapped in fresh vegetables. The use of sesame leaves and spices like five-spice powder and turmeric showcases the unique flavors of Korean cuisine.

• Seasonal note

  This dish is best enjoyed in the summer months when Korean sesame leaves are in season. Shallots, garlic, and red bell peppers are also abundant during this time, enhancing the freshness of the dish.

• Health note

  Grilled beef in sesame leaf wrap is a good source of protein and healthy fats. The dish is rich in vitamins A and C from the vegetables, supporting immune function and skin health. However, it is high in sodium and saturated fat, so moderation is key for those watching their intake of these nutrients.