Bún Bò Huế

About Bún Bò Huế

Bún Bò Huế is a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup originating from the city of Huế, in central Vietnam. Known for its balance of spicy, sour, salty, and umami flavors, it's a favorite among locals and a renowned dish in Vietnamese cuisine. The soup is characterized by its rich broth, lemongrass fragrance, and a hint of spiciness.

History

The dish reflects the rich cultural heritage of Huế, a region once home to the imperial court. Over centuries, this culinary masterpiece has evolved, incorporating royal tastes and flavors. Traditional Bún Bò Huế is known for its use of lemon grass, a critical ingredient that defines much of Huế's cuisine.

Ingredients

• Beef shank - 1 pound
• Pork hock - 1 pound
• Pig blood cube (optional) - 200g
• Vermicelli noodles - 400g
• Lemon grass - 2 stalks
• Red chilies - 2
• Shrimp paste - 1 tablespoon
• Fish sauce - 3 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 large
• Garlic - 4 cloves
• Bean sprouts - 1 cup
• Lime - 1, sliced
• Coriander - 1 bunch
• Mint - 1 bunch
• Salt - to taste
• Sugar - 1 tablespoon

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Start by rinsing the beef shank and pork hock under cold water. Then, bring a large pot of water to boil and blanch the meats shortly to remove impurities. Rinse them again to clean.

Step 2: Aroma Basics

Slightly crush the lemon grass and chop the garlic cloves. Slice the onion into thin rings. These ingredients will give the dish its signature aroma.

Step 3: Cook the Broth

In a large pot, combine the cleaned meats, half the onion, crushed lemon grass, and garlic. Pour in water until the ingredients are fully submerged. Let simmer on medium heat for a couple of hours until the flavors meld. Use our cooking timer to keep track.

Cooking Instructions

Step 4: Season the Broth

Add fish sauce, shrimp paste, and sliced red chilies to the broth. Adjust the salt and sugar to taste. Allow to simmer for another 30 minutes, ensuring all elements are fully infused into the soup.

Step 5: Prepare the Noodles

Boil water in a separate pot. Add the vermicelli noodles and cook as per package instructions, typically for about 4-5 minutes. Use a cooking timer to avoid overcooking.

Step 6: Assemble the Dish

In serving bowls, place a generous amount of cooked noodles. Pour over the hot broth, ensuring each bowl receives some slices of beef shank, bits of pork hock, and optional pig blood cube for authenticity.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top each bowl with fresh coriander, mint, and bean sprouts. Serve with a wedge of lime on the side for each person to squeeze into their soup.

How to Enjoy

Bún Bò Huế is best enjoyed hot. Start by gently mixing the garnishes into the broth. A squeeze of lime will enhance its flavors. You might pair the dish with traditional Vietnamese condiments like pickled onions or extra shrimp paste for a richer taste. Serve with iced tea for a refreshing contrast.

In Vietnam, this dish often highlights gatherings and celebrations, reflecting both hospitality and culinary artistry. Engaging all the senses, from the fragrant steam to the colorful presentation, it's a meal to enjoy and savor slowly.