Bún = Vermicelli Noodles;  Bò = Beef;  Huế = City in Central Vietnam

Bun Bo Hue – take me away!! It’s an aromatic bowl of delights that satisfies in so many ways. The broth is rich, packed with flavor and fiery spice. This is my second favorite soup – right behind PHO. And seeing my family’s faces light up as they dive in to the meal is worth the extra effort.

Like many recipes there are multiple ways of preparing Bun Bo Hue, and the wide variety of toppings one can include really personalize the dish to your favorite preferences. However, the key essentials for the broth are lemongrass, which gives it that wonderful citrus zest – and the dried chili flakes that give it a spicy zing and a beautiful, rich red color.

The secret ingredient is the finely ground shrimp paste. Some put it in the stock, others serve it on the side. As for me? Haha… I do both! I season broth with it AND always serve it as a dip for the meats on the side. The herb that marries it all together is “rau ram” – also called Vietnamese coriander.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and flavorful challenge – that will also warm you up on a brisk autumn day… this would be it. Bun Bo Hue… take me away…

List of Ingredients:

Topping suggestions:
Pig Hocks
Pork Congealed Blood Cubes
Beef Shanks (Beef Heel Meat)
Beef Tendons
Vietnamese Ham (Cha Lua)

Fresh Herbs & Mints
Beansprouts
Morning Glory Curls
Shredded Banana Blossoms
Shredded red and/or White Cabbage

Garnish:
Cilanto, Green Onion, Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Ram) Mix
Thin slices of Onion

8Qt (7.5 Liter) Stock:
2lbs of Beef Bones
3lbs Beef Neck Bones
1 Large White Onion Bulb
1 Bunch of Lemongrass (2 Stalks chopped into 3 inch length)

Stock seasoning suggestions: (Adjust amount to your taste)
3 Tbsps Lee Kum Kee Chicken Bouillon Powder
1 Tbsps Sugar
1 Tbsp Salt (may be substitute with fish sauce)

BUN BO HUE SEASONINGS:
½ Cup of Canola Oil
1 Cup of Minced Onion
1 ½ Cup Minced Lemongrass.
¼ Cup Minced Garlic
4 Minced Thai Chili Peppers (Optional)
3.5 Tbsps sugar
1 Tbsp Paprika
1 Tbsp Finely Ground Shrimp Paste (Optional)
2 Tbsps Dried Chili Flakes

Enjoy!

JN