Nem Rán (Fried Spring Rolls)

Nem Rán (Fried Spring Rolls), also known as Chả Giò in southern Vietnam, is a popular Vietnamese dish. These crispy and savory rolls are made with a variety of fillings, typically including ground pork, shrimp, glass noodles, wood-ear mushrooms, and vegetables like carrots and beansprouts. The filling is wrapped in rice paper and then deep-fried until golden and crispy.

Nem Rán is often served with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili. It is a beloved dish in Vietnamese cuisine, enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or main course. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a delightful treat for any occasion. 

Ingredients:

Spring roll wrappers: Made from rice flour and sun-dried.

Ground pork: 50-50 or 60-40 ratio of pork to shrimp.

Chopped shrimp: Fresh crab meat can be added if available.

Glass noodles: Also called cellophane noodles or mung bean thread noodles.

Dried wood-ear mushrooms: Adds crunchiness to the filling.

Shredded carrot and beansprouts: Popular veggies used in the filling.

Eggs, shallot, fish sauce, salt, and pepper: For seasoning.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the filling:

   Soak the glass noodles in warm water until soft, then cut into shorter lengths.

   Soak the dried wood-ear mushrooms in warm water until soft, then chop finely.

   In a large bowl, mix ground pork, chopped shrimp, glass noodles, wood-ear mushrooms, shredded carrot, beansprouts, eggs, shallot, fish sauce, salt, and pepper.

2. Wrap the spring rolls:

   Place a spring roll wrapper on a flat surface.

   Add a spoonful of the filling near one edge of the wrapper.

   Fold the sides over the filling and roll tightly.

   Seal the edge with a bit of water or beaten egg.

3. Fry the spring rolls:

   Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium heat.

   Fry the spring rolls in batches until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

   Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

4. Serve:

   Serve the spring rolls hot with a dipping sauce made from fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, garlic, and chili.