Authentic Vietnamese Stir-fried Beef Noodle Salad: Bún Bò Xào Recipe

Ingredients

  • 200g of beef sirloin
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1 red chili
  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 2 onions
  • 200g of vermicelli rice noodles
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 cucumber
  • 100g of bean sprouts
  • Fresh herbs such as mint, basil, and cilantro
  • 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Steps and instructions

  1. Slice the beef sirloin into thin strips, then marinate it with 2 cloves of minced garlic, half of the chopped red chili, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, sugar, some salt, and pepper. Leave it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: slice the onions, julienne the carrot and cucumber, and clean the bean sprouts. Set them aside.
  3. Soak the vermicelli rice noodles in warm water for about 20 minutes until they are soft, then boil them for 3-5 minutes. Drain and rinse the noodles with cold water.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan. Fry the rest of the minced garlic until it turns golden brown.
  5. Add the marinated beef into the frying pan and stir-fry until it's cooked.
  6. Add the onions to the pan and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
  7. In a large bowl, arrange a portion of the cooked noodles, followed by the stir-fried beef and onions, then the raw vegetables and fresh herbs.
  8. Squeeze a wedge of lime over the top, then drizzle the remaining fish sauce over the bowl.
  9. Give everything a good mix before eating. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Tools for making

  • Cutting Board - A surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the beef, vegetables, and herbs.
  • Garlic Press - A tool for mincing the garlic cloves.
  • Frying Pan - A pan for stir-frying the beef and onions.
  • Boiling Pot - A pot for boiling the rice noodles.
  • Colander - A strainer used to drain the noodles after boiling.
  • Tongs - Used for flipping and stirring the beef while stir-frying.
  • Large Bowl - A bowl for assembling and mixing the noodles, beef, and vegetables.

Recipe variations

  • Substitute the beef sirloin with chicken breast or shrimp for a different protein option.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with tofu or tempeh.
  • Add different vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chili or add some chili flakes.
  • Experiment with different herbs such as Thai basil, lemongrass, or kaffir lime leaves to enhance the aroma.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of fish sauce.
  • Try using different types of noodles like udon noodles or soba noodles for a twist.
  • Add a fried egg on top for an extra protein boost.
  • Garnish with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added crunch.
  • For a refreshing twist, substitute the fish sauce with a dressing made from lime juice, rice vinegar, and a touch of honey.

Recipe overview

This Bún Bò Xào recipe offers a taste of Vietnam's vibrant and flavorful cuisine. Literal translation of Bún Bò Xào is 'Stir-fried Beef & Noodle', and it is a refreshing, light and zesty dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Tender strips of marinated beef are stir-fried with fragrant onions and garlic, then served over a bed of soft vermicelli rice noodles. The dish is topped with fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and a squeeze of lime for an aromatic and tangy finish. It's a simple and balanced meal, providing a blend of textures and tastes, all brought together with the distinctive flavor of fish sauce. Mastering this recipe will transport your kitchen to the streets of Hanoi!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as flank steak or tenderloin if you prefer. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for tender results.
  2. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version of Bún Bò Xào. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  3. Is there a substitute for fish sauce? If you don't have fish sauce on hand, you can use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute. However, it will slightly alter the flavor of the dish.
  4. Can I make the noodles ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the noodles ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just make sure to rinse them with cold water after boiling to prevent them from sticking together.
  5. Can I add more vegetables? Absolutely! Bún Bò Xào is a versatile dish, and you can add more vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms to customize it to your taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting surface for preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the beef and chopping garlic and vegetables.
  • Frying pan - A large frying pan for stir-frying the beef and onions.
  • Tongs - Useful for flipping and stirring the beef while cooking.
  • Strainer - To drain and rinse the cooked noodles.
  • Large bowl - For assembling and serving the dish.
  • Serving spoons - For portioning the noodles, beef, and vegetables into individual bowls.
  • Chopsticks - Traditional utensils for eating the dish.
  • Lime wedger - A tool for easily squeezing lime juice over the dish.

Origin stories

Bún Bò Xào, which directly translates into English as stir-fried beef with noodles, is a simple yet flavorful dish from Vietnam. This delectable meal perfectly encapsulates the balance of flavors and textures that Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for. Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Vietnam possesses an impressive heritage of culinary originality. Influenced by its Chinese neighbors, the French colonial period, and its own rich agricultural resources, Vietnam’s cuisine represents a symphony of taste and color. While Hanoi in the north boasts of profoundly savory pho, the southern city of Ho Chi Minh prides itself on vibrant street-food culture, where Bún Bò Xào is a popular choice. The dish is noted for its lightness and contrast of texture - the softness of marinated beef paired with the freshness of raw vegetables and the chewiness of rice noodles. Each mouthful is a testament to the culinary wisdom passed down through generations.

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.