Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Vietnam with this mouthwatering Nem Nuong recipe! Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly grilled, juicy pork patties wrapped in delicate rice paper, bursting with aromatic herbs and a tantalizing blend of savory seasonings. This isn't just a recipe - it's a culinary adventure that will transform your home cooking and impress everyone at your dining table. Whether you're a food enthusiast or a curious home cook, this Vietnamese classic will become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g ground pork
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro) for serving
- Rice paper for wrapping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, minced garlic, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture becomes slightly sticky.
- Cover the pork mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate and the meat to firm up, which will make shaping easier.
- Prepare your grill or a heavy skillet on medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Shape the marinated pork mixture into small oblong patties or cylindrical sausage-like shapes, approximately 2-3 inches long and 1 inch thick.
- Grill the pork patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, ensuring they are cooked through with a nice char and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- While grilling, warm the rice paper by quickly dipping each sheet in warm water for a few seconds until pliable.
- To serve, place a grilled pork patty on a softened rice paper, add fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, and roll tightly.
- Optionally, prepare a dipping sauce with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chopped chili for added flavor.
- Serve immediately while the pork is hot and the rice paper is fresh and crisp.
Tips
- For the most tender and flavorful meat, use ground pork with a slightly higher fat content (around 20%) to ensure juiciness.
- Don't skip the marinating step - letting the meat rest in the refrigerator helps develop deeper flavors and improves texture.
- When shaping the patties, wet your hands slightly to prevent the meat from sticking and create smoother shapes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork reaches the safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- For extra authenticity, try grilling over charcoal if possible - it adds a wonderful smoky dimension to the dish.
- Prepare your dipping sauce in advance to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve immediately after grilling to enjoy the crisp rice paper and hot, juicy meat at its absolute best!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 95mg
