Nem Chua

Nem Chua is a traditional Vietnamese appetizer made from fermented pork, delivering a perfect balance of savory and tangy flavors. This protein-rich dish is often served with fresh herbs and rice paper, making it a delightful starter for any meal.

Ingredients

• Pork shoulder - 200 grams, minced
• Pork fat - 50 grams, minced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Shallots - 1 small, minced
• Fish sauce - 30 ml
• Salt - 5 grams
• Sugar - 10 grams
• Black pepper - 2 grams
• Rice powder - 5 grams
• Fermentation starter (optional) - 1 gram
• Banana leaves - 2 pieces, for wrapping
• Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro) - for serving
• Rice paper - for serving

Steps

1. In a bowl, combine minced pork shoulder, minced pork fat, minced garlic, minced shallots, fish sauce, salt, sugar, black pepper, and rice powder. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
2. If using, sprinkle the fermentation starter over the mixture and mix again.
3. Take a small portion of the mixture and form it into a cylindrical shape, about 5 cm long.
4. Wrap each cylinder tightly in banana leaves, ensuring they are sealed well to maintain the shape.
5. Place the wrapped nem chua in a container and let it ferment at room temperature for 24-48 hours, depending on the desired sourness.
6. Once fermented, remove the nem chua from the banana leaves, slice into thin pieces, and serve with fresh herbs and rice paper.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.1 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Contains probiotics from fermentation, promoting gut health.

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