#34 in Vietnam
Nem Nướng: Basic Information
Pronunciation
Alternative Name(s)
Dish Type
Course
Mealtime
Nem Nướng: Origin and Region
Origin
Continent’s Region
Country’s Region
Associated Region
Popular Nem Nướng Variations
Nem Nướng Nha Trang
Nem Lụi Huế
Nem Nướng Ninh Hòa
Nem Nướng: Ingredients and Preparation
Main Ingredients
Main Cooking Method
Preparation Process
Nem Nướng: A Deep Dive
Cultural Significance
Taste
Texture
Aroma
Color
Serving Style
Serving Temperature
Accompaniment
Occasions
Seasons
Special Diets
Calories
Popularity
Popular Similar Dishes
Popular Dining Area
Nem nướng is a traditional Vietnamese grilled pork sausage that often appears on long skewers.
Locals often serve nem nướng as an appetizer for enjoying along with rice vermicelli noodles (bún), rice paper, or rice. Alternatively, the Khánh Hòa region of Nha Trang in Vietnam savor nem nướng as a main dish.
Ideally, ground pork is a favorite choice for making nem nướng with the perfect ratio of either ⅓ or ½ of pork fat to keep the meat moist during grilling. Additionally, spices like fish sauce, mince shallot, garlic, sugar, and black pepper are used to diversify the flavors.
To enjoy nem nướng, people have it as a standalone dish or a light appetizer with rice paper and rice nodules.
Furthermore, this Vietnamese street food often comes with a sweet and sour mixture of diluted fish sauce or a thick peanut sauce. To add to that, fresh vegetables are a common addition alongside nem nướng.
In Vietnam, nem nướng is often enjoyed as a street food item. Interestingly, locals also pair nem nướng with bún thịt nướng and cơm tấm to enjoy as a main course.
Don’t forget, nem nướng also comes in various versions in different regions in Vietnam. Then, it’s also exciting to know about the components of nem nướng and how locals create it. Additionally, knowing about the benefits and drawbacks of eating nem nướng is a must for many.
Furthermore, I’ll also provide you with answers about some of the common concerns that people often have about nem nướng and dishes that are similar to it.
Key Points
Nem Nướng Images
What Are the Popular Versions of Nem Nướng in Vietnam?
In Vietnam, nem nướng varies differently across the region using different ingredients to produce many flavors. For that, let me introduce you to three popular variants in Hue, Nha Trang, and Ninh Hoa:
Nem Nướng Ninh Hòa
Features a crispy exterior with a tender and flavorful interior
Often enjoyed with fried rice paper, dipping sauce, and fresh vegetables
Nem Lụi Huế
Has a flavor of the Central region of Vietnam
Nem Nướng Nha Trang
Renowned for its distinctive flavor from the Nha Trang region; often served with a special sauce made with ground liver or peanuts
After discovering the nem nướng variants, discover the elements that make up the iconic nem nướng of Vietnam.
What Is Nem Nướng Made of?
Nem nướng mainly consists of ground pork as the main focus with various seasonings to add depth in terms of flavors. Typically, nem nướng consists of the following elements:
- Ground pork: The primary ingredient, which is seasoned and formed around the skewers before grilling.
- Garlic: Crushed or minced, it’s a key aromatic that flavors the meat.
- Sugar: It balances the flavors and helps to caramelize the surface when grilling.
- Fish sauce: A staple in Vietnamese cuisine, this adds a savory depth of umami flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: For basic seasoning.
- Optional add-ins: Depending on the recipe, other ingredients include shallots, green onion, honey, or lemongrass to enhance the taste.
Once you know about the elements of nem nướng, make sure to discover the process of producing this Vietnamese grilled pork sausage.
How to Make Nem Nướng?
Nem nướng is easy to make with the process is mainly about mixing ground pork with various ingredients before grilling:
Step 1: Marinating the Meat
Combine ground pork with crushed garlic, finely chopped shallots (optional), sugar, fish sauce, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly and let the meat marinate.
Step 2: Forming the Skewers
Once marinated, the meat is formed into oblong shapes around skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water beforehand to prevent burning during grilling.
Step 3: Grilling
Place the skewers on the grill, turning them occasionally, until they are evenly cooked through and have a nice char on the outside.
Step 4: Serving
Serve the Nem nướng hot off the grill with accompaniments such as fresh herbs, lettuce wraps, pickled vegetables, rice paper, dipping sauces like nước chấm or a hoisin-based sauce, and vermicelli noodles if desired.
Making Nem nướng is simple, as you just mix ground pork with some tasty elements and then grill it. After you know how to make it, let’s look at the good and not-so-good parts of eating it.
Pros and Cons of Eating Nem Nướng
These are the features to consider before eating nem nướng to avoid any unwanted effects on your body:
Pros
Cons
Now that you know what to expect when it comes to the benefits and downsides of nem nướng, let’s dive into some common questions people have about this tasty dish.
Truc Tran (Kris)
Senior Food Editor
Expertise
Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert
Education
Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.