Bún Bò Huế (Spicy Huế Beef Noodle Soup)
Bún bò Huế is a central Vietnamese soup built on beef and pork broth scented with lemongrass, fermented shrimp paste, annatto, and chili, served with thick round rice noodles.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Blanch the beef and pork, rinse, and place in a clean pot with water, onion, and lemongrass.
- 2
Simmer gently, skimming, until the meats are tender; remove and slice them.
- 3
Season the strained broth with fish sauce and carefully diluted fermented shrimp paste.
- 4
Bloom annatto and chili in oil and stir into the broth for the characteristic red color and aroma.
- 5
Cook the thick noodles separately and divide among bowls.
- 6
Add sliced meats and optional sausage, ladle over boiling broth, and serve with banana blossom, herbs, lime, and sprouts.
Cook notes
Tips
Cut the beef against the grain for more tenderness.
For a spicier soup, add more chili paste to taste.
Simmer longer if you prefer very tender beef.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little water if needed.
Substitutions
- Use soy sauce instead of fish sauce for a pescatarian option.
- If you don't have star anise, you can use ground anise seed or omit it altogether.
- Replace beef brisket with chicken thighs for a lighter version.
What to Serve With
- Jasmine rice
- Rice noodles
- A side of pickled vegetables
Common Mistakes
- Not slicing the beef thinly enough, which can result in tougher pieces.
- Adding too much sugar can overpower the spicy flavor.
- Not simmering long enough for the flavors to meld.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use sirloin or flank steak instead of brisket.
What can I serve with the soup?
This soup pairs well with jasmine rice or rice noodles.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
You can substitute the beef with tofu and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
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