Step 1

Blitz the garlic and shallots until fine.

Step 2

Add the mince into the food processor with the blitzed garlic and shallots and season with the chicken bouillon powder, salt, sugar, fish sauce and pepper.

Step 3

Blitz for 30 seconds or until it forms a paste. Take the paste out and put it in the freezer.

Step 4

Finely chop the pork fat.

Step 5

Combine 1 tsp sugar with the water and bring to a boil.

Step 6

Add the pork fat in and cook for 1 minute, then drain. Mix the pork fat with 1 tsp sugar until the sugar has dissolved.

Step 7

Heat up a saucepan on low heat and pour 4 tbsp oil in along with the annatto seeds. Cook for 3 miutes or until the oil has turned red, then drain and leave aside for later.Note: If you prefer a redder Nem Nướng, use more annatto seeds and oil.

Step 8

In the food processor, add the frozen mince along with the chicken bouillon powder, 1 tsp sugar, fish sauce, baking soda, potato starch and crushed ice cubes. Blitz for 1 minute or until it resembles a smooth paste.

Step 9

Add the first batch of blitzed mince in with the annatto seed oil and blitz for 2 minutes or until well combined, then transfer into a large mixing bowl.

Step 10

Combine the mixed paste with the pork fat.

Step 11

Make the glaze by mixing together the oil, honey, fish sauce and water. Set aside for later.

Step 12

Grab a small handful of Nem Nướng paste and squeeze it around a skewer until it is smooth and has covered 3/4 of its length from the tip down. Try to make them roughly 1 1/2 cm (0.6") thick, otherwise the center will take too long to cook.Tip: Use gloves lightly coated with oil so the mixture doesn't stick to your hands.

Step 13

If you're oven grilling the skewers, spread them out on an oven-safe tray lined with foil.

Step 14

Cook them on a grill, oven or an oiled pan for 10 minutes, then brush the glaze over them and cook for another 2 minutes or until completely cooked. Make sure to rotate each skewer for an even grill.

Step 15

Serve immediately as is with fresh salad and a Vietnamese dipping sauce!