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Nems (Fried Stuffed Pastries)

Nems (Fried Stuffed Pastries recipe image
These Nems are the ultimate Vietnamese comfort food, featuring a delicate, paper-thin wrapper filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, crab meat, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles. The filling is seasoned with fresh aromatics and wrapped tightly before being deep-fried to a golden, shattering crisp. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the crunchy exterior and the tender, juicy interior. They are perfect as an appetizer for parties or paired with a dipping sauce for a light meal. While traditional recipes often use store-bought rice paper wrappers, this version includes a homemade dough option for a unique pastry-like texture. Serve hot with nuoc cham for the authentic experience.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4
Calories: 855
Description
These Nems are the ultimate Vietnamese comfort food, featuring a delicate, paper-thin wrapper filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, crab meat, mushrooms, and vermicelli noodles. The filling is seasoned with fresh aromatics and wrapped tightly before being deep-fried to a golden, shattering crisp. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the crunchy exterior and the tender, juicy interior. They are perfect as an appetizer for parties or paired with a dipping sauce for a light meal. While traditional recipes often use store-bought rice paper wrappers, this version includes a homemade dough option for a unique pastry-like texture. Serve hot with nuoc cham for the authentic experience.
Directions
  1. 1
    Sift the flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a large mixing bowl.
  2. 2
    Cut the shortening into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two knives until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. 3
    Beat the egg yolk with the water, then add to the flour mixture. Toss lightly until a cohesive ball of dough forms.
  4. 4
    Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for one hour.
  5. 5
    Finely chop the cooked pork, mushrooms, crab meat, vermicelli noodles, and hard-cooked egg together.
  6. 6
    Combine the chopped ingredients in a bowl with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper, mixing well.
  7. 7
    On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
  8. 8
    Cut the dough into 6-inch circles using a round cutter or glass.
  9. 9
    Place a spoonful of the filling on one end of each dough circle.
  10. 10
    Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly like a jelly roll.
  11. 11
    Moisten the edges with egg white or water to seal the rolls securely.
  12. 12
    Heat the frying fat to 365°F (185°C).
  13. 13
    Fry 2-3 rolls at a time for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally.
  14. 14
    Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Keep warm while frying the remaining rolls.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 855kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 42.1 gg65%
Saturated Fat 13.8 gg69%
Cholesterol 294 mgmg98%
Sodium 9785 mgmg408%
Total Carbohydrate 92.1 gg31%
Dietary Fiber 3.2 gg13%
Sugars 1.3 gg
Protein 24.1 gg49%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Vietnamese, nems, spring rolls, fried, appetizer, pork, crab, mushrooms, vermicelli, crispy, street food, party food, dipping sauce, seafood, dinner party
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/nems-fried-stuffed-pastries/