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ToggleEmbark on a culinary journey to the heart of Spicy Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup (Bún bò Huế), or Bún bò Huế, a dish that encapsulates the vibrant spirit and rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. This aromatic and spicy soup is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of culture, tradition, and the art of cooking. Originating from the ancient city of Huế, this beloved dish boasts a powerful broth infused with lemongrass, annatto seeds, and a variety of spices, making it distinctively flavorful and richly colored. Tender slices of beef, hearty noodles, and a medley of fresh herbs and vegetables complete the experience, creating a balance of textures and flavors that dance on the palate. Whether you’re a seasoned food lover or a curious newcomer, preparing Bún bò Huế at home can be a delightful adventure into Vietnamese cooking. Dive into this guide to discover the secrets of making this spicy, soul-warming soup that promises to delight your senses and transport you to the streets of Vietnam with every bite.
History of Spicy Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup
As the former imperial capital and cultural center of Vietnam, Huế has long been renowned for its royal cuisine and signature dishes that utilize the fiery chiles grown in the region. While the exact origins are unknown, Bún bò Huế likely emerged in the 19th or early 20th century as a local street food made with beef and pork, taking advantage of the city’s spicy culinary reputation. The dish was popularized and became firmly established as an emblem of Huế’s vibrant and pungent foods.
Ingredients For Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
Beef Noodle Soup draws its complex flavors from a medley of meats, spices, herbs and aromatics. Key ingredients include:
Meats
- Beef shank
- Oxtail
- Pork hocks
- Pork sausage
- Congealed pork blood (optional)
Broth
- Water
- Chicken broth
- Lemongrass
- Onions
- Salt
- Sugar
- Shrimp paste
- Fish sauce
- MSG (optional)
Aromatics
- Annatto seeds (for color)
- Cooking oil
- Shallots
- Garlic
Herbs
- Mint
- Basil
- Bean sprouts
- Birds eye chile
- Lime
Noodles
- Round rice noodles (medium or large thickness)
Spicy Sate Chili Condiment
- Dried red chiles
- Cooking oil
- Shallots or white onion
- Garlic
- Lemongrass
- Korean chili powder
- Fish sauce
- Sugar
- Salt
- MSG (optional)
Instructions For Cooking Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
Follow these steps to assemble the perfect bowls of Spicy Beef Noodle Soup:
Broth
- Clean the meats, blanch, and rinse.
- Simmer the meats in water, chicken broth, lemongrass and onions.
- Progressively remove cooked meat from broth.
- Season the broth and adjust water level.
- Add aromatics and annatto seeds for vibrant color.
Noodles & Assembly
- Prepare noodles according to package directions.
- Assemble bowls with noodles, broth, meat, herbs and vegetables.
Optional Extras
- Spicy sate condiment
- Chopped peanuts
- Fried shallots.
How to Serve Spicy Beef Noodle Soup?
A steaming bowl of Bún bò Huế is an explosion of colors, textures and flavors:
- Deep red broth
- Round rice noodles
- Sliced beef and pork
- Fresh green herbs
- Sometimes banana flower
The soup is typically spicy but can be customized by adjusting the amount of chili condiment. It is always served piping hot.
Tips For Cooking Spicy Beef Noodle Soup
- Soak beef and pork bones in cold water before cooking to remove any blood and impurities
- Season the broth at the beginning for well-seasoned meat and a flavorful base
- Simmer the meat and bones in the broth to tenderize the meat and deepen the flavor of the broth
- Enhance the broth with makrut lime leaves to elevate the citrus-like flavor of lemongrass
- Simmer the beef with wine sauce until tender, then serve over blanched noodles for a complete dish.
More on this Spicy Soup
- Regional variations exist with different ingredient options
- Provides nutrients from herbs, chiles and spices
- Find it at Vietnamese restaurants or specialty grocery stores
- An essential part of Vietnamese culinary culture.
Conclusion: Spicy Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup
With its bright red broth, tender noodles, tender meats, fresh herbs and full-bodied spicy flavors, Bún bò Huế offers an electrifying and authentic Vietnamese beef noodle soup experience. This fiery bowl encapsulates the essence of Huế’s famous imperial cuisine.
Category
Noodles
Persons
4
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
3 hours
Wait Time
30 minutes
Total Time
3 hours, 30 minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition FactsSpicy Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup (Bún bò Huế)Serves: 4 persons
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Vietnamese Food Recipes & Blog © 2024 Copyright Vietnamese Food Recipes & Blog
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Since 2015, I’ve enthusiastically shared my culinary journey through cooking videos on social media, aiming to empower food enthusiasts to recreate delectable Vietnamese dishes in their own kitchens. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of being featured in various esteemed magazines and television programs, where I’ve assumed diverse roles ranging from a character to a guest, and even a cooking show host. Join me as we embark on a flavorful journey together!
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