How to Make Vegetarian Betel Leaf Rolls Using an Air Fryer

Vegetarian betel leaf rolls (chả lá lốt chay) are a familiar and beloved dish in Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine, known for the distinctive aroma of betel leaves and a rich, savory filling that is easy to enjoy. Many people wonder how to make vegetarian betel leaf rolls that are flavorful, moist, and simple to prepare at home. In this article, Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant provides a detailed guide—from ingredients and preparation to helpful tips—so you can create delicious vegetarian betel leaf rolls with confidence.

Why Are Vegetarian Betel Leaf Rolls So Popular?

Vegetarian betel leaf rolls are the plant-based version of traditional betel leaf rolls, where meat filling is replaced with ingredients such as tofu, mushrooms, and fresh herbs. This combination preserves the signature aroma while offering a lighter, more delicate taste.

Compared to the meat-based version, vegetarian betel leaf rolls contain less fat, are easier to digest, and suit a wide range of diets—especially for vegetarians, health-conscious eaters, or families looking to refresh their daily meals. When fried or air-fried, betel leaves release a mildly spicy, fragrant aroma that enhances the dish without feeling heavy. Betel leaves are also rich in nutrients and offer several health benefits.

How to Make Vegetarian Betel Leaf Rolls Delicious

The filling plays a crucial role in determining the flavor and texture of vegetarian betel leaf rolls. The filling can be flexibly adapted using tofu, various mushrooms, spirulina, or vegetables, as long as it remains rich, moist, and well-bound. Below are three simple ways to make vegetarian betel leaf rolls that you can easily try at home.

Classic Vegetarian Betel Leaf Rolls with Tofu

This is the most common and beginner-friendly version. Tofu absorbs seasoning well, while wood ear mushrooms and sawtooth coriander add light chewiness and aroma, keeping the filling soft and cohesive. It’s an ideal dish for family vegetarian meals thanks to its accessible ingredients and balanced flavor.

Ingredients

• Firm tofu: 2 blocks

• Dried wood ear mushrooms: 2 pieces

• Betel leaves: 20–25 leaves

• Sawtooth coriander (culantro): 1 small bunch

• Salt: 2 teaspoons

• MSG: 1 teaspoon

• Vegetable oil: as needed

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Soak dried wood ear mushrooms in cold water for 15–20 minutes until fully expanded. Rinse thoroughly, drain, and finely chop.

Wash betel leaves and sawtooth coriander, remove damaged parts, and let dry. Finely chop the coriander. Rinse tofu and cut into small cubes for easier mashing.

Note: Always soak dried wood ear mushrooms in cold water and avoid soaking too long or overnight, as this may affect food safety.

Step 2: Mix the filling
In a large bowl, combine tofu, wood ear mushrooms, and sawtooth coriander. Add salt and MSG. Mash the tofu by hand and mix thoroughly until the filling becomes soft, cohesive, and not overly dry.

Step 3: Roll the betel leaves
Place a betel leaf flat with the shiny side facing down. Add about 2 teaspoons of filling in the center and roll tightly to prevent the filling from falling out during cooking.

Step 4: Fry the rolls
Heat about 5 tablespoons of oil in a pan over low heat. Fry the rolls evenly on all sides until firm and the leaves turn a deep, attractive green. Remove and drain excess oil.

Vegetarian “Snail-Style” Betel Leaf Rolls

This creative variation delivers a unique flavor while maintaining a traditional feel. Using spirulina and mushrooms, the filling achieves a pleasantly chewy texture and rich taste—perfect for those seeking variety in vegetarian meals.

Ingredients

• Dried spirulina: 10g

• Lemongrass: 1 stalk

• Wood ear mushroom: 1 piece

• Dried shiitake mushrooms: 5 pieces

• Tofu: 1 block

• Garlic: 1/2 bulb

• Shallot: 1

• Grain flour or all-purpose flour: 1 tablespoon

• Betel leaves, scallions

• Vegetarian seasonings: salt, sugar, pepper, oil

Instructions

Step 1: Soak spirulina in cold water until expanded. Rinse with vinegar and salt, then briefly blanch in ginger water. Drain and cut into short pieces. Soak wood ear and shiitake mushrooms, rinse, and squeeze dry. Finely chop lemongrass, garlic, and shallot. Blend all ingredients using a kneading mode to combine without over-processing.

Step 2: Mash tofu and mix with the blended ingredients. Add scallions, chopped betel leaves, flour, and seasonings. Mix until smooth and well-bound.

Step 3: Roll the filling into betel leaves. This recipe yields approximately 20 rolls.

Step 4: Fry until golden on both sides, or air-fry at 200°C (392°F) for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 5 minutes.

The finished rolls are aromatic, savory, and refreshing—ideal for adding novelty to vegetarian menus.

How to Make Vegetarian Betel Leaf Rolls Using an Air Fryer

Air-frying reduces oil while preserving aroma, texture, and appealing color—making it a popular choice for healthy eating.

Ingredients

• Betel leaves: 20–25 leaves

• Firm tofu: 2 blocks

• Mushrooms (wood ear, shiitake, or oyster): 100g

• Finely chopped leek

• Vegetarian seasonings: salt, vegetarian seasoning powder, ground pepper

• Cooking oil: lightly brushed

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Wash and dry betel leaves; trim tough stems if needed. Mash tofu and gently squeeze out excess moisture. Finely chop mushrooms and sauté briefly with leek to enhance aroma and remove moisture.

Step 2: Mix the filling
Combine tofu and mushrooms in a bowl. Season to taste and mix until evenly blended—soft but not watery.

Step 3: Roll the leaves
Place the leaf shiny side down, add filling, roll tightly, and fold the sides to secure.

Step 4: Air-fry
Preheat the air fryer at 180°C (356°F) for 5 minutes. Arrange the rolls, brush lightly with oil, and cook for 10–12 minutes. Flip and cook another 5–7 minutes until evenly cooked and fragrant.

Do Vegetarian Betel Leaf Rolls Cause Weight Gain?

A serving of vegetarian betel leaf rolls typically contains around 180–250 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the cooking method. When deep-fried, the dish contains more fat and may contribute to weight gain if eaten frequently. In contrast, grilling or cooking vegetarian betel leaf rolls in an air fryer significantly reduces oil content while preserving their delicious aroma and flavor, making them a healthier choice.

Storage Tips for Vegetarian Betel Leaf Rolls

To maintain flavor and ensure food safety, keep the following storage tips in mind:

• Store cooked vegetarian betel leaf rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 1–2 days.

• If the rolls are already wrapped but not yet cooked, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

• When reheating, use an air fryer or lightly pan-fry to restore texture and aroma.

Proper storage helps preserve the characteristic fragrance of betel leaves and keeps the dish tasting fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegetarian Betel Leaf Rolls

When making vegetarian betel leaf rolls at home, many people have questions about serving ideas, preventing dryness, or using an air fryer. Below are common questions with detailed answers.

What Should Vegetarian Betel Leaf Rolls Be Served With?

With fresh noodles
Vegetarian betel leaf rolls pair wonderfully with fresh rice vermicelli. The rich, savory rolls combine well with soft noodles and fresh herbs such as lettuce, perilla leaves, basil, and shredded cucumber. Adding sweet-and-sour vegetarian dipping sauce or chili sauce enhances the flavor.

With steamed rice
A plate of hot vegetarian betel leaf rolls served with steamed white rice creates a simple yet satisfying meal. You can add cucumber, tomatoes, or boiled vegetables to balance the flavors.

Best dipping sauces
Dipping sauce plays a key role in highlighting the dish. Popular choices include sweet-and-sour vegetarian fish sauce, chili sauce, or black bean sauce, depending on personal preference.

How Can You Prevent Vegetarian Betel Leaf Rolls from Drying Out?

To keep vegetarian betel leaf rolls moist and tender, pay attention to both filling preparation and cooking technique. You can increase moisture by adding a small amount of cooking oil or vegetarian oyster sauce when mixing the filling. Adding a little tapioca starch, cornstarch, or flour also helps bind the ingredients and retain moisture during cooking.

When cooking, avoid over-frying. Fry just until the betel leaves turn golden and the rolls are cooked through. If using an air fryer, lightly spray oil on the surface to ensure even browning without dryness.

Can Vegetarian Betel Leaf Rolls Be Made in an Air Fryer?

Yes, vegetarian betel leaf rolls can be easily prepared in an air fryer. This method reduces oil while maintaining an appealing color and rich aroma. After wrapping the rolls, arrange them in the air fryer basket, lightly spray with oil, and cook at 180°C (356°F) for about 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Should Betel Leaves Be Blanched Before Rolling?

No blanching is needed. Use fresh betel leaves, wash thoroughly, soak briefly in lightly salted water for about 5 minutes, then drain well. Fresh leaves retain their natural aroma, mild spiciness, and flexibility, helping the rolls hold together during frying or air-frying.

Conclusion

Vegetarian betel leaf rolls are a light, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish suitable for many diets and family meals. With the detailed guidance above, you can confidently prepare this dish at home. If you’d like to enjoy expertly crafted vegetarian betel leaf rolls with authentic flavor, visit Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant to experience the refined elegance of Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine.