Nem Lui, Vietnamese grilled pork skewers, are a street food staple, bursting with savory flavors and aromatic herbs. Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, charred pork, wrapped in crisp rice paper with fresh herbs and a tangy dipping sauce. Want to recreate this vibrant Vietnamese experience at home? This guide will show you how, and give you a taste of what awaits you at Com Com Restaurant in London.
Table Content:
- The Story of Nem Lui and Com Com Restaurant
- Gathering Your Ingredients: A Trip to the Vietnamese Market
- Crafting Nem Lui: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Nem Lui Variations and Tips from Com Com Restaurant
- Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
- Pairing Nem Lui with Vietnamese Delights at Com Com Restaurant
- Frequently Asked Questions about Nem Lui at Com Com Restaurant
- Experience the Authentic Taste of Vietnam at Com Com Restaurant
The Story of Nem Lui and Com Com Restaurant
Nem Lui hails from Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Traditionally made with minced pork grilled over charcoal, its distinct flavor profile comes from a blend of lemongrass, garlic, and fish sauce. At Com Com Restaurant, we honor this tradition, using high-quality ingredients and time-honored techniques to bring you an authentic Nem Lui experience. Our chefs meticulously prepare each skewer, ensuring the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. We believe in sharing the rich culinary heritage of Vietnam, offering a taste of Hue’s royal cuisine right here in London.
Grilling Nem Lui at Com Com Restaurant
Gathering Your Ingredients: A Trip to the Vietnamese Market
Creating Nem Lui requires fresh, vibrant ingredients. While some items might be readily available in your local supermarket, venturing into a Vietnamese market will elevate your experience. Think vibrant bunches of mint and cilantro, fragrant lemongrass stalks, and jars of rich fish sauce. The market is a sensory feast, filled with the aromas and colors of Vietnam. It’s an adventure in itself, and a crucial step in crafting truly authentic Nem Lui. At Com Com Restaurant, we source our ingredients with the same care and attention, ensuring the freshest flavors in every bite.
Fresh Ingredients for Nem Lui from a Vietnamese Market
Crafting Nem Lui: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Pork: Use high-quality minced pork (ideally with a bit of fat for juiciness). In a large bowl, combine the pork with finely chopped lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and a touch of chili powder. Mix well with your hands, ensuring all the flavors are incorporated.
- Shape the Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning. Take a portion of the pork mixture and shape it around the skewer, forming a long, thin sausage shape. The key is to pack the meat firmly but not too tightly.
- Grill the Nem Lui: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the skewers, turning frequently, until they are cooked through and nicely charred on all sides. The aroma of the grilling pork, infused with lemongrass and garlic, is simply intoxicating.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, sugar, water, lime juice, minced garlic, and chili. Adjust the sweetness and sourness to your liking. This tangy dipping sauce is the perfect complement to the rich, savory Nem Lui.
- Assemble and Enjoy: Serve the Nem Lui hot off the grill with rice paper, fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, lettuce), and the dipping sauce. Wrap the grilled pork in the rice paper with the herbs and dip it in the sauce for a burst of flavors. It’s a truly satisfying and delicious experience.
Nem Lui Variations and Tips from Com Com Restaurant
At Com Com Restaurant, we offer variations of Nem Lui, including a version with crab, king prawn, and pork for an extra layer of flavor and texture. We also offer vegetarian options. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique Nem Lui. For a truly authentic experience, serve with vermicelli noodles and a side of pickled vegetables.
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
Nem Lui, while indulgent, can also be part of a healthy diet. Pork provides protein and essential nutrients. The fresh herbs contribute vitamins and antioxidants. And the use of grilling instead of frying keeps the dish relatively low in fat. At Com Com Restaurant, we believe in balancing flavor with nutrition, offering dishes that are both delicious and wholesome.
Pairing Nem Lui with Vietnamese Delights at Com Com Restaurant
At Com Com Restaurant, we offer a wide selection of Vietnamese dishes that perfectly complement Nem Lui. Try it with a refreshing Goi Cuon (summer roll) or a flavorful Bun Cha (vermicelli noodles with grilled pork). Our extensive menu offers a journey through the diverse culinary landscape of Vietnam.
Com Com Restaurant Interior
Frequently Asked Questions about Nem Lui at Com Com Restaurant
Q: What is Nem Lui made of?
A: Nem Lui is made with minced pork, lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, and other aromatic spices, grilled to perfection.
Q: What kind of rice paper should I use for Nem Lui?
A: Use round rice paper wrappers, specifically designed for wrapping.
Q: Can I make Nem Lui without a grill?
A: Yes, you can use a grill pan or even a regular frying pan to cook Nem Lui.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with Nem Lui?
A: Vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a variety of dipping sauces are excellent accompaniments to Nem Lui.
Q: Does Com Com Restaurant offer vegetarian Nem Lui?
A: Yes, Com Com Restaurant offers delicious vegetarian alternatives, showcasing the versatility of Vietnamese cuisine.
Experience the Authentic Taste of Vietnam at Com Com Restaurant
Nem Lui is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and the vibrant culinary traditions of Vietnam. While making it at home can be a rewarding adventure, nothing compares to the authentic taste of Nem Lui crafted by expert hands. Come visit Com Com Restaurant and embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Vietnam. We’re located at 183-185 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4LB, UK. Open daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Give us a call at 020 7720 9928 or email us at [email protected]. We also offer delivery, bringing the taste of Vietnam straight to your door. Come experience the art of Vietnamese grilled pork and rice paper – Nem Lui – at Com Com Restaurant.
