Other variations:
Nem cua bể vuông, Nem cua bể cuốn dài, Nem cua bể chiên giòn, Nem cua bể hấp
Category
Pan-Fried Dish
Region
Northern Vietnam
Preparation Time
1h15
Servings
4
Difficulty
Hard
About this recipe
Nem Cua Bể comes from the coastal city of Hai Phong. Its distinctive square shape and inclusion of fresh crab meat set it apart from other Vietnamese spring rolls, making it a celebrated dish during festivals and family gatherings.
Ingredients List
For the rolls 200 g cooked crab meat (picked from steamed or boiled sea crab) 100 g pork (ground) 100 g shrimp (peeled, chopped) 20 g wood ear mushrooms (soaked, chopped) 30 g glass noodles (soaked, cut) 1 small carrot (grated) 50 g bean sprouts 2 shallots (minced) 1 clove garlic (minced) 1 egg 10 - 12 sheets rice paper 1 tbsp fish sauce ½ tsp black pepper (ground) oil for frying For the dipping sauce 3 tbsp fish sauce 2 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp vinegar 150 ml water 1 lime (juiced) 1 clove garlic (minced) 1 - 2 red chilies (sliced) To serve 1 small bunch fresh herbs
Materials & Tools
Mixing bowls Knife and chopping board Clean damp cloth Frying pan or deep fryer Spider strainer Absorbent paper towels
Preparation steps
Total Time
1h15
Cooking Time
15 min
Active Time
1h00
Make Filling
Mix crab meat, ground pork, shrimp, mushrooms, glass noodles, carrot, bean sprouts, shallots, garlic, egg, fish sauce and pepper.
20 min
Prep Wrappers
Moisten rice paper sheets with a damp cloth until soft and pliable.
5 min
Wrap Rolls
Place filling in center of each sheet and fold into a neat square.
15 min
Fry Rolls
Heat oil in a pan and fry rolls over medium heat until golden on all sides.
15 min
Drain Rolls
Drain fried rolls on paper towels.
5 min
Make Sauce
Stir fish sauce, sugar, vinegar, lime juice and water until sugar dissolves, then add garlic and chili.
10 min
Serve
Serve hot with sauce and herbs.
5 min
Chef’s Tips
Use freshly steamed crab for best flavor; keep oil at medium heat to ensure rolls cook through without burning.
Serving Suggestions
Fish sauce dipping sauce, fresh herbs, lettuce leaves
Nutritional info
300kcal
15g protein
18g fat
20g carbs
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