Authentic Vietnamese Hu Tieu: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 kg pork bones
  • 300 grams pork belly
  • 300 grams shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 200 grams ground pork
  • 1 package (500 grams) Hu Tieu noodles
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 5 shallots, peeled and halved
  • 5 cloves of garlic, peeled
  • 2 litres of water
  • 1 bunch of spring onions, chopped
  • 1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
  • Fresh bean sprouts, for serving
  • Sliced red chilli, for serving
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Begin by placing the pork bones in a large pot filled with water. Bring to a boil and cook for a few minutes until the impurities are released. Drain, rinse the bones and clean the pot to remove any residue.
  2. Return the cleaned pork bones to the pot. Add the shallots, garlic, salt, sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for about 1 hour to make the broth.
  3. Meanwhile, slice the pork belly into thin slices and marinate with a bit of fish sauce.
  4. In another pot, boil water and cook the Hu Tieu noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse under cold water and drain well. Set aside.
  5. After the broth has cooked for an hour, add the marinated pork belly and ground pork to the pot. Cook for another 15-20 minutes until the meat is cooked through.
  6. Add the shrimp and cook until they change color, usually about 3-5 minutes. Skim off any impurities from the top of the broth.
  7. Taste the broth and add more fish sauce, salt or sugar if needed.
  8. To assemble the bowls, place a handful of cooked noodles at the bottom, ladle over the hot broth including pork and shrimp. Top with chopped spring onions, cilantro, bean sprouts, and sliced chilli. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - for boiling the pork bones and making the broth.
  • Knife - for slicing the pork belly and other ingredients.
  • Cutting board - to safely chop and prepare the ingredients.
  • Potato masher - to help extract flavors from the pork bones while cooking.
  • Colander - for draining and rinsing the cooked noodles.
  • Soup ladle - for scooping the hot broth.
  • Soup bowls - for serving the Hu Tieu.
  • Chopsticks or spoon - for eating the Hu Tieu.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute pork bones with chicken bones or beef bones for a different flavor profile.
  • Replace pork belly with chicken breast or tofu for a meat-free option.
  • Add sliced beef or chicken to the broth for a combination of meats.
  • Include vegetables such as bok choy, bean sprouts, or sliced carrots for added freshness and crunch.
  • Add a splash of soy sauce or oyster sauce to the broth for a richer flavor.
  • For a spicy kick, add chili paste or sriracha sauce to the broth.
  • Experiment with different types of noodles such as rice noodles, egg noodles, or udon noodles.
  • Garnish with fried garlic or fried shallots for extra flavor and texture.
  • Include sliced hard-boiled eggs as a topping.
  • For a seafood twist, add crab or squid to the broth.

Recipe overview

This Hu Tieu recipe is a traditional Vietnamese dish that's easy to make and packed full of flavor. With a rich pork-based broth, tender noodles, and various toppings including pork belly, shrimp, crunchy bean sprouts, and fresh herbs, it makes for a satisfying and comforting meal. The process involves creating a flavorful broth by simmering pork bones with shallots and garlic, then adding in marinated pork belly, ground pork, and shrimp. The noodles are cooked separately and added to each serving bowl before being topped with the broth and other ingredients. The final step is garnishing with fresh herbs and serving with lime wedges for a citrusy kick. This recipe is sure to impress and provides a delicious introduction to Vietnamese cuisine.

Common questions

  1. Can I use chicken or beef instead of pork? Yes, you can substitute pork with chicken or beef bones to make the broth. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is cooked through.
  2. Can I use other types of noodles? While Hu Tieu noodles are traditionally used in this recipe, you can substitute them with other types of noodles such as rice noodles or egg noodles if desired.
  3. Can I omit the shrimp? Certainly! If you prefer a seafood-free version, you can omit the shrimp and focus on using pork as the main protein in the dish.
  4. Can I make the broth in advance? Yes, you can make the broth in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before assembling the bowls with the noodles and toppings.
  5. What other toppings can I add? Apart from the suggested toppings, you can also add thinly sliced pork liver, crispy fried shallots, or chopped garlic chives to enhance the flavor of your Hu Tieu.
  6. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? To make a vegetarian version, you can omit the meat and replace the fish sauce with soy sauce. For a vegan version, use vegetable broth and replace the pork and shrimp with tofu or tempeh.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - for boiling the pork bones and making the broth
  • Knife and cutting board - for slicing the pork belly and preparing the garnishes
  • Strainer - for draining and rinsing the cooked noodles
  • Soup ladle - for ladling the hot broth over the noodles
  • Chopsticks or serving spoons - for serving the Hu Tieu and enjoying the meal
  • Bowls - for serving the individual portions of Hu Tieu
  • Serving platter - for arranging the garnishes such as spring onions, cilantro, bean sprouts, and sliced chilli
  • Lime squeezer - for squeezing lime juice over the Hu Tieu before eating

Origin stories

Hu Tieu originates from Cambodia, but it has become a signature dish of southern Vietnam, specifically in the Mekong Delta region. The dish reflects the area's abundant rice paddies and freshwater sources with its rice noodles and savory pork and seafood-based broth. It's said that the name "Hu Tieu" was derived from "kuy teav", a noodle soup dish from Cambodia. This delightful soup has traversed borders, adapted to local tastes, and has been embraced heartily by the Vietnamese. So, when you savor a bowl of Hu Tieu, you're not just indulging in a hearty meal, but a culinary story that sailed across the Mekong River, carrying with it a history of cultural exchange and shared heritage.

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.