Vietnamese Pork Rolls Wrapped in Piper Lolot Leaves (Xương Sông) – A Flavorful and Elegant Dish

Pork rolls wrapped in xương sông leaves are a delightful Vietnamese dish known for the perfect harmony between the fresh herbal aroma of the leaves and the rich, juicy flavor of the meat filling. Not only visually appealing, these rolls are also incredibly tasty, making them a popular choice in family meals, festive gatherings, and special occasions.
Below is a detailed guide that will help you prepare this flavorful dish right at home.

Ingredients for Pork Rolls Wrapped in Xương Sông Leaves

1. Ingredients for the Meat Filling

• 300g lean pork (or chicken if you prefer a lighter option)

• 100g fresh shrimp (optional, but adds sweetness and texture)

• 1 shallot

• 2–3 garlic cloves

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons tapioca starch

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 teaspoon ground pepper

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

2. Ingredients for Wrapping

• 20–25 xương sông leaves (you can substitute with pomelo leaves or basil leaves if unavailable)

• 1 onion (thinly sliced, optional)

• 1 carrot (julienned, optional)

• Fresh herbs and vegetables for serving (lettuce, Vietnamese herbs, etc.)

• Sweet and sour dipping fish sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

a. Preparing the Meat

• Rinse the pork under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

• Cut into small pieces to make grinding easier.

• If using shrimp, peel, devein, wash thoroughly, then chop or grind together with the pork.

b. Preparing Aromatics and Vegetables

• Peel the shallot and garlic, then mince finely.

• If using onion and carrot for garnish, slice and set aside.

• Remove any tough stems from xương sông leaves and wash gently to avoid tearing.

2. Make the Meat Filling

Grinding the Meat

Add the pork (and shrimp, if used) into a food processor along with the minced shallot and garlic. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and sticky.

Mixing the Filling

Transfer the ground meat to a large bowl. Add the egg, tapioca starch, fish sauce, pepper, sugar, and oil. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly combined.
The filling should be slightly sticky but not watery.

Marinating

Let the mixture rest for 15–30 minutes. This helps the seasoning penetrate deeply, giving the rolls better flavor and consistency.

The mixture is a balanced combination of aromatic herbs, savory ground pork, and just enough seasoning to create a moist, tender, and flavorful filling.

3. Wrap the Rolls

Prepare the Leaves

• Pat the xương sông leaves dry after washing.

• If the leaves feel stiff, briefly blanch them in hot water to soften and prevent tearing.

Wrapping Process

• Place one spoonful of filling in the center of the leaf.

• Fold the sides inward and roll tightly like a small cylinder.

• If needed, secure with kitchen string or toothpicks, though usually the leaves hold well on their own.

Optional Step: Lightly Toast the Rolls

For better aroma and structure, you can lightly grill the rolls over low heat until the leaves become slightly crispy and release their fragrance. This step enhances the final flavor significantly.

4. Cooking the Rolls

Steaming Method (Recommended)

• Arrange the rolls neatly in a steamer lined with parchment paper or banana leaves.

• Steam for 20–30 minutes until fully cooked.

• If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a rice cooker or a regular pot with a steaming rack.

Grilling or Baking (Optional)

If you prefer a slightly smoky, charred flavor:

• Grill over charcoal or place in an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F).

• Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway until the rolls are golden and slightly crisp.

This method creates a richer, more layered taste compared to steaming.

5. Serving the Dish

Prepare the Serving Plate

Arrange the rolls on a plate and garnish with sliced onion, carrot, or fresh herbs. The vibrant green of the xương sông leaves makes the dish visually stunning.

Make the Dipping Sauce

Prepare sweet-and-sour fish sauce by combining:

• Fish sauce

• Sugar

• Lime juice

• Minced chili and garlic

Adjust the flavors until it matches your preference—balanced, refreshing, and slightly spicy.

Enjoying the Dish

Serve the xương sông rolls with fresh vegetables and dipping sauce.
Each bite offers a contrast of textures: the fragrant herb leaf exterior, the juicy filling, and the refreshing herbs—making the experience both unique and memorable.

Tips & Notes

• If you cannot find xương sông leaves, pomelo leaves, basil, or shiso leaves are acceptable alternatives.

• Ensure the filling is not too wet, or the leaves may tear while wrapping.

• The rolls can also be pre-made and stored in the freezer. Steam or grill whenever needed for a quick, delicious meal.

• Adding shrimp enhances sweetness and improves texture, but the dish is still excellent with pork alone.