Cuon Diep (Betel Leaf Wraps)
Fresh betel leaves stuffed with seasoned tofu, herbs, and crispy shallots—a Vietnamese vegetarian appetizer bursting with bright, savory flavors. Assemble at the table and dip in peanut sauce for maximum theater.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 185
- Protein
- 9g
Ingredients
- 7 oz firm tofu
- 12 leaves fresh betel leaves
- ½ cup fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, Thai basil), leaves only
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, crushed into small pieces
- 3 tablespoon fried shallots, store-bought or homemade
- ⅓ cup hoisin sauce or Vietnamese peanut dipping sauce
Instructions
- 1
Pat the tofu dry with paper towels by wrapping it in 2–3 layers and pressing gently for 30 seconds, so it doesn't make the wraps soggy.
- 2
Cut the dried tofu into cubes about the size of a die, roughly 0.5 inches on each side.
- 3
Rinse the betel leaves under cool water and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- 4
Pick the herb leaves from their stems and discard the stems, so you have only the tender leaf parts.
- 5
Lay one betel leaf shiny-side down on a clean surface, with the pointed end facing away from you.
- 6
Place 2–3 tofu cubes in the center of the leaf, slightly closer to the bottom (the wide end nearest you).
- 7
Top the tofu with a small pinch of fresh herbs, a small handful of crushed peanuts, and about 0.5 teaspoon of fried shallots.
- 8
Fold the bottom wide edge of the leaf up and over the filling, then fold in the left and right sides like an envelope, leaving the pointed tip exposed.
- 9
Repeat steps 5–8 with the remaining betel leaves and filling until all 12 wraps are assembled.
- 10
Arrange the finished wraps on a serving platter with the folded edge facing down, and place a small bowl of hoisin or peanut sauce beside them for dipping.
Tools you’ll need
- paper towels
- cutting board
- chef's knife
- serving platter
- small dipping bowl
Cook smarter
Get matched recipes for what’s in your fridge
CookSnap is a free iOS app that finds real recipes from the ingredients you already have. No more grocery-list aspirations.
