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Easy Spicy Bún Bò Huế Soup Recipe for Beginners Perfectly Homemade

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A beginner-friendly Vietnamese beef noodle soup with a spicy, aromatic broth featuring lemongrass, shrimp paste, and tender beef. This recipe balances authentic flavors with simplicity and quick preparation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds beef bones (marrow bones preferred)
  • 1 pound beef shank or brisket, thinly sliced
  • 3 stalks lemongrass, bruised and chopped
  • 4 medium shallots, thinly sliced and lightly fried
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced and lightly fried
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
  • Chili oil or fresh red chilies to taste
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 small piece rock sugar or 1 teaspoon
  • 200g (7 oz) rice vermicelli noodles
  • Fresh herbs (Vietnamese coriander, mint, Thai basil) for garnish
  • Bean sprouts and lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Blanch beef bones in boiling water for 5 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse bones.
  2. Refill stockpot with 12 cups (2.8 liters) fresh water, add bones, and bring to a boil.
  3. Add bruised and chopped lemongrass and rock sugar. Simmer gently for 30 minutes, skimming scum every 10 minutes.
  4. Slice beef shank thinly against the grain and set aside.
  5. Lightly fry sliced shallots and minced garlic in a small pan until golden and fragrant.
  6. Stir shrimp paste, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, and chili oil into the broth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
  7. Soak rice vermicelli noodles in warm water for 10 minutes or follow package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  8. To serve, place cooked noodles in bowls, top with raw sliced beef, and ladle hot broth over to cook the beef.
  9. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and additional chili if desired.

Notes

Ensure broth is piping hot when adding raw beef slices to cook them perfectly. Fry shallots and garlic separately before adding to broth for richer flavor. Adjust chili oil and shrimp paste to taste, especially for spice-sensitive eaters. For gluten-free, use gluten-free labeled fish sauce and hoisin sauce or tamari substitutes. Store noodles separately to avoid sogginess when refrigerating leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: Bún Bò Huế, Vietnamese soup, spicy beef noodle soup, lemongrass soup, shrimp paste, easy Vietnamese recipe, beginner-friendly soup

Find it online: https://rowanrecipes.com/easy-spicy-b-u-n-b-o-hue-soup-recipe-for-beginners-perfectly-homemade/