Nem Lụi (Huế Lemongrass Pork Skewers)
Local name: Nem lụi
In short: Lemongrass-scented pork patties molded on skewers, grilled until smoky, then rolled at the table in rice paper with herbs, pickles and peanut sauce. It takes about 55 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 40 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 55 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 590 kcal
Nem lụi is a specialty of Huế, in central Vietnam, made from ground pork pressed onto lemongrass stalks and grilled over charcoal. The stalks perfume the meat as it cooks. At the table, everyone builds their own rolls: rice paper, lettuce, herbs, cucumber, pickles and hot grilled pork, then a dunk in a thick peanut sauce. The mix of hot, smoky pork and cold, crisp vegetables is the appeal.
Instructions
- Mix the pork with the minced lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, sugar, cornstarch, pepper and oil. Knead for 2 minutes until sticky, then chill for 1 hour.
- For the sauce, simmer the peanut butter, hoisin, fish sauce, sugar, water, garlic and chili sauce for 3 minutes, stirring. Cool and pour into small bowls.
- With wet hands, mold about 3 tablespoons (50 g) of pork around the top 10 cm (4 in) of each skewer into a slim sausage shape. This makes 12 skewers.
- Grill over medium-high heat, or broil, for 10 to 12 minutes, turning often and brushing with a little oil, until browned and cooked through (71°C / 160°F).
- Set out the lettuce, herbs, cucumber, pickles and a plate of warm water for the wrappers.
- To eat, dip a wrapper in the water for 3 seconds. Fill it with lettuce, herbs, cucumber, pickles and pork slid off a skewer, roll it up and dunk it in the sauce.
Tips
- No lemongrass stalks for skewers? Soak bamboo skewers for 30 minutes and add an extra stalk of minced lemongrass to the mix. Keep the meat cold so it is easy to shape.
- Charcoal gives the best smoky flavor. Indoors, broil the skewers on a rack and turn them often so the sugar browns without burning.
Questions and answers
Can I make nem lụi ahead of time?
Shape the skewers and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before grilling, or freeze them raw for up to 2 months. Cook straight from the fridge or thaw first.
What do you serve with nem lụi?
Rice paper for wrapping, lettuce, herbs, cucumber, pickles and a thick peanut-based sauce. Each person rolls their own.
Can I bake nem lụi instead of grilling?
Yes. Bake on a rack at 220°C (425°F) for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once, until browned and 71°C (160°F) inside.
How long does it take to make Nem Lụi (Huế Lemongrass Pork Skewers)?
About 55 min in total: 40 min of preparation and 15 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Nem Lụi (Huế Lemongrass Pork Skewers)?
About 590 kcal per serving, with 32 g of protein, 40 g of carbohydrates and 33 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 590 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 33 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 1300 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
