Vietnamese bún bò Huế is a lip-smacking, spicy beef noodle soup dish that is famed for its finger-licking flavor. If you are wondering how to make this classic dish, then you have come to the right place! In this article, you will learn the secrets to discovering the perfect Vietnamese bún bò Huế recipe and be delighted by its amazing taste. Get your utensils ready and follow the simple steps below to whip up this scrumptious delight in no time!
1. Introduction to Vietnamese Bún Bò Huế
Bún Bò Huế is the perfect Vietnamese soup to make your taste buds tingle with delight! The classic recipe is made with a combination of sweet, sour, spicy and savory flavors, making it a hit with all gourmands. The fragrant broth is made with beef and pork bones, chili paste and lemongrass to create a full-bodied flavor. There are also many variations to experiment with.
So, are you ready to bring the tastes of Vietnam to your kitchen? Here’s what you need to know to make the perfect Bún Bò Huế!
- The soup is normally served with flat, white rice noodles.
- You can add different types of meat, such as beef, pork and shrimp for a more flavorful broth.
- Garnishing your soup with fresh herbs like cilantro, mint and Thai basil will bring out the flavors even more.
Once you have the base ingredients, you can start blending and infusing the different spices in the broth. The main spices are lemongrass, chili paste, garlic, onion, and ginger. You can also add fish sauce for more depth and umami flavor. Depending on your spice preference, you can adjust the amount of chili paste accordingly.
2. Gather the Necessary Ingredients for Authentic Bún Bò Huế
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of beef shank, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of small shrimp, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon of chili oil
- 1 tablespoon of lemongrass, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 pounds of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon of garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons of annatto powder
Spices + Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon of coriander
- 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- 4 cloves of garlic, peeled and finely minced
- 3 yellow onions, diced
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
Other Ingredients:
- 6 cups of beef broth
- 1 pound of bún bò Huế rice noodles, cooked
- 1/4 cup of fresh mint, chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1/4 cup of crushed peanuts
- 1 jalapeno, sliced
3. Step-by-Step Guide on How to Create Perfect Bún Bò Huế Soup
1. Prepare the Broth
- In a large pot, heat oil on medium heat and sauté lemongrass, garlic, shallot, and ginger until fragrant.
- Add a couple of tablespoons of fish sauce and stir. Then add the water, beef bones, and shrimp paste to the pot.
- Bring the ingredients to a boil and reduce to a low simmer. Simmer for a minimum of 2 hours, skimming the foam off the top every 15 minutes or so.
- Once the broth is done, strain it and discard the solids.
2. Prepare the Noodle Soup
- In a medium or large pot, boil 9 cups of water. Once the water has boiled, add the noodles. Boil for about 5 minutes or until the noodles are cooked to your liking.
- In a separate pot, heat 3-4 tablespoons oil over medium heat and sauté pork, beef, and shrimp until they are cooked and lightly browned.
- Drain the cooked noodles and add them to the broth, then stir in the cooked pork, beef, and shrimp.
- Turn the heat to low and simmer for a few minutes. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
3. Serve the Bún Bò Huế Soup
- To serve, fill large soup bowls with the noodle soup. Garnish with sliced onions, herbs, lime wedges, and chili.
- Serve with a side of nuoc mam dipping sauce.
4. Top Tips to Enhance the Flavor of Bún Bò Huế
Tip 1: Adjust the level of spiciness
The beauty of Bún Bò Huế is its complex mixture of sweet, spicy, and sour flavors. To customize the flavor and complexity of the soup, you can adjust the amount of chilis, chili oil, and lime juice. If you enjoy spicy dishes, then increase the amount of these ingredients.
Tip 2: Add different toppings
The toppings are the essence of the dish. Top your Bún Bò Huế with vegetables such as bean sprouts, scallions, and cilantro. For a stronger flavor, add a few drops of fish sauce and a few slices of red pepper for a kick.
Tip 3: Let the noodles soak up the flavors
Allow the soup broth to simmer for a few minutes before adding the noodles. This will give the noodles time to soak up the flavor of the ingredients. It also allows the flavors of the soup to meld into a harmonious broth.
Tip 4: Enhance the flavors with herb
Vietnamese herbs such as Thai basil, mint, and sawtooth coriander are the perfect way to elevate your Bún Bò Huế. Simply add the herbs on top of the soup right before eating and enjoy the flavor explosion.

5. Conclusion: Enjoying a True Taste of Vietnam with Bún Bò Huế Soup
Bún Bò Huế soup is one of Vietnam’s most beloved dishes, and for good reason! It’s packed full of flavor, with spicy ingredients that give it its signature kick. When prepared correctly, it can be a truly delicious experience to savor and enjoy. And the best part is that this authentic, traditional soup is very easy to make. With the help of our perfect Bún Bò Huế recipe, you can make it yourself and bring the taste of Vietnam right into your kitchen.
Here are five key tips to take away:
- Remember to marinate the beef properly – this helps to ensure it remains tender and juicy.
- You can adjust the spice level to your taste preferences – add more chili paste if you like it hot.
- Cook the beef stock in advance, this will give it time to properly develop its flavor.
- Don’t rush the noodles! Boiling them for the right length of time will help them to retain their texture.
- Add a garnish of fresh herbs and lemons to give the dish a dash of bright color and flavor.
Now that you know the recipe, it’s time to get cooking! Bún Bò Huế delivers a unique flavor that is sure to please your taste buds. With our perfect recipe, you can experience a true taste of Vietnam. Enjoy! Thanks to the delicious combination of flavors and the spice level in each component of this Vietnamese Bún Bò Huế recipe, it is sure to be a hit with chefs of all levels. With its unique flavor, this easy-to-make dish could become a classic in your home – no matter how much experience you have in Vietnamese cuisine. Give it a try and discover why this flavorful soup is a favorite across the world.
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