Authentic Bun Bo Hue – Spicy Beef Noodle Soup Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 lb pork bones
• 2 lb brisket
• 7 qt water
• 1 large white onion
• 1 piece ginger (about 2×2 inches), cut into thin slices
• 2 stalks lemongrass, cut into 3 inches, smashed
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 5 whole cloves
• 1/4 cup pure sesame oil
• 1 tbsp annatto seeds
• 5 medium shallots, minced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp pure sesame oil
• 2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust spiciness to taste)
• 3 tbsp lemongrass, minced
• 2 tbsp shrimp paste
• 2 tbsp chicken bouillon
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
• 5 stalks green onion, chopped
• 1 lb beef tenderloin, thinly sliced
• 1 bag premium Hue noodles
• Water spinach, shredded
• Banana flower, shredded
• Beansprouts
• Fresh oregano leaves
• Lime wedges
• Red cabbage, shredded (optional)
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 3 slices Thai chilies
• 1 tbsp shrimp paste

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Broth: In a large pot, add pork bones, brisket, 7 quarts of water, and a whole white onion. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for several hours to develop a rich, flavorful broth. Skim off any impurities that surface during the simmering process.

2. 2

   Add Spices: After about 1 hour of simmering, add sliced ginger, smashed lemongrass stalks, whole garlic cloves, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves to the broth. Continue to simmer to infuse the broth with aromatic spice flavors.

3. 3

   Prepare the Oil Mixture: Heat sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add annatto seeds and sauté until the oil turns bright red. Strain out the seeds and set the infused oil aside. In the same pan, sauté minced shallots and garlic in the annatto oil until fragrant and golden brown. Set this mixture aside to add flavor to the soup later.

4. 4

   Make the Seasoning Mix: In a bowl, combine sesame oil, red pepper flakes, minced lemongrass, shrimp paste, chicken bouillon, kosher salt, and fish sauce. Mix well to create a seasoning paste.

5. 5

   Combine Seasonings into Broth: Strain the broth to remove solids, returning the clear broth to the pot. Add the cooked oil shallot mixture and the seasoning paste to the broth. Adjust the seasoning by tasting; add more fish sauce or salt if needed to balance flavors.

6. 6

   Prepare Soup Ingredients: Cook the premium Hue noodles according to package instructions, usually by boiling briefly until tender but chewy. Drain and set aside. Thinly slice beef tenderloin and set aside to be cooked in the hot broth later.

7. 7

   Assemble the Soup: Place cooked noodles into bowls. Add thin slices of raw beef tenderloin on top. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and beef; the hot broth will gently cook the beef slices.

8. 8

   Add Vegetables and Garnishes: Top the soup with thinly sliced white onion, chopped green onion, shredded water spinach, banana flower, beansprouts, fresh oregano leaves, and optional shredded red cabbage. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the soup.

9. 9

   Prepare the Side Sauce: Mix fish sauce with sliced Thai chilies and shrimp paste to create a spicy condiment. Serve alongside the soup for dipping or adding extra flavor.