Hue Beef Noodle is a popular and beloved dish in Vietnam and around the world. This traditional Vietnamese noodle soup is famous for its flavorful broth, tender beef, and chewy rice noodles. Hue Beef Noodle is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a satisfying meal any time of day.
Hue beef noodle, also known as “bún bò Huế” in Vietnamese, originated from the central region of Vietnam. This dish is said to have been created during the Nguyen Dynasty in the 18th century. Back then, the royal chefs used their expertise to create a unique and delicious beef noodle soup to please the Emperor.
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Traditional Ingredients and Spices Used to Make Hue Beef Noodle
The authentic Hue Beef Noodle recipe uses a variety of herbs and spices to create the perfect balance of flavors. Some of the key ingredients include a Vietnamese spice mix called “Bun Bo Hue,” which includes chili powder, shrimp paste, and lemongrass. Star anise is also used in the broth, but if it’s not available, you can use anise seed as a substitute. Other essential ingredients include rice stick noodles, thinly sliced beef, and beef bones for making the broth.
Variations:
Hue beef noodle comes in various variations, depending on the region and the chef’s preference. Some variations include the addition of pork, shrimp, and even blood sausage. However, the classic version of the dish only includes beef.
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How to Cook the Perfect Bowl of Hue Beef Noodle in 6 Easy Steps
Making Hue Beef Noodle may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. Here are six easy steps to cook the perfect bowl of Hue Beef Noodle:
- Prepare the beef broth by simmering beef bones and spices for several hours.
- Cook the rice noodles in boiling water until they are tender and then rinse them in cold water.
- Season the thinly sliced beef with salt and pepper and cook it in a hot pan until it’s browned.
- Add the cooked noodles and beef to a bowl.
- Ladle the hot beef broth over the noodles and beef.
- Garnish with sliced onions, fresh herbs, and chili peppers.
Tips and Tricks on How To Make Your Hue Beef Noodle Even Tastier
To make your Hue Beef Noodle even more delicious, try adding extra flavors to the beef broth. Some popular additions include cinnamon sticks, cloves, and fish sauce. You can also make your own beef stock instead of using store-bought broth to enhance the flavor. Here are some tips and tricks to make your Hue beef noodle soup even tastier:
- Use high-quality beef: Choose a cut of beef that is tender and flavorful, such as brisket, flank steak, or beef shank. Trim off any excess fat and slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best texture.
- Make a flavorful broth: The key to a delicious Hue beef noodle soup is a rich, savory broth. Simmer beef bones, onion, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves for several hours to extract all the flavors. Skim off any impurities that rise to the surface for a clear broth.
- Add aromatics: Hue beef noodle soup traditionally contains lemongrass, chili pepper, and shrimp paste, which add a complex, spicy flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other herbs and spices like Thai basil, cilantro, or lime juice to customize the soup to your liking.
- Cook the noodles properly: Vermicelli noodles should be cooked until just tender, then rinsed with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Reheat the noodles in the broth just before serving to ensure they are hot and fully infused with the soup’s flavors.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and vegetables: Hue beef noodle soup is typically served with fresh bean sprouts, shredded cabbage, and herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, and mint. These add a crunchy texture and bright, fresh flavors that balance out the richness of the broth.
- Customize to your liking: Don’t be afraid to add your own twist to Hue beef noodle soup. Consider adding other proteins like shrimp, chicken, or tofu, or adjusting the spice level to your taste preferences. With a little experimentation, you can create a personalized version of this classic Vietnamese dish that is sure to impress.
What Are The Health Benefits of Eating Hue Beef Noodles?
Hue Beef Noodles can be a healthy meal option because they are low in fat and calories but high in protein. The beef broth is also packed with vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for your immune system and gut health. Additionally, the fresh herbs and vegetables used as garnishes provide additional nutrients and fiber. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the sodium content in the broth can be high, so it’s best to consume it in moderation.
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Where to Find Hue Beef Noodle:
Hue beef noodle is a popular dish in Vietnam, and you can find it in most Vietnamese restaurants around the world. However, if you want to experience the authentic flavor of this dish, you should visit the city of Hue in central Vietnam. There are many small eateries and street vendors that serve the best Hue beef noodle in the region.
Here are some of the top restaurants for Hue beef noodle in Hue:
Hue Beef Noodle Restaurants – Me Keo and Bun Hem
Me Keo Hue beef noodle is one of the oldest beef noodle stalls in Hue. Me’s noodle bowl has a distinctive spicy taste, and the broth has a slightly salty and fragrant smell of shrimp paste and lemongrass. This is perhaps the only beef noodle bowl in Hue that does not have beef but instead has pork belly, pig’s trotters, crab sausage, and more.
- Address: 20 Bach Dang, Phu Cat, Hue city;
- Opening hours: 6:00 – 10:00;
- Price range: 25,000 – 35,000 VND/bowl.
Delicious Hue beef noodle shop – Bun Hem
Bun Hem is another “irresistibly delicious” Hue beef noodle restaurant. The noodle bowl here is extremely delicious and appealing with all the ingredients such as boiled pig’s blood, pork meatballs, beef shank, pig’s trotters, and the broth has a strong and delicious flavor.
- Address: Alley 29/1 Hung Vuong street, Hue city;
- Opening hours: 7:00 – 9:00;
- Price range: 30,000 – 35,000 VND/bowl.
Hue Ba Tuyet beef noodle shop
The owner of the restaurant, Mrs. Tuyet, has been selling Bun Bo Hue for more than 20 years. Bun Bo at Ba Tuyet restaurant not only has vermicelli and beef, but diners can eat a combination of many ingredients such as beef noodle soup, beef noodle soup with crab, beef noodle soup,…
- Address: No. 47 Nguyen Cong Tru, Phu Hoi, Hue City;
- Reference opening hours: 6:00 – 12:00;
- Reference price: 25,000 – 35,000 VND/bowl.
We hope our guide to Hue beef noodle has given you a better understanding and appreciation of this delicious Vietnamese dish. With its rich history, unique ingredients, and flavorful taste, Hue beef noodle is a must-try for any food lover. Whether you are in Vietnam or in your home country, we encourage you to seek out this dish and savor the flavors of central Vietnam.
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