Discover the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with our mouthwatering "Vietnamese Style Parcels of Pork with Fresh Herbs." These delightful parcels are not just a treat for the taste buds; they're a culinary adventure that combines juicy ground pork and fragrant herbs, all wrapped in crispy spring roll wrappers. Perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these parcels are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, you'll be savoring the irresistible crunch and aromatic goodness in no time. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let's dive into this delicious recipe!
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Vietnamese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Ground pork
- Fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, basil)
- Garlic, minced
- Shallots, minced
- Fish sauce
- Black pepper
- Spring roll wrappers
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground pork, minced garlic, minced shallots, 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Finely chop a mixture of fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, and basil) and gently fold into the pork mixture, ensuring even distribution of herbs throughout the meat.
- Prepare a clean work surface and lay out spring roll wrappers. Take approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the pork mixture and place near one edge of the wrapper.
- Carefully fold the bottom edge of the wrapper over the meat, then fold in the sides, creating a tight parcel. Roll the wrapper tightly, sealing the edges with a small amount of water to ensure closure.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the parcels.
- Gently place the prepared parcels into the hot oil, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the wrappers are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove parcels with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and a touch of sugar. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Herbs: The key to authentic Vietnamese flavor lies in using fresh herbs. Don't hesitate to mix and match cilantro, mint, and basil to create a vibrant and aromatic filling.
- Keep the Filling Moist: If your ground pork seems too dry, consider adding a splash more fish sauce or a touch of water to keep the mixture moist and flavorful.
- Seal the Parcels Well: When folding the spring roll wrappers, ensure they're tightly sealed to prevent the filling from leaking out during frying. A little water on the edges can help secure the seal.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too hot, the wrappers will burn before the pork cooks through; too cool, and they’ll absorb excess oil and become greasy.
- Experiment with Dipping Sauces: While a simple fish sauce dip is traditional, feel free to experiment with sweet chili sauce or a tangy vinegar-based dip to complement the flavors of the parcels.
- Serve Fresh: These parcels are best enjoyed immediately after frying when they're crispy. If you need to prepare them in advance, keep them un-fried in the refrigerator and cook them just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
