Bún bò Huế, the iconic noodle soup from the former imperial city of Huế, captivates food lovers not only with its rich, bold, and spicy flavor but also with its delicate preparation and enjoyment. Have you ever wondered how to cook authentic Bun Bo Hue right in your own kitchen? Or are you looking for the most delicious Bun Bo Hue spots to fully experience this signature taste? This article will reveal all the secrets!
Authentic Bun Bo Hue Recipe for Home Cooking
To create a delicious and authentic bowl of Bun Bo Hue, using fresh ingredients and proper preparation are crucial. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make this enticing dish yourself:
Fresh Ingredients You’ll Need
- Beef bones (marrow bones): 2kg (choose fresh bones with plenty of marrow)
- Beef shank: 700g (choose beef shank with tendons for a non-dry texture)
- Pork knuckles: 700g (choose front knuckles with both hoof and meat)
- Lemongrass: 10 stalks
- Minced lemongrass, minced garlic, chili paste: 100g each
- Green chilies: 100g
- Onion: 200g
- Ginger: 100g
- Ripe pineapple: 1 fruit
- Hue-style pork sausage (cha la): 20 pieces
- Minced shallots/scallion heads, minced cilantro: 200g each
- Fresh herbs for serving: Water spinach stems, sliced banana blossoms
- Fresh rice noodles: Thick vermicelli, typical for Bun Bo Hue
- Seasoning: Huế shrimp paste, annatto oil, fish sauce, rock sugar, salt, cooking oil
Step-by-Step Ingredient Preparation
- Prepare beef bones: Wash beef bones thoroughly, blanch in boiling water, then rinse again to remove impurities. Roast beef bones with crushed lemongrass, ginger, onion, pineapple, and red chili in the oven for about 30 minutes (or pan-sear) to create a signature aroma for the broth.
- Prepare beef shank and pork knuckles: Tie beef shank and pork knuckles tightly with string to prevent them from falling apart during boiling. Blanch in boiling water with lemongrass stalks and onion, then immediately transfer to a bowl of ice-cold water to maintain their crispness.
- Prepare other ingredients: Crush onion and ginger. Slice pineapple. Leave green chilies whole or halved. Crush lemongrass stalks.
Seasoning Bun Bo Hue broth to taste
Seasoning the broth to taste is key to creating the distinctive flavor of Bun Bo Hue.
Cooking Authentic Hue-Style Broth
- Simmer bones: Place roasted beef bones in a large pot, add crushed onion, ginger, sliced pineapple, green chilies, and lemongrass stalks. Cover with water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2-3 hours. Skim off foam regularly to keep the broth clear.
- Boil beef shank and pork knuckles: Add prepared beef shank and pork knuckles to the broth, boil until tender (cooking time depends on the size of the meat pieces). Remove beef shank and pork knuckles, soak in ice-cold water to maintain crispness.
- Season the broth: Remove vegetables from the broth. Add more boiling water to replenish evaporated liquid. Season with salt, rock sugar, fish sauce, and shrimp paste (dissolve shrimp paste in some broth before adding to the pot). Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Making Delicious Spicy Satay (Ớt Sa Tế)
- Sauté aromatics: Heat cooking oil in a pan, sauté minced scallions, cilantro, shallots, garlic, and lemongrass until fragrant.
- Stir-fry chili: Add chili paste and annatto oil, stir well. Divide into two portions: set one portion aside, and briefly stir-fry the other portion with thinly sliced beef shank for a richer flavor.
Making satay chili oil to serve with Bun Bo Hue
Satay is an indispensable condiment, contributing to the characteristic spicy flavor of Bun Bo Hue.
Plating and Enjoying
- Prepare fresh herbs: Thinly slice banana blossoms and water spinach stems. Soak in water with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
- Slice meat: Slice beef shank and pork knuckles thinly. Slice Hue-style pork sausage or leave whole as desired.
- Assemble the bowl: Blanch rice noodles in boiling water, place in a bowl. Arrange beef shank, pork knuckles, and pork sausage on top. Ladle hot broth over. Garnish with scallions and cilantro. Serve with fresh herbs and satay.
Adding ingredients to a bowl of Bun Bo Hue
The harmonious combination of fresh ingredients creates an appealing bowl of Bun Bo Hue.
Enjoying Authentic Bun Bo Hue: Recommended Restaurants in Vietnam
If you don’t have time to cook at home or want to experience the “original” Bun Bo Hue flavor, check out these famous and delicious restaurants:
- In Hue:
- Bun Bo Hue Ba Rot: Address: 14 Nguyen Du, Hue City. Famous for its rich broth and tender, delicious beef.
- Bun Bo Hue O Cuong Chu Diep: Address: 6 Tran Thuc Nhan, Hue City. A long-standing establishment, loved by many locals.
- In Ho Chi Minh City:
- Bun Bo Hue 3A3: Address: 3A3 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, HCMC. Known for its authentic Hue flavor and fast service.
- Bun Bo Hue Dong Nai: Address: 40B Ky Dong, District 3, HCMC. Spacious and airy restaurant, serving a variety of Hue dishes.
- In Hanoi:
- Bun Bo Hue O Xuan: Address: 20B Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Highly rated for its flavor and service quality.
- Bun Bo Hue Co Do: Address: 107E3 Vinh Ho, Dong Da, Hanoi. Cozy atmosphere, enthusiastic service.
Conclusion
Enjoying Bun Bo Hue is not just about savoring a dish, but also experiencing the unique culinary culture of Central Vietnam. Whether you cook it yourself at home or visit delicious restaurants, take the time to appreciate the flavor and story behind this dish. Wishing you wonderful culinary experiences!