Nha Trang, a vibrant coastal city in Vietnam, is famed for its delicious cuisine. Among its culinary treasures are the irresistible Nem Nuong, grilled pork rolls, bursting with flavor and served with a unique dipping sauce that elevates the dish to another level. This isn't your average peanut sauce; the Nha Trang Nem Nuong dip boasts a complex tapestry of sweet, savory, sour, and spicy notes, perfectly complementing the savory grilled pork. It’s a taste of authentic Vietnamese street food, easily replicated at home. The secret lies in the balance of ingredients, a careful dance between the familiar and the unexpected.
This recipe unlocks the mystery of this incredible dipping sauce, guiding you step-by-step to recreate the authentic Nha Trang flavor profile in your own kitchen. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and impress your friends and family with this unforgettable accompaniment to Nem Nuong, or any grilled meat for that matter! Let's dive into the detailed instructions and bring the tastes of Nha Trang to your table.
Tools Needed
- Blender
- Pan
- Knife
Ingredients
- Pork liver: 50g
- Pork: 30g
- Garlic: 30g
- Shallots: 30g
- Annatto oil: 3 tablespoons
- Water: 200ml
- Seasoning powder: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Fish sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Salt: 1/4 tablespoon
- MSG: 1 tablespoon
- Peanut butter: null
- Sticky rice flour: 2 tablespoons
- Eggs: 2
- Cucumber: null
- Pineapple: null
- Crispy fried rice paper: null
- Ground chili: null
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Sauce Base
- Thinly slice the pork and grind it. If you don't have a blender, mince it finely.
- Grind the pork liver and meat together.
- Finely chop the garlic and shallots (30g).
- Heat a pan to medium heat. Add 3 tablespoons of annatto oil.
- Add minced garlic and shallots and fry until golden and fragrant.
- Add the ground liver and meat and stir-fry until firm.
- Add 200ml of water.
- Add 2 tablespoons seasoning powder, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1/4 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon MSG, and peanut butter. Stir well until spices dissolve.
- Simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 2. Thicken and Finish the Sauce
- Mix 2 tablespoons of sticky rice flour with 3 tablespoons of water until dissolved. Add to the sauce pan to thicken.
- Crack in two eggs and stir slowly until cooked. Turn off the heat.
- Blend the sauce until smooth.
Step 3. Serve the Dipping Sauce
- Serve with grilled spring rolls, raw vegetables (cucumber, pineapple), crispy fried rice paper, and ground chili to taste.
Read more: Crispy Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls: A Foolproof Recipe
Tips
- Buy fresh pork liver early in the morning from the market.
- Use annatto oil for a nice color in the dipping sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to your family's taste.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce actually tastes even better after it's had a chance to sit in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. What can I substitute if I don't have fish sauce?
Soy sauce can be used as a substitute, but it will alter the flavor slightly. Use about ¾ the amount of soy sauce as you would fish sauce, and add a pinch of salt to compensate for the lack of umami.
So there you have it – a recipe that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Nha Trang with every delicious dip. This unforgettable sauce perfectly complements the savory grilled spring rolls, but its versatility extends far beyond. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and savor the authentic taste of Vietnam!