Nem nuong grilled pork sausage
Vietnamese cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and unique cooking techniques. One of the most popular dishes in Vietnam is Nem Nuong, or grilled pork sausage. This delicious dish is typically served as a snack or appetizer and is beloved by locals and visitors alike.
Nem Nuong, which translates to “grilled sausage,” is a savory and spicy pork patty that is often served in Vietnamese spring rolls or on a bed of vermicelli noodles. In Vietnam, the dish is a staple of street food markets and restaurants serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
The secret to making delicious Nem Nuong is in the seasoning. The pork is marinated in a blend of fish sauce, garlic, sugar, and other herbs and spices, creating a flavor profile that is both sweet and savory with a hint of spiciness. The mixture is then formed into patties and grilled over an open flame until they are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
The traditional recipe for Nem Nuong calls for ground pork shoulder, but you can use any type of ground pork, such as pork belly or pork loin. To get the best flavor, it’s important to use fresh pork that is finely ground. You can find pre-ground pork at most grocery stores or you can grind your own pork at home using a food processor or meat grinder.
In addition to the pork, the key ingredients in Nem Nuong marinade include fish sauce, garlic, sugar, and salt. Some people also include lemongrass, chili paste, or other spices to give the dish an extra kick of flavor. The mixture is typically left to marinate for several hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
Once the pork is marinated, it’s time to shape the patties. The patties are typically formed into small, round discs using wet hands to prevent the mixture from sticking. The patties are then grilled over an open flame until they are cooked through and crispy on the outside.
Nem Nuong is often served with a variety of accompaniments, such as lettuce, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and dipping sauces. One popular dipping sauce is a sweet and sour sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and vinegar. Another popular sauce is a peanut sauce made with peanut butter, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce.
In addition to being a popular snack or appetizer, Nem Nuong is also commonly served as part of a Vietnamese noodle dish called Bun Nem Nuong. The dish consists of vermicelli noodles, lettuce, herbs, pickled vegetables, and grilled pork sausage, all topped with the sweet and sour dipping sauce.
In Vietnamese culture, food is a way to connect with family and friends, and Nem Nuong is no exception. The dish is often served at family gatherings, festivals, and special occasions, bringing people together to share in a delicious and flavorful meal.
Overall, Nem Nuong is a delicious and beloved Vietnamese dish that combines fresh ingredients with bold and unique flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack or as part of a larger meal, you’re sure to love the taste and experience of this traditional Vietnamese dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. ground pork
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon shallots, minced
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Skewers
Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 chili pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, sugar, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, baking powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Divide the mixture into small portions and shape them into small sausage-like shapes onto the soaked skewers.
- Grill the pork sausage on a medium heat grill (or a grill pan) until each side is slightly charred (about 5-7 minutes per side).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dipping sauce ingredients until sugar has dissolved completely.
- Serve Nem nuong hot off the grill with a side of the dipping sauce. Enjoy!