Authentic Vietnamese Bun Bo Hue Recipe: A Spicy Beef and Pork Noodle Soup Delight

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs beef shank
  • 1 lb pork hock
  • 2 lbs oxtail
  • 1 lemongrass stalk
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon shrimp paste
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Bun Bo Hue spice mix
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 package rice vermicelli noodles
  • 2 cups bean sprouts
  • 1 bunch fresh mint leaves
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • Red chili peppers, to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Place the beef shank, pork hock, and oxtail in a large pot. Fill with enough water to cover the meat and bring to a boil. Cook for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse the meat to remove any impurities.
  2. Return the meat to the pot and add 8 cups of water, along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and lemongrass stalk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, shrimp paste, sugar, and Bun Bo Hue spice mix. Add this to the pot and continue simmering for another hour.
  4. While the soup is simmering, prepare the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  5. Prepare the garnishes: rinse the bean sprouts, chop the mint and cilantro leaves, slice the lime into wedges, chop the green onions, and slice the chili peppers.
  6. Once the soup is done, remove the meat and slice it into thin pieces. Discard the lemongrass stalk.
  7. Divide the noodles among serving bowls. Top with slices of meat and ladle the hot soup over top. Sprinkle on the bean sprouts, mint, cilantro, green onions, and chili peppers. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or turkey instead of beef and pork for a lighter version.
  • Add extra vegetables such as sliced carrots, mushrooms, or bok choy.
  • Replace the meat with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian or vegan version.
  • Experiment with different types of noodles like udon or egg noodles.
  • Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the broth for a hint of nuttiness.
  • Include Thai basil leaves or cilantro stems for added flavor.
  • Make it spicier by adding more chili peppers or chili oil.
  • Try using coconut milk for a creamy twist on the traditional broth.
  • For a seafood twist, add shrimp, squid, or fish balls to the soup.
  • Garnish with fried shallots or crushed peanuts for some crunch.

Recipe overview

Bun Bo Hue is a popular Vietnamese soup known for its spicy and robust flavors. This recipe calls for a flavorful broth made from beef shank, pork hock, and oxtail, which is simmered for hours with lemongrass, fish sauce, shrimp paste, and a special Bun Bo Hue spice mix. The soup is then served over rice vermicelli noodles and garnished with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and chili peppers. The result is a hearty and comforting dish that's packed with different textures and flavors. It is an excellent choice for adventurous eaters and fans of Asian cuisine.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of meat? Yes, you can use different types of meat based on your preference. Traditional Bun Bo Hue uses beef shank, pork hock, and oxtail, but you can also add beef brisket or beef tendon for added flavor and texture.
  2. What is Bun Bo Hue spice mix? Bun Bo Hue spice mix is a blend of spices commonly used in Vietnamese cuisine. It typically includes ingredients like lemongrass, chili powder, annatto seeds, and other aromatic spices. You can find ready-made Bun Bo Hue spice mix at Asian grocery stores or make your own.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of Bun Bo Hue by substituting the meat with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based broth and omit the fish sauce and shrimp paste, or use vegan alternatives.
  4. Can I adjust the spiciness level? Absolutely! Adjust the spiciness to your liking by adding more or less chili peppers or chili powder. You can also serve additional chili sauce or chili oil on the side for those who prefer a spicier flavor.
  5. How long can I store the leftovers? You can store the leftover Bun Bo Hue in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - for boiling and simmering the soup
  • Chopping board - for chopping the onion, garlic, and herbs
  • Knife - for slicing the meat and chopping ingredients
  • Small bowl - for mixing the seasoning ingredients
  • Soup ladle - for serving the hot soup
  • Soup bowls - for serving the Bun Bo Hue
  • Slotted spoon - for removing any impurities or foam from the soup
  • Serving spoons - for adding noodles and garnishes to the bowls
  • Tongs - for handling the cooked meat and noodles
  • Soup strainer - optional, for straining the soup if desired

Origin stories

Bun Bo Hue hails from the city of Hue, which was once the imperial capital of Vietnam. This vibrant city, rich in history and culture, was the seat of the Nguyen Dynasty emperors. It's known for its distinctive cuisine, which is often more spicy and complex in flavor than food found elsewhere in Vietnam. Bun Bo Hue is a perfect example of this, as it doesn't shy away from bold flavors. The city's royal culinary traditions have left an indelible mark on the dish, elevating it from a humble noodle soup to a dish fit for an emperor. Today, Bun Bo Hue is cherished not only in its city of origin, but across Vietnam and the world. Its hearty, spicy, and aromatic broth, paired with tender slices of beef and pork, make it a beloved comfort food that transcends borders and cultures.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.