Authentic Bun Bo Hue is a flavorful and spicy beef noodle soup that is a beloved dish in Vietnamese cuisine. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for cozy nights in or special occasions with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Bursting with Flavor: The rich broth and tender beef slices combined with fragrant spices create a delicious and satisfying meal.
- Quick and Easy Prep: Despite the long list of ingredients, this dish comes together easily and is well worth the effort.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of Bun Bo Hue and have leftovers for days, as the flavors only get better with time.
Ingredient Notes:
- For the broth: Pork bones and brisket create a rich and flavorful base, while spices like ginger, lemongrass, and cinnamon add depth. For a vegetarian option, you can use vegetable broth.
- Oil mixture: Pure sesame oil infused with annatto seeds, shallots, and garlic provides a nutty and aromatic flavor to the broth.
- Seasoning mix: A blend of red pepper flakes, lemongrass, shrimp paste, and fish sauce adds a spicy and savory kick to the soup.
- Soup ingredients: Thinly sliced beef tenderloin, premium Hue noodles, and a variety of fresh vegetables like water spinach, banana flower, and beansprouts create a hearty and colorful dish.
- Sauce on the side: A dipping sauce made with fish sauce, Thai chilies, and shrimp paste adds an extra burst of flavor to each bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large pot, combine pork bones, brisket, water, onion, ginger, lemongrass, garlic, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Simmer for at least 2 hours until the broth is flavorful and the meat is tender.
- In a separate pan, heat sesame oil with annatto seeds, shallots, and garlic until fragrant. Strain the oil and add it to the broth along with the seasoning mix.
- Add sliced onion, green onion, beef, noodles, and vegetables to the broth. Cook until the beef is just cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve the Bun Bo Hue hot with lime wedges, oregano leaves, and shredded cabbage on the side. Enjoy with the dipping sauce and fresh herbs.
Helpful Tips:
- To save time, you can use store-bought beef broth instead of making your own.
- Adjust the spiciness of the soup by adding more or less red pepper flakes and Thai chilies.
- For added flavor, marinate the beef slices in a mixture of fish sauce, sugar, and garlic before cooking.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For a more authentic flavor, use fresh lemongrass and whole spices instead of ground.
- Be patient with simmering the broth to allow the flavors to develop fully.
- Add a splash of vinegar or lime juice to brighten up the broth before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Bun Bo Hue is best served with a side of fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and Thai basil. Pair it with a cold Vietnamese iced coffee or a refreshing coconut water for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to revive the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make Bun Bo Hue without beef? Yes, you can substitute the beef with tofu, mushrooms, or seitan for a vegetarian version.
- How can I make the soup less spicy? Reduce the amount of red pepper flakes and Thai chilies in the seasoning mix for a milder flavor.
- Can I freeze Bun Bo Hue? While the broth freezes well, noodles and vegetables may lose their texture when thawed. Consider freezing the broth separately and adding fresh ingredients when reheating.
Conclusion:
Authentic Bun Bo Hue is a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its bold flavors and aromatic spices, this recipe is a must-try for any food lover. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
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Authentic Bun Bo Hue – Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 mins
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
- Diet: Halal
Description
Experience the bold flavors of Vietnam with this authentic Bun Bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup. Rich pork and brisket broth infused with lemongrass, garlic, and aromatic spices, served with tender beef slices, premium Hue noodles, and an array of fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Broth:
- 2 lb pork bones
- 2 lb brisket
- 7 qt water
- 1 large white onion
- Spices: ginger, lemongrass, garlic, cinnamon, cloves
- Oil mixture: sesame oil, annatto seeds, shallot, garlic
- Seasoning mix: sesame oil, red pepper flakes, lemongrass, shrimp paste, chicken bouillon, salt, fish sauce
Soup ingredients:
- 1 medium white onion
- 5 stalks green onion
- 1 lb beef tenderloin
- 1 bag premium Hue noodles
Vegetables:
- Water spinach
- Banana flower
- Beansprout
- Fresh oregano leaves
- Lime wedges
- Red cabbage (optional)
Sauce on the side:
- Fish sauce
- Thai chilies
- Shrimp paste
Instructions
- Prepare the broth: Simmer pork bones, brisket, onion, spices, and oil mixture for hours. Strain and set aside.
- Cook the seasoning mix: Sauté shallot, garlic, red pepper flakes, lemongrass, shrimp paste, and other seasonings. Add to the broth.
- Assemble the soup: Cook noodles, arrange beef slices, top with vegetables, and ladle hot broth over. Serve with sauce on the side.
Notes
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg