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 (cut into pieces) 500 g pork bones 5 stalks lemongrass (bruised, tied) 1 onion (halved) 3.5 liters water (for the broth), plus 350 ml for the shrimp paste 2 tbsp fermented shrimp paste 3 tbsp fish sauce salt and sugar, to taste 400 g thick round rice noodles (dried) 100 g bean sprouts 2 scallions (sliced) fresh herbs (Thai basil, cilantro) banana blossom (thinly sliced; optional) 1 lime (cut into wedges) chili oil (to serve)
Materials & Tools
Large stockpot Medium pot Ladle Strainer Knife and chopping board Mixing bowls
Preparation steps
Total Time
2h15
Cooking Time
2h00
Active Time
15 min
Blanch Meats
Cover beef, pork knuckle and bones with water, boil 5 minutes, then drain and rinse.
5 min
Simmer Broth
Put meats, bones, lemongrass, onion and water in stockpot. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 1 - 1.5 hours, skimming off foam. Remove each meat as soon as it is tender.
1h30
Add Shrimp Paste
Mix shrimp paste with 350 ml water and let settle 10 minutes. Slowly pour clear liquid into broth and discard sediment.
10 min
Season Broth
Season with fish sauce, salt and sugar to taste.
5 min
Slice Beef
Let beef cool slightly, then slice thinly.
10 min
Cook Noodles
Boil noodles until tender, then drain.
10 min
Assemble Bowl
Put noodles in bowls, add beef and pork knuckle, and ladle over hot broth. Top with scallions and serve with bean sprouts, herbs, banana blossom (if using), lime and chili oil.
5 min
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, lime wedges, chili oil
Nutritional info
480kcal
28g protein
14g fat
60g carbs
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