Authentic Vietnamese Nem Cá Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 500g of minced pork
  • 200g of minced shrimp
  • 200g of crab meat
  • 1 egg
  • 100g of glass noodles (soaked in warm water for 15 minutes and drained)
  • 200g of wood ear mushrooms (soaked in warm water, thinly sliced)
  • 2 carrots (grated)
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
  • 1 bunch of cilantro (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
  • 400g of rice paper (small size)
  • Vegetable oil for frying
  • For Dipping Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of vinegar
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 2 cloves of garlic (crushed)
  • 1 red chili (sliced)
  • 1 carrot (julienned)

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the minced pork, minced shrimp, crab meat, egg, soaked glass noodles, sliced wood ear mushrooms, grated carrots, chopped onion, chopped garlic, chopped cilantro, fish sauce, sugar, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  2. Take a piece of rice paper, place a spoonful of the filling on it, fold in the sides and roll it up tightly. Repeat this process until all the filling is used.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, lower the heat to medium-low and fry the rolls until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to turn the rolls occasionally for even cooking.
  4. While the rolls are frying, prepare the dipping sauce by combining the fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, water, crushed garlic, sliced chili, and julienned carrot in a small saucepan. Stir well and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool down.
  5. Once the rolls are cooked, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
  6. Serve the Nem Cá warm with the dipping sauce on the side.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Instead of using minced pork, shrimp, and crab meat, you can use other meats such as minced chicken, beef, or a combination of different meats.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, replace the meat and seafood with diced tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
  • You can add other vegetables like shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, or sliced bell peppers to the filling for added texture and flavor.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces such as sweet chili sauce, hoisin sauce, or peanut sauce.
  • Try using different herbs like mint or Thai basil in addition to or instead of cilantro for a different flavor profile.
  • For a healthier version, consider baking the rolls in the oven instead of frying them. Brush them with a little oil and bake at 180°C (350°F) until golden brown.
  • Instead of rice paper, you can use spring roll wrappers made from wheat flour for a different texture.
  • If you prefer a spicier filling, add chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
  • For a gluten-free option, ensure that the fish sauce and other condiments used are gluten-free, and use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Recipe overview

Get ready to savor the delicious flavors of Nem Cá, a traditional Vietnamese dish that is sure to delight your taste buds. These small, crispy rolls are packed with a mix of minced pork, shrimp, and crab meat, combined with flavorful additions like glass noodles, wood ear mushrooms, and a variety of fresh vegetables. The process of rolling the Nem Cá is almost as fun as eating them, making it a great activity for the whole family. The rolls are fried until golden and served with a tangy dipping sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor. Perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, Nem Cá is an essential taste of Vietnamese cuisine that you'll find yourself coming back to time and time again.

Common questions

  1. Can I use other types of meat instead of minced pork? Yes, you can substitute minced pork with minced chicken or minced beef if you prefer.
  2. Can I omit the seafood ingredients? Certainly! If you want a non-seafood version, you can omit the minced shrimp and crab meat. The rolls will still be delicious with just the minced pork.
  3. Can I add vegetables of my choice? Absolutely! Feel free to add or replace vegetables according to your preference. You can experiment with ingredients like shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, or bell peppers.
  4. Can I use a different type of noodle? Yes, you can use vermicelli noodles instead of glass noodles. Just make sure to soak them in warm water until they are soft before adding them to the filling mixture.
  5. Can I bake the rolls instead of frying them? While the traditional method involves frying the rolls, you can try baking them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown. Brush them with a little oil before baking for a nice texture.
  6. Can I make the rolls in advance? Yes, you can prepare the rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Fry or bake them when you are ready to serve.
  7. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe? Certainly! You can make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and seafood. Increase the amount of vegetables in the filling and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
  8. How should I store the leftover rolls? If you have any leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients for the filling.
  • Deep Pan - A pan with high sides for frying the Nem Cá rolls.
  • Slotted Spoon - Used to remove the cooked rolls from the oil.
  • Small Saucepan - For preparing the dipping sauce.
  • Kitchen Paper - Used to drain the fried rolls and remove excess oil.

Origin stories

Nem Cá, or Vietnamese spring rolls, are a beloved staple in Vietnamese cuisine, distinguishing themselves from their Chinese counterparts through the use of rice paper instead of wheat-based wrappers. The Vietnamese believe that the dish represents the essence of their culture - a harmonious blend of different flavors and textures, much like the diverse elements that make up their nation. A popular tradition is to make these spring rolls at family gatherings, where everyone sits together, wrapping rolls, and exchanging stories. The process of preparing Nem Cá, therefore, is not just about creating a delicious dish, it's about fostering a sense of community and connectivity, a celebration of Vietnamese life and love.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.