Nem nuong (pork patties)
Nem nuong are Vietnamese pork patties made with ground pork and a blend of spices, offering a savory and slightly sweet flavor. Grilled to perfection, they are often enjoyed with fresh vegetables or in spring rolls.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp basmati rice18 oz ground pork
3 shallots
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp sugar
Nem nuong, or Vietnamese pork patties, is a delicious and popular dish characterized by its savory and slightly sweet flavor profile. It is often served as an appetizer, in a banh mi sandwich, or as part of a fresh spring roll. This recipe combines ground pork with a blend of spices and seasonings, creating a mouthwatering treat that is sure to impress.
Instructions:
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Add the basmati rice and toast it, stirring frequently. Cook until the rice turns light brown and emits a nutty fragrance, about 5-7 minutes.
- Let the toasted rice cool, then grind it into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped shallots, minced garlic, fish sauce, black pepper, sugar, and the ground toasted rice.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. This helps to ensure the flavors meld together well.
3. Form Patties:
- Wet your hands to prevent sticking, then scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of the pork mixture.
- Shape the mixture into small, flat patties approximately 2-3 inches in diameter and about ½ inch thick. Repeat until all the mixture is used up.
4. Grill the Patties:
- Preheat a grill to medium heat. You can also use a grill pan or non-stick skillet if a grill is not available.
- Lightly grease the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Place the pork patties on the preheated grill. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) and the patties are beautifully charred and cooked through.
5. Serve:
- Serve the Nem Nuong hot, accompanied by fresh vegetables such as lettuce, cucumber, and herbs (mint, cilantro, basil).
- You can also serve them with rice noodles (bun) and nuoc cham dipping sauce for a traditional Vietnamese meal.
Cooking Nem nuong at home allows you to savor the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine right in your own kitchen. The combination of ground pork, shallots, garlic, and spices creates a delectable dish that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your homemade Nem nuong with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a refreshing spring roll.
Nem nuong (pork patties) FAQ:
The best way to check if Nem Nuong (pork patties) are done is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the center of one of the patties; they should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to ensure they are safely cooked through.
Yes, you can substitute ground pork with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly. Adjust seasonings as needed to complement the meat used.
Leftover Nem Nuong can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can grill them briefly or microwave until heated through.
Shape the patties to be approximately 2-3 inches in diameter and about ½ inch thick. This size allows for even cooking and ensures the patties are easy to handle.
Yes, you can prepare the patties in advance. Shape them and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before grilling. This will help the flavors to meld and can enhance the final taste.
Tips:
- Dry roast the basmati rice in a pan until it turns a golden brown color before grinding it to a fine powder. This will enhance the flavor and texture of the pork patties.
- Ensure that the pork mixture is well combined and allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Form the patties into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. You can use skewers to grill them or bake them in the oven.
- To achieve a nice char and additional flavor, consider grilling the patties over a charcoal grill.
- Serve the Nem nuong with fresh herbs, lettuce, pickled vegetables, and rice paper wrappers so guests can create their own spring rolls.
Nutrition per serving
8 ServingsCalories 210kcal
Protein 16g
Carbohydrates 3.73g
Fiber 0.45g
Sugar 1.79g
Fat 13g
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