Nem Nuong Recipe – Vietnam's Savory Street Food

Name: Nem Nuong
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 3-5 servings
Cuisine: Vietnam
Ingredients: baking powder; basil; black pepper; cloves garlic; cornstarch; daikon radish; fish sauce; for serving; for the pork sausages; g pork; herbs such as mint cilantro; honey; lettuce leaves; lime juice; nuoc cham vietnamese dipping sauce; nuoc cham vietnamese dipping sauce see recipe below; pickled vegetables such as carrots; red chili thinly; rice paper wrappers; salt; sugar; vegetable oil; vermicelli noodles; water

Nem Nuong is a popular Vietnamese dish consisting of grilled pork sausages that are often enjoyed as a street food delicacy. This dish holds cultural significance in Vietnam, commonly served at gatherings and celebrations, where the aromatic flavors and textures bring people together. Typically wrapped in rice paper with fresh herbs and vegetables, it's a delightful blend of savory and fresh elements.

⚡ Medium 🔥 ~320 kcal / serving

Ingredients

For the Pork Sausages:
1 lb (450 g) ground pork
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For Serving:
Rice paper wrappers
Fresh herbs (such as mint, cilantro, and basil)
Lettuce leaves
Pickled vegetables (such as carrots and daikon radish)
Vermicelli noodles, cooked
Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese dipping sauce, see recipe below)
Nuoc Cham (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce):
1/4 cup (60 ml) fish sauce
1/4 cup (60 ml) lime juice
1/4 cup (60 ml) water
2 tablespoons sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red chili, thinly sliced

Instructions

Prepare the Pork Sausages

In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, minced garlic, fish sauce, sugar, honey, ground black pepper, baking powder, cornstarch, and salt.

Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

Cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Shape the Sausages

After chilling, divide the pork mixture into small portions and shape each portion into a sausage or patty.

You can use skewers if desired, shaping the pork mixture around the skewers.

Grill the Sausages

Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

Brush the sausages with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.

Grill the sausages for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a nice char.

Prepare the Nuoc Cham

In a small bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, water, sugar, minced garlic, and sliced red chili.

Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.

Serve

Serve the grilled pork sausages with rice paper wrappers, fresh herbs, lettuce leaves, pickled vegetables, and cooked vermicelli noodles. To eat, dip the rice paper wrappers in warm water to soften, then wrap them around the sausages along with the herbs, lettuce, pickled vegetables, and noodles. Dip the wrapped sausages into the Nuoc Cham dipping sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nem Nuong?

Nem Nuong is a Vietnamese dish made of grilled pork sausages, known for its rich flavors and unique texture.

Where does Nem Nuong come from?

Nem Nuong originates from Vietnam, particularly popular in southern regions.

What are the main ingredients in Nem Nuong?

The key ingredients include ground pork, garlic, fish sauce, sugar, honey, and black pepper.

How long does Nem Nuong take to make?

Nem Nuong takes approximately 51-68 minutes to prepare and cook.

What do you serve with Nem Nuong?

Serve Nem Nuong with rice paper, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables for a complete meal.

Nem Nuong