Bún Bò Huế Recipe: Vietnamese Spicy Beef & Pork Noodle Soup

Bún Bò Huế, often translated as Vietnamese Spicy Beef & Pork Noodle Soup, is a culinary gem originating from the city of Huế in central Vietnam. This aromatic and flavorful dish is a must-try for anyone interested in exploring the rich and diverse cuisine of Vietnam.

Bún Bò Huế is not just a meal; it’s a testament to the culinary tradition of Vietnam. The name itself speaks volumes about its origin: “Bún” means rice vermicelli, “Bò” stands for beef, and “Huế” is the former imperial capital of Vietnam, known for its sophisticated and refined cuisine.

This dish goes beyond the simple pleasure of eating. It carries with it a piece of history, a touch of culture, and a hint of the vibrant Vietnamese spirit. Each ingredient tells a story, each step in the cooking process is a tribute to traditional methods passed down through generations.

In the next sections, we will explore the ingredients needed, the steps to prepare this beloved soup, and how to serve it for a truly authentic experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure right in your own home.

Ingredients

For the soup base, you will need:

• 2 stalks of lemongrass
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 large onion
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon of chili paste
• 1 tablespoon of shrimp paste
• 2 quarts of beef broth
• 1 quart of water
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• Salt to taste

For the meat, you’ll require:

• 1 pound of beef shank
• 1 pound of pork bones
• 1 pound of oxtail
• 1 pound of pork hocks

For the noodles and garnish:

• 1 package of rice vermicelli noodles
• Fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, or Thai basil
• Lime wedges
• Thinly sliced onions
• Bean sprouts
• Sliced banana blossom (optional)

Please note that the quantities can be adjusted based on the number of servings you plan to make and your personal taste preferences. The beauty of Bún Bò Huế is its adaptability, allowing you to make it as spicy, tangy, or hearty as you wish.

Preparation of Ingredients

The success of your Bún Bò Huế lies in the careful preparation of the ingredients. Let’s start with the meat and then move on to the vegetables and spices.

Preparing the Beef and Pork

Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Selection: Choose fresh cuts of beef and pork. For beef, shank is a popular choice due to its rich flavor and tender texture when cooked for long periods. For pork, ham hock or shoulder are suitable options.
2. Preparation: Rinse the beef and pork under cold water. Pat them dry using a kitchen towel.
3. Cutting: Cut the beef and pork into bite-sized cubes. This not only helps the meat cook evenly but also makes it easier to eat in the soup.
4. Searing: Heat some oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and pork pieces and sear them on each side until they get a slight brown color. This step enhances the flavor of the meat and adds depth to the soup.

Prepping the Vegetables and Spices

The vegetables and spices give the Bún Bò Huế its distinctive taste and aroma. Here’s how to prepare them:

1. Vegetables: Common vegetables used in Bún Bò Huế include onions, scallions, and lemongrass. Rinse these under cold water, peel the onions, and chop them finely. Slice the scallions thinly and cut the lemongrass into large chunks.
2. Spices: The main spices used are chili powder, shrimp paste, sugar, and fish sauce. Measure out the appropriate amounts of each as per your recipe.

Now that your ingredients are prepped and ready, you can start cooking your Bún Bò Huế!

Making the Soup Base

The soup base is the heart of Bún Bò Huế, providing a rich and spicy flavor that makes this dish truly unique. It’s crucial to take your time with this step to ensure a well-balanced and flavorful broth. Here’s how you can make the soup base for Bún Bò Huế:

Ingredients:

1. Beef bones
2. Lemongrass stalks
3. Onion
4. Garlic
5. Ginger
6. Shrimp paste
7. Chili paste
8. Fish sauce
9. Sugar
10. Salt

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef Bones: Begin by blanching the beef bones in boiling water to remove impurities. This step is critical for achieving a clear broth.
2. Cook the Aromatics: In a large pot, sauté chopped onion, garlic, and ginger until they become aromatic. These ingredients are essential in building the soup’s flavor profile.
3. Add the Beef Bones and Water: Add the blanched beef bones to the pot and cover with water. Simmer this mixture on low heat for about 2 hours.
4. Flavor the Broth: Add lemongrass, shrimp paste, chili paste, fish sauce, sugar, and salt. The lemongrass gives a citrusy note, shrimp paste adds depth, chili paste brings heat, while fish sauce, sugar, and salt balance the flavors.
5. Simmer: Let the broth simmer for another hour, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
6. Strain the Broth: Strain the broth to remove the solids, leaving a clear, flavorful soup base. Your soup base is now ready!

Each ingredient plays a significant role in creating the complex flavor of Bún Bò Huế. The interaction between these ingredients results in a soup base that is spicy, savory, sweet, and tangy – a perfect reflection of Vietnamese cuisine’s complexity.

Cooking the Meat

Cooking the meat for Bún Bò Huế is a multi-step process that requires patience and attention to detail to achieve the best flavor.

Ingredients:

• 500g beef shank
• 500g pork hock
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp fish sauce

Steps:

1. Preparation: Begin by rinsing the beef shank and pork hock under cold water to remove any residual blood or bone fragments. This step is crucial in ensuring a clear soup base.
2. Parboiling the meat: Place the beef and pork in a large pot, add enough water to cover the meat, and bring to a boil. Add a tablespoon of salt to the water. Boil for about 5 minutes, then drain and rinse the meat again. This process helps to further clean the meat and remove impurities.
3. Cooking the meat: Return the cleaned meat to the pot, add enough water to cover, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer. Add a tablespoon of fish sauce. This will give the meat a subtle yet deep flavor.
4. Simmering: Let the meat simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it’s tender but not falling apart. The beef shank may cook faster than the pork hock, so check the meats separately for doneness. Be sure to skim off any foam or fat that rises to the top during this process.

Tips for the Best Flavor:

• Always clean and parboil the meat to achieve a clear and clean-tasting soup.
• Use a combination of beef and pork to create a more complex flavor profile.
• Simmer the meat on low heat to keep it tender and to allow the flavors to slowly develop.
• Skim off any excess fat or scum that forms on the surface of the soup as it cooks. This will result in a cleaner tasting broth.

In the next section, we’ll move on to making the distinctive spicy and aromatic soup base that sets Bún Bò Huế apart from other Vietnamese noodle soups.

Assembling Bún Bò Huế

Assembling Bún Bò Huế is an art in itself, requiring careful layering of ingredients to ensure a balance of flavors and textures. The order of assembly is critical to the overall dining experience. Here’s how to do it properly:

1. Noodles: Start by placing a handful of cooked rice vermicelli noodles at the bottom of the bowl. The noodles form the base of the dish and will soak up the flavorful broth.
2. Meat: Next, add your cooked meats. This typically includes slices of boneless beef shanks, pork knuckles/hocks, and sometimes Vietnamese ham. The quantity depends on personal preference.
3. Broth: Ladle the hot, aromatic broth over the noodles and meat. The broth should be hot enough to further cook the meat and heat the noodles.
4. Garnish: Finish off with your garnishes. This can include fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or Thai basil, thinly sliced onions, bean sprouts, and sliced banana blossom. These add freshness, crunch, and extra flavor.
5. Condiments: Finally, serve with condiments on the side, such as lime wedges, chili paste, and shrimp paste. These allow each person to adjust the flavor of their soup according to their taste.

Remember, the order of assembly is important because it ensures that every ingredient retains its unique texture and flavor, contributing to the overall complexity and enjoyment of the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Bún Bò Huế is traditionally served in a large bowl with the rich, spicy broth ladled over rice noodles. The meat, which includes slices of beef or pork, is then added to the bowl[^1^][^2^].

Traditional Garnishes

The soup is often garnished with green onions, cilantro, and/or thinly sliced white onions. Additional garnishes include diced green onions, chili sauce, thinly sliced banana blossom, red cabbage, and mint. A basket of green vegetables and herbs, including lettuce, bean sprouts, chopped banana flowers, Vietnamese basil, and mint is commonly served with bun bo hue[^1^].

In some regions, cubes of gelatinous congealed pig’s blood are also added.

How to Eat Bún Bò Huế

The correct way to eat Bún Bò Huế, like many Vietnamese noodle dishes, involves adding your fresh herbs to the soup[^3^]. Don’t be afraid to mix everything together – the combination of flavors is what makes this dish so unique and delicious.

Pairing Suggestions

As for side dishes or drinks that pair well with the soup, consider serving Bún Bò Huế alongside spring rolls or a light salad to complement the hearty soup. For drinks, a cool, refreshing iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá) or a sweet and sour lime iced tea (trà chanh) would contrast nicely with the spiciness of the soup.

Remember, the beauty of Bún Bò Huế is its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and garnishes to suit your personal preferences and enjoy this delicious Vietnamese classic in your own way.

Sources:

• [^1^]: Vietnam Nomad, “Bun Bo Hue – Vietnamese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup,” https://vietnamnomad.com/eat-drink/bun-bo-hue/
• [^2^]: World Travel Family, “Bun Bo Hue (What is Bun Bo Hue?),” https://worldtravelfamily.com/bun-bo-hue-food-hue-vietnam/
• [^3^]: Stinky Food Kitchen, “How to eat your Vietnamese noodle soups,” http://stinkyfoodkitchen.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-eat-your-vietnamese-noodle-soups.html

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Bún Bò Huế

Bún Bò Huế is a flavorful and satisfying dish, but it can be a little tricky to get right. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect Bún Bò Huế:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Cleaning the Bones Properly: One common mistake is not cleaning the bones thoroughly before using them to make the broth. It’s crucial to blanch the bones first to remove any impurities.
2. Overloading on Spices: While spices are essential for flavor, adding too much can overpower the dish. Start with a smaller amount and adjust according to your taste.
3. Rushing the Cooking Process: The broth needs time to develop its flavors. Rushing this process can result in a less flavorful soup.

Suggestions for Enhancing Flavor and Presentation

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients always yield better flavors. Use fresh herbs, spices, and meats for the best results.
2. Presentation Matters: Bún Bò Huế is as much about presentation as it is about taste. Garnish the dish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of chopped scallions for a visually appealing bowl.
3. Adjust to Taste: Taste the soup as you cook and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Everyone’s palate is different, so feel free to add more or less of the ingredients to suit your taste.
4. Serve Immediately: For the best taste, serve the Bún Bò Huế as soon as it’s ready. The noodles can absorb the soup and become soggy if left for too long.

Variations of Bún Bò Huế

Bún Bò Huế, as the name suggests, is a dish that originated in Hue, central Vietnam[^1^]. The recipe has been passed down through generations and varies from region to region, family to family. It’s a rich, hearty soup with a mix of spicy, salty, and umami flavors, traditionally made with beef and pork[^2^].

Regional Variations

While the traditional Bún Bò Huế is made with beef and pork, regional variations exist. In southern Vietnam, for example, the soup may include more vegetables and herbs compared to the version in central Vietnam. Some regions even include additional ingredients like crab balls or tofu puffs[^3^].

Another variation is Bun Bo Nam Bo, which features sautéed beef and garlic, served with spiced fish sauce[^8^]. Despite the similar names, these two dishes are quite different, showcasing the diversity within Vietnamese cuisine.

Related: Chicken Pho Recipe: Authentic Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup (Pho Ga)

Vegetarian or Vegan Variations

For those who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, Bún Bò Huế can be adapted by substituting meat with plant-based proteins. Tofu, seitan, or tempeh can be used to replace beef and pork, while vegetable broth can replace traditional bone broth[^4^].

The shrimp paste, a common ingredient in the soup base, could be replaced with a vegan fish sauce or soy sauce. To ensure the soup still has a hearty and umami flavor, you can add more mushrooms, miso paste, or nutritional yeast.

• [^1^]: World Travel Family, “Bun Bo Hue (What is Bun Bo Hue?),” https://worldtravelfamily.com/bun-bo-hue-food-hue-vietnam/
• [^2^]: Wikipedia, “Bún bò Huế,” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%BAn_b%C3%B2_Hu%E1%BA%BF
• [^3^]: Vietnam Nomad, “Bun Bo Hue – Vietnamese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup,” https://vietnamnomad.com/eat-drink/bun-bo-hue/
• [^4^]: Cooking Therapy, “Spicy Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup (Bun Bo Hue),” https://www.cooking-therapy.com/bun-bo-hue/
• [^8^]: Vietnam Online, “Bun – bun bo, cha, thang and Bun Bo Nam Bo recipe,” https://www.vietnamonline.com/entry/bun.html

Conclusion

Making Bún Bò Huế at home might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite straightforward once you break it down into manageable steps. From preparing the soup base, cooking the meat, to assembling the dish, each step of the process contributes to the deep, complex flavors and textures that characterize this beloved Vietnamese dish.

To summarize:

1. Soup Base: Start by making a flavorful soup base with ingredients like beef bones, lemongrass, onion, garlic, ginger, shrimp paste, chili paste, fish sauce, sugar, and salt. The key here is to simmer these ingredients slowly to extract the maximum flavor.
2. Cooking the Meat: Cook your beef and pork until they’re tender but not falling apart. Remember to clean and parboil the meat first to achieve a clear and clean-tasting soup.
3. Assembling the Dish: Assemble the dish by layering cooked rice vermicelli noodles, cooked meats, hot broth, fresh garnishes, and condiments. The order of assembly is important because it ensures that every ingredient retains its unique texture and flavor.

I encourage you to try making Bún Bò Huế at home. Not only will it introduce you to new flavors and techniques, but it will also give you a deeper appreciation for the complexity and richness of Vietnamese cuisine.

Remember, cooking is an art. It’s about experimenting, having fun, and most importantly, enjoying the delicious results. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and start cooking!

Yield: 8

Spicy Bun Bo Hue Recipe

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Bun bo Hue is a spicy Vietnamese noodle soup that features beef and pork in a savory broth. While the ingredients may seem simple, it takes time and delicate technique to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 500g beef brisket, cleaned and parboiled
• 500g pork hock or shoulder, cleaned and parboiled
• 1L beef broth
• 200g rice vermicelli noodles, cooked according to package instructions
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, minced
• 1 lemongrass stalk, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons shrimp paste
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 4 teaspoons chili powder (optional)
• 2 limes, juiced
• Garnishes: bean sprouts, herbs, scallions, and limes

Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine beef bones, lemongrass, onion, garlic, ginger and a few tablespoons of shrimp paste. Fill with enough water to cover the ingredients by 2 inches. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to low and simmer for 1½ hours. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and discard solids.

1. To the broth, add chili paste, fish sauce, and a few tablespoons of annatto seed oil. Taste; adjust seasonings as desired. Return to a simmer over low heat while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Slice beef and pork into thin strips and add to the pot with noodles, stirring to separate. Simmer until the noodles are just cooked, 3-4 minutes.
3. Serve hot with lime wedges, bean sprouts, herbs and scallions on top. Condiments such as chili oil and hoisin sauce can be offered on the side for those who prefer a spicier soup or extra sweetness. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions about Bún Bò Huế Recipe