Juicy Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers (Nem Nướng)

Juicy Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers (Nem Nướng)

Nem Nướng is a flavorful Vietnamese dish consisting of grilled pork skewers. These delectable skewers are known for their juicy and savory taste, accented by a blend of traditional Vietnamese herbs and spices. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a cozy indoor grill session, they can be enjoyed wrapped in rice paper with fresh veggies and herbs, or simply straight off the skewer.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
• Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, fish sauce, sugar, honey, minced garlic, black pepper, baking powder, and cornstarch. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Add the chopped lemongrass, cilantro, and mint to the pork mixture. Continue to mix until the herbs are evenly distributed.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
4. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, prepare your coals until they are glowing red with a light layer of ash.
5. Take the bamboo skewers and shape a small amount of the pork mixture around each skewer, pressing firmly to adhere the meat to the skewer. Repeat until all the meat mixture is used.
6. Grill the skewers for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the pork is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside.
7. Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving suggestion:

Nem Nướng is traditionally served with fresh herbs (such as mint, perilla, and cilantro), lettuce, rice paper, pickled vegetables, and a dipping sauce made of fish sauce, lime juice, garlic, sugar, and water. To enjoy, you can wrap the grilled pork in rice paper with the fresh herbs and veggies, and dip into the sauce.

Enjoy the juicy, flavorful taste of Vietnamese cuisine with these delightful grilled pork skewers!