The Recipe: How to Make Bún Bò Huế at Home
Making Bún Bò Huế at home might seem intimidating, but with the right ingredients and patience, you can enjoy this flavorful soup in the comfort of your kitchen. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef shank
- 1 lb pork hock
- 1 lb beef brisket
- 1 package of Vietnamese pork sausage (Chả Huế)
- 1 package of vermicelli noodles (Bún)
- 4 stalks lemongrass, bruised and cut into sections
- 1 large onion, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons shrimp paste
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon annatto seeds (optional, for colour)
- Fresh herbs: cilantro, green onions, and Thai basil
- Fresh vegetables: bean sprouts, lime wedges, and thinly sliced cabbage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the beef shank, pork hock, and beef brisket. Parboil for about 5 minutes, then drain and rinse the meat under cold water. This step helps to remove impurities.
- Refill the pot with fresh water and add the meat back in. Add the lemongrass and onion halves. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 2 hours or until the meat is tender.
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Flavor the Broth:
- Heat the annatto seeds in oil in a small pan until the oil turns red. Discard the seeds and save the oil.
- In a separate pan, sauté the minced garlic in the annatto oil until fragrant. Add the shrimp paste, fish sauce, chilli oil, and sugar. Stir to combine, and then add this mixture to the simmering broth. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Rinse under cold water and drain. Set aside.
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Prepare the Meat:
- Remove the meat from the broth and slice it thinly once the meat is tender. Set aside.
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Assemble the Soup:
- In a serving bowl, add a portion of vermicelli noodles. Top with slices of beef shank, pork hock, beef brisket, and pork sausage.
- Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and meat, ensuring to include some of the flavorful lemongrass pieces.
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Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro, green onions, and Thai basil. For extra crunch, add a squeeze of lime, bean sprouts, and thinly sliced cabbage.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this traditional Vietnamese soup's bold, complex flavours.
Bún Bò Huế is a true testament to Vietnam's rich culinary heritage. Its combination of tender meats, spicy broth, and fresh herbs makes it a standout dish that will impress anyone who tries it. Try this recipe and bring a taste of Hue into your home!
Here are some delicious food and drinks to try when ordering from PHO restaurants in Toronto:
Spicy Hue Vermicelli Noodle in Soup (Bún Bò Huế)
House Special Beef Noodle Soup (Phở Đặc Biệt)
Spring Roll Vermicelli (Bún Chả Giò)
Delicious Vietnamese Flan Dessert
