The Secret to Delicious Nem Filling
According to experienced chefs, the key to making tasty nem filling lies in the amount of eggs used. Too little, and the filling may dry out; too much, and it becomes soggy, causing the nem to break during frying and lose its signature crispness.
When preparing the vegetable mixture, including carrots and jicama, be sure to squeeze out excess water before adding them to the filling. Soak the cellophane noodles in warm water; avoid very hot water as it can cause the noodles to expand, leading to breakage during frying.
Tips for Wrapping Nem
For softer and crispier nem, brush the rice paper with a mixture of half a bowl of water and a spoonful of rice vinegar before wrapping. This simple trick makes a big difference in the texture and appearance of your nem.
Avoid wrapping the nem too tightly, as this can cause the rice paper to break during frying. A loosely wrapped nem is less likely to burst, so feel free to be generous with the filling.
For extra crispness and to prevent breakage, try using one and a half sheets of rice paper, slightly overlapping, to wrap each nem. This ensures a thicker and sturdier layer.

The Art of Frying Nem: Achieving Crispness That Lasts
Chill in the Fridge Before Frying
For the best results, chill your wrapped nem in the fridge for about 20 minutes before frying. This allows the filling to set and the rice paper to dry slightly, resulting in crispier nem that’s less likely to break during frying.
Frying Techniques for Crispy Nem
Before frying, brush each nem with a thin layer of diluted sugar water. This step gives your nem a beautiful golden color and adds to the crispness.
Keeping Nem Crispy Even After Cooling
– Deep-frying: This method ensures quick and even cooking, resulting in golden-brown nem. Use a deep pot or a small pan to conserve oil.
– Double frying: Fry the nem at a lower temperature first, then remove them from the oil and increase the heat. Fry the nem again at a higher temperature for that extra crispness.
– Adding lemon juice: When heating the oil, add a few drops of lemon juice to reduce splattering and achieve crispier nem.

The Ultimate Guide to Frying Nem: Achieving Golden Perfection
Use Paper Towels to Absorb Excess Oil
If you’ve made a large batch of nem and can’t serve them immediately, be sure to place them on paper towels after frying to absorb excess oil. This simple step helps maintain crispness, even if the nem cools down.