Bún Hến

Bún Hến is a classic Vietnamese dish originating from the city of Huế. Known for its vibrant culinary traditions, Huế is famous for its unique flavors and meticulous food preparation methods. Bún Hến is a type of noodle salad garnished with baby clams, making it a perfect dish for seafood lovers. The harmonious blend of aromas and textures reflects the rich culture and history of Vietnam’s imperial cuisine.

Ingredients

• Baby clams - 500g, clean and soak in salted water
• Rice noodles - 300g, cooked according to package instructions
• Spring onions - 3 stalks, finely chopped
• Peanuts - 50g, roasted and crushed
• Fish sauce - 3 tbsp
• Lemongrass - 2 stalks, finely chopped
• Garlic - 4 cloves, minced
• Chili peppers - 1-2, finely chopped (optional, adjust for spice)
• Mint leaves - A handful, roughly chopped
• Purple perilla - A handful, roughly chopped
• Banana blossom - 1 small, thinly sliced and soaked in lemon water
• Shrimp paste - 1 tsp
• Lime - 1, cut into wedges
• Vegetable oil - 2 tbsp
• Sugar - 1 tbsp
• Lettuce - A handful, shredded

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Baby Clams

First, ensure your baby clams are thoroughly washed to remove any grit and sand. Soak them in salted water for 30 minutes, changing the water at least once. Rinse under cold running water until clean.

Step 2: Cooking the Baby Clams

Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add lemongrass, garlic, and chili peppers (if using) and sauté until fragrant. Add the cleaned baby clams and shrimp paste. Stir-fry for about 10 minutes until the clams are cooked through. Season with fish sauce and sugar, adjusting to taste.

Step 3: Preparing the Rice Noodles

Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. It’s best to slightly undercook them as they will continue to absorb the dressing when mixed.

Step 4: Preparing the Veggies

While the clams and noodles are cooling, thinly slice the banana blossom and soak in water with a bit of lime juice to prevent browning. Drain before use. Finely chop the spring onions, mint leaves, and purple perilla. Shred the lettuce. All these fresh herbs and greens give Bún Hến its characteristic refreshing taste.

Assembly and Serving

Step 5: Assembly

In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice noodles with the baby clams, herbs, and veggies. Use your hands or tongs to gently mix everything, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the clams and their cooking juices.

Step 6: Garnish

Sprinkle roasted peanuts and spring onions over the top. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over just before eating, to balance the flavors with some acidity.

Cooking Time

The entire preparation and cooking process should take about 45 minutes. Be sure to set your cooking timer to keep track of each step.

Enjoying Your Meal

Bún Hến is best enjoyed fresh. The combination of warm noodles, the savory taste of clams, the crunch of peanuts, and the fresh herbs provides a delightful contrast that is representative of Vietnamese cuisine. It is often accompanied by a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee or herbal tea, making it a refreshing meal, especially on a hot day. As you savor each bite, appreciate the layers of flavor, from the salty and umami notes of shrimp paste to the zesty punch from the lime.