Grilled Beef Rolls with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce

Beef Rolls

• 2 pounds ground sirloin
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice wine or sherry
• 1 tablespoon Asian fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sambal oelek or other Asian chile sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 40 jarred brined grape leaves—drained, rinsed and patted dry

Vegetable or peanut oil, for grilling

Nuoc Cham

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup hot water
• 1/3 cup Asian fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon minced jalapeño
• 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons unsalted roasted peanuts, finely chopped

Chopped cilantro and whole mint leaves, for garnish

Lettuce leaves, for wrapping

1. 1. make the beef rolls In a bowl, combine the ground beef with all the remaining ingredients except the grape leaves. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. 2. Snip off any stems from the grape leaves. Spread 4 leaves on a work surface. Form a 1-tablespoon-size log of the beef filling at the stem end of each leaf. Fold the sides of each leaf over the filling, then tightly roll up the leaves to form 4 cylinders. Repeat with the remaining grape leaves and filling.
3. 3. make the nuoc cham In a bowl, whisk the sugar into the hot water until dissolved. Whisk in the remaining ingredients, except the garnishes. Transfer the nuoc cham to a serving bowl.
4. 4. Light a grill. Lightly brush the grill and beef rolls with oil. Arrange the rolls on the grill and cook over moderate heat, turning often to prevent burning, until firm and just cooked through, about 8 minutes. Sprinkle the rolls with cilantro and mint. Serve warm with lettuce leaves for wrapping and the nuoc cham for dipping.