Vietnamese Cured Pork NEM CHUA

Vietnamese Cured Pork NEM CHUA is a easy Vietnamese recipe that serves 2. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Nhi Vo on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 20 min

Cost: $24.58 total, $12.29 per serving

Ingredients

  • 200 g Cured Pork (Thịt Nguội) (thinly sliced into bite‑size pieces)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 pieces Bird’s Eye Chili Peppers (thinly sliced; adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (neutral oil for stir‑frying)
  • 1 tbsp Cilantro (optional) (chopped for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Slice the cured pork into bite‑size strips, mince the garlic, and thinly slice the chili peppers.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Heat Oil

    Place the pan over medium‑high heat and add the vegetable oil, letting it heat until shimmering.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Sauté Aromatics

    Add the minced garlic and sliced chilies to the hot oil and stir‑fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Cook Pork

    Add the sliced cured pork to the pan, stir‑fry for 3‑4 minutes until the pork is heated through and the edges are lightly crisp.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Serve

    Transfer the pork to a serving plate, garnish with chopped cilantro if using, and serve immediately while hot.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
15g
Carbohydrates
5g
Fat
18g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free

Allergens: None

Last updated: April 12, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Vietnamese Cured Pork NEM CHUA

Recipe by Nhi Vo

A quick and flavorful Vietnamese snack featuring thin slices of cured pork quickly stir‑fried with fragrant garlic and spicy chili peppers. Inspired by a simple street‑food style snack that Nhi Vo mentions in her video, this dish is perfect for a light bite or appetizer.

EasyVietnameseServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
7m
Prep
5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$24.58
Total cost
$12.29
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not overcook the cured pork; it should stay tender and only acquire a light crisp on the edges.

Safety Warnings

  • Use caution when handling hot oil to avoid burns
  • Handle the knife carefully while slicing pork and chilies

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Vietnamese cured pork with garlic and chili in Vietnamese cuisine?

A

Cured pork, known as thịt nguội, is a traditional Vietnamese snack often enjoyed with simple aromatics like garlic and chili. It reflects the Vietnamese love for quick, flavorful street‑food style bites that balance salty, spicy, and aromatic notes.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Vietnamese cured pork with garlic and chili in Vietnam?

A

In northern Vietnam, the pork may be smoked and served with a splash of fish sauce, while in the south it is often paired with fresh herbs and lime. Some regions add toasted sesame seeds for extra texture.

cultural
Q

How is Vietnamese cured pork with garlic and chili traditionally served in Vietnam?

A

It is typically served on a small plate as a snack or side dish, often accompanied by fresh herbs, sliced cucumber, and a small bowl of fish sauce for dipping.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is Vietnamese cured pork with garlic and chili traditionally eaten in Vietnamese culture?

A

This snack is common at family gatherings, market stalls, and as a casual accompaniment to drinks during festivals like Tết (Lunar New Year) or mid‑autumn celebrations.

cultural
Q

What other Vietnamese dishes pair well with Vietnamese cured pork with garlic and chili?

A

It pairs nicely with fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn), rice paper salads, or a simple bowl of jasmine rice and pickled vegetables, creating a balanced meal of protein, carbs, and fresh herbs.

cultural
Q

What makes Vietnamese cured pork with garlic and chili special in Vietnamese cuisine?

A

The dish showcases the Vietnamese principle of using minimal ingredients to create bold flavors—salty cured pork, pungent garlic, and fiery chilies combine for a quick, satisfying bite.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Vietnamese cured pork with garlic and chili?

A

Common errors include overcooking the pork, which makes it tough, and burning the garlic, which adds bitterness. Keep the heat high and stir quickly to prevent both issues.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a quick stir‑fry method instead of slow cooking the cured pork?

A

Cured pork is already fully cooked and flavored; a brief stir‑fry only warms it and adds aromatic layers without drying it out, preserving its tender texture.

technical
Q

Can I make Vietnamese cured pork with garlic and chili ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can slice the pork and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. Re‑heat quickly in a hot pan before serving to restore the crisp edges.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nhi Vo specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Nhi Vo focuses on simple, home‑cooked Vietnamese recipes, sharing quick meals and snack ideas that highlight authentic flavors with easy‑to‑follow techniques.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Nhi Vo's approach to Vietnamese cooking differ from other Vietnamese cooking channels?

A

Nhi Vo emphasizes minimal ingredient lists and fast preparation, often showcasing street‑food style snacks that can be made in under 20 minutes, whereas many other channels focus on more elaborate, traditional banquet dishes.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Where are all my Vietnamese friends at 💙
1

Where are all my Vietnamese friends at 💙

A traditional Vietnamese fermented pork roll, known as Nem Chua, made with lean pork, pork skin, garlic, chili, and a balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors. The mixture is packed tightly, allowed to ferment at room temperature for a few days, then sliced and served as a tangy, chewy snack or appetizer.

45 minServes 4$13
Vietnamese
Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry - Better Than Takeout!
9

Easy Honey Garlic Chicken Stir Fry - Better Than Takeout!

A quick, family‑friendly honey garlic chicken stir‑fry that’s sweet, salty, and lightly spicy. Tender chicken pieces are coated in cornstarch, sautéed until golden, then tossed in a glossy honey‑soy‑sriracha sauce. Served over fluffy rice or quinoa and finished with green onions and sesame seeds.

45 minServes 4$7
Asian Fusion
4 Cheap and Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes
4

4 Cheap and Easy Chicken Thigh Recipes

A quick, budget‑friendly weeknight dinner featuring bone‑in, skin‑on chicken thighs that are seared to a crispy golden brown and finished in a sweet‑savory honey‑garlic sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

45 minServes 4$8
Asian Fusion
The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning
15

The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning

A quick, no‑cook spice blend that beats store‑bought taco seasoning. Perfect for tacos, burritos, fajitas, and any Mexican‑inspired dish. Ready in five minutes.

10 minServes 4$1
Mexican
if you only have 20 minutes, make Spicy Garlic Chicken!
5

if you only have 20 minutes, make Spicy Garlic Chicken!

A quick 20‑minute Korean‑inspired dinner featuring pan‑fried chicken coated in a thin layer of cornstarch, then tossed in a sweet‑spicy garlic sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and honey.

20 minServes 4$16
Korean
EGG ROLL IN A BOWL: Healthy, Easy 15-Minute Dinner
5

EGG ROLL IN A BOWL: Healthy, Easy 15-Minute Dinner

A quick, healthy, low‑carb Asian‑inspired one‑pan dinner that mimics the flavors of an egg roll without the carbs or deep‑frying. Ground pork (or beef) is sautéed with garlic, ginger, and coconut aminos, then tossed with pre‑shredded coleslaw mix and finished with toasted sesame oil and fresh green onions.

30 minServes 4$11
Asian
dinner ideas
2

dinner ideas

Crispy air‑fried chicken wings tossed in a savory Vietnamese fish‑sauce glaze and finished with fragrant fried garlic. Quick, flavorful, and perfect as an appetizer or snack.

1 hr 24 minServes 4$10
Vietnamese
Viral pickled garlic snack 🧄
2

Viral pickled garlic snack 🧄

A quick and tangy snack that combines the classic brine of pickled garlic with a kick of sriracha and chili powder. Inspired by the viral TikTok pickled garlic trend, this recipe delivers crisp garlic cloves drenched in a sweet‑sour, spicy sauce that’s perfect for snacking or adding a punch to salads and charcuterie boards.

37 minServes 4$1
American