Bún Bò Huế
Spicy Hue-Style Beef Noodle Soup
A bold and aromatic noodle soup from Hue, featuring beef, lemongrass, fermented shrimp paste, and a spicy red broth.
Other variations:
Bún bò giò heo, Bún bò tái, Bún bò chay, Bún bò Huế đặc biệt
Category
Noodle Soup
Region
Central Vietnam
Preparation Time
2h15
Servings
6
Difficulty
Hard
About this recipe
Bún Bò Huế is a signature dish of the former imperial capital of Hue. Known for its balance of spicy, sour, salty, and umami flavors, it is traditionally served with thick round rice noodles and an assortment of meats, including beef shank, pork knuckle, and Vietnamese ham (chả).
Ingredients List
500 g beef shank
500 g pork knuckle
500 g pork bones
5 stalks lemongrass (bruised
tied)
2 tbsp fermented shrimp paste
3 tbsp chili oil
3 tbsp fish sauce
400 g thick round rice noodles
herbs and lime wedges to serve
salt and sugar to taste
Materials & Tools
Large stockpot
ladle
strainer
knife and chopping board
mixing bowls
Preparation steps
Total Time :
2h15
Active Time :
45 min
Cooking Time
1h30
Step 1
Simmer Meats
Simmer pork bones, knuckle, beef shank 1–1.5h, skim foam.
1h30
Step 2
Add Lemongrass
Add lemongrass stalks into broth.
5 min
Step 3
Add Shrimp Paste
Dissolve shrimp paste in hot water, strain into broth.
10 min
Step 4
Season Broth
Add fish sauce, salt, sugar, taste adjust.
5 min
Step 5
Slice Meats
Boil rice noodles, drain.
10 min
Step 6
Cook Noodles
Boil rice noodles, drain.
10 min
Step 7
Assemble Bowl
Add noodles, meats, broth, chili oil, herbs, lime.
5 min
Step 8
Chef’s Tips
Use plenty of lemongrass for aroma; adjust shrimp paste and chili oil for desired pungency and spice level.
Serving Suggestions
Fresh herbs (banana blossom, mint, basil), lime wedges, chili oil
Nutritional info
480 kcal28 g protein14 g fat60 g carbs
You Might Also Like
Bánh Căn
Small, round rice pancakes cooked in clay molds, topped with quail eggs or seafood, and served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
Bánh Khọt
Small, crispy turmeric rice pancakes topped with shrimp, served with fresh herbs, lettuce, and sweet-sour fish sauce for wrapping.
Cơm Lam Gà Nướng
A rustic meal pairing fragrant bamboo-cooked sticky rice with smoky, marinated grilled chicken, served with a roasted peanut-salt-sesame dip and fresh herbs.
Hủ Tiếu
A light, savory noodle soup made with pork or seafood broth, served with rice or tapioca noodles and a variety of meats and fresh herbs.
Discover More Vietnamese Recipes
Explore our complete collection of Vietnamese Dishes, from Street Food favorites to traditional family recipes.