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Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers

Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers, also known as Nem Nuong, are a popular and beloved dish in Vietnamese cuisine. These delicious skewers are made with seasoned ground pork that is mixed with a variety of herbs and spices, then molded onto bamboo skewers and grilled to perfection. The result is a flavorful and juicy pork skewer that is both savory and slightly sweet, and often served as a main dish or as a tasty appetizer.

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

8 mins

Additional Time:

1 hr

Total Time:

1 hr 38 mins

Servings:

Yield:

6 servings

Ingredients

1 pound pork belly, cubed

1 fresh red chile pepper, minced

3 stalks lemongrass, minced

3 tablespoons fish sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste

1 teaspoon monosodium glutamate (MSG)

1 teaspoon white sugar

1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

bamboo skewers

¼ cup fish sauce

¼ cup white sugar

1 fresh red chile pepper, minced, or more to taste

1 lime, juiced

5 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste

1 teaspoon monosodium glutamate (MSG), or to taste

1 cup water

Directions

Step 1

Combine pork belly, 1 red chile pepper, lemongrass, 3 tablespoons fish sauce, 3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon MSG, 1 teaspoon white sugar, and five-spice powder in a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until marinated, 1 to 3 hours.

Step 2

Mix 1/4 cup fish sauce, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 red chile pepper, lime juice, 5 cloves garlic, and 1 teaspoon MSG together in a bowl. Let sit until dipping sauce flavors meld, 30 minutes to 1 hour. Pour in water.

Step 3

Thread the marinated pork belly onto bamboo skewers.

Step 4

Preheat grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate. Cook pork skewers, turning occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Serve with the dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

201

Calories

11g

Fat

15g

Carbs

11g

Protein

Complement

The key to a great Nem Nuong is the balance of flavors in the marinade, which typically includes ingredients such as garlic, fish sauce, sugar, and soy sauce. The pork is marinated for several hours to allow the flavors to infuse and tenderize the meat, resulting in a mouthwatering and aromatic dish. Once grilled, the skewers are typically served with fresh herbs, lettuce, vermicelli noodles, and a side of dipping sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether enjoyed at a street food stall in Vietnam or at a Vietnamese restaurant abroad, Vietnamese Grilled Pork Skewers are a must-try dish for anyone looking to experience the rich and diverse flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.