Betel Leaf Wraps with Curried Squid and Cucumber Relish

A delicate Asian-inspired appetizer featuring curry-spiced squid served on betel leaves with a fresh cucumber relish. The dish combines tender squid in a rich coconut curry sauce with a crisp, tangy cucumber relish for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

4 servings
18 min

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ cup Persian cucumber
  • ½ cup celery
  • 1 whole red jalapeño chile
  • 1 piece fresh ginger
  • 10 stems cilantro stems
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 piece fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon Homemade Curry Powder
  • 8 ounces squid bodies
  • 1 whole red jalapeño chile
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ cup coconut cream
  • 2 tablespoons low-salt chicken broth
  • 16 leaves betel leaves
  • 4 leaves Boston lettuce
  • 4 leaves romaine lettuce

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Stir vinegar and sugar in small bowl until sugar dissolves; set aside to use as dressing. Combine cucumber, celery, chile, and ginger in another small bowl. Mix dressing into relish by tablespoonfuls to taste.

    5 min

  2. 2.

    Grind cilantro stems, garlic, and ginger in mini processor to paste.

    3 min

  3. 3.

    Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cilantro paste and stir 1 minute. Add curry powder; stir 30 seconds. Add squid and chile strips. Stir-fry until squid is almost tender, about 1 minute. Stir in fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Add coconut cream and chicken broth. Stir until sauce thickens slightly, about 1 minute.

    5 min

  4. 4.

    Arrange betel leaves on platter. Using slotted spoon, top each leaf with squid mixture. Spoon relish over.

    5 min

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