Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup minced shallots
- 1/4 cup minced lemongrass
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
- 20-25 bamboo skewers
- 1 head of lettuce
- 1 bunch of mint
- 1 bunch of cilantro
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
Special Equipment Needed:
- Food processor or mortar and pestle
- Grill or grill pan
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a food processor or mortar and pestle, blend together the shallots, lemongrass, garlic, sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, and black pepper until it forms a paste.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground pork with the paste until well combined. Add water and mix again.
3. Soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
4. Divide the pork mixture into 20-25 portions and shape each portion around a skewer, forming a sausage shape.
5. Grill the skewers over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred, about 10-12 minutes.
6. Serve the Nem Lui with lettuce leaves, mint, cilantro, crushed peanuts, and dipping sauce.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
Grill over medium-high heat.
Serving size:
Makes 20-25 skewers.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 120
Fat: 8g
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Sodium: 200mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground chicken or turkey can be used instead of pork.
- Brown sugar can be used instead of white sugar.
- If lemongrass is not available, use 1 tablespoon of lemongrass paste or 1 tablespoon of lime juice instead.
Variations:
- Add chopped chilies or chili paste to the pork mixture for extra heat.
- Use different dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce or hoisin sauce.
- Wrap the Nem Lui in rice paper with vegetables for a fresh spring roll.
Tips and Tricks:
- Soaking the bamboo skewers in water prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Make sure the pork mixture is well combined and tightly packed around the skewers to prevent them from falling apart on the grill.
- Serve the Nem Lui with plenty of fresh herbs and dipping sauce for added flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Leftover Nem Lui can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the Nem Lui in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Arrange the Nem Lui skewers on a platter with lettuce leaves, herbs, and dipping sauce for a beautiful presentation.
Garnishes:
Crushed peanuts, fresh herbs, and sliced chilies make great garnishes for Nem Lui.
Pairings:
Nem Lui pairs well with rice, vermicelli noodles, or a fresh salad.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve Nem Lui with steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the Nem Lui is falling apart on the grill, add a little more water to the pork mixture to help bind it together.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure the pork is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food History:
Nem Lui is a popular Vietnamese street food that originated in Hue, a city in central Vietnam.
Flavor Profiles:
Nem Lui is savory, slightly sweet, and fragrant with lemongrass and garlic.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Nem Lui as an appetizer or main dish with plenty of fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Vietnamese