Teresa's Recipes
Nem Nuong
Nem Nuong, a beloved street food from Vietnam, features succulent grilled pork patties bursting with flavor. Served wrapped in delicate rice paper with vibrant fresh herbs and crisp lettuce, this dish is a delightful explosion of textures and tastes. Often enjoyed as a fresh roll, each bite transports you to the bustling markets of Vietnam, where the aroma of grilled meats and fragrant herbs fills the air. Whether as an appetizer or main course, Nem Nuong offers a taste of Vietnamese culture and culinary tradition that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground pork
- 3 cloves, minced Garlic
- 2, finely chopped Shallots
- 3 tablespoons Fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 8 sheets Rice paper wrappers
- 8 leaves, large Lettuce leaves
- 1 cup, mixed (mint, cilantro, basil) Fresh herbs
- for serving Dipping sauce
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Appetizer/Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, minced garlic, finely chopped shallots, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the mixture marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if time allows for a deeper flavor.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring it's well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Divide the marinated pork mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into small, flat patties, about 1/2 inch thick.
- Place the patties on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice char.
- Once grilled, remove the patties from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to retain their juiciness.
- To assemble, take a rice paper wrapper and briefly dip it in warm water until pliable. Lay the wrapper flat on a clean surface.
- Place a lettuce leaf on the rice paper, followed by a grilled pork patty and a generous handful of fresh herbs.
- Roll the rice paper tightly, tucking in the edges as you go to create a secure wrap. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Serve the Nem Nuong with the dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, consider adding chopped chili peppers to the pork mixture or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, ensure that your fish sauce and dipping sauce are gluten-free.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs, such as Thai basil or dill, to personalize your rolls.