Bun Bo Hue Recipe from Thailand with Ham Hocks and Lemongrass

Bun Bo Hue

Bun Bo Hue Recipe from Thailand with Ham Hocks and Lemongrass
Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 3 hours | Servings: 6

Introduction

Bun Bo Hue
Bun Bo Hue

Bun Bo Hue is a traditional Vietnamese soup that is known for its bold and spicy flavors. This dish originated in the city of Hue in central Vietnam and has since become popular all over the world. The soup is made with a flavorful broth, tender slices of beef and pork, and chewy noodles, all topped with fresh herbs and vegetables.

History

Bun Bo Hue has its roots in the royal cuisine of Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. The dish was originally created as a special meal for the royal family, but it eventually became a popular street food enjoyed by people of all backgrounds. Today, Bun Bo Hue is a beloved dish that is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Boil the water and add ham hocks and lemongrass. Strain the broth.
  2. Add nuoc mam, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add sirloin and pork.
  3. Add loin to the broth and prepare the meats.

Variations

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute tofu for the beef and pork.
  • Add shrimp or chicken for a different protein option.
  • Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of Thai red chili peppers.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the broth, be sure to simmer the ham hocks and lemongrass for at least an hour.

- For a more authentic taste, use Vietnamese nuoc mam (fish sauce) instead of regular soy sauce.

- Be sure to slice the beef and pork thinly to ensure that they cook quickly and evenly.

- To add a spicy kick to the soup, adjust the amount of Thai red chili peppers to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Bun Bo Hue is traditionally served with a side of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and Thai red chili peppers. Enjoy this flavorful soup with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling

- Simmering

Ingredient Substitutions

Soy sauce can be used as a substitute for nuoc mam.

- Chicken broth can be used instead of water for a richer flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

The broth can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Bun Bo Hue in individual bowls, garnished with fresh herbs and a lime wedge. - Arrange the bean sprouts and Thai red chili peppers on a separate plate for guests to add to their soup as desired.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Bun Bo Hue with a cold Vietnamese beer or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Calories per serving: 400

Carbohydrates

- Noodles: 8 oz

- Bean sprouts: 1 cup

Fats

- Pork loin: 8 oz

Proteins

- Sirloin: 8 oz

Vitamins and minerals

Thai holy basil

- Fresh mint

- Fresh cilantro

- Lime

Alergens

None listed

Summary

Bun Bo Hue is a nutritious dish that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Summary

Bun Bo Hue is a delicious and satisfying Vietnamese soup that is perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the rich and spicy flavors of Bun Bo Hue today!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear recollection of the first time I saw this recipe for Bun Bo Hue. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Mai in her small village in Vietnam. Mai’s mother was preparing a big pot of Bun Bo Hue, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup made with beef and lemongrass. The fragrant aroma filled the air, and I was immediately drawn to the kitchen to watch her work her magic.

Mai’s mother noticed my interest and invited me to help her prepare the dish. She showed me how to slice the beef thinly and marinate it with lemongrass, garlic, and chili paste. She also taught me how to make the broth, which involved simmering beef bones, shrimp paste, and a variety of herbs and spices for hours on end.

As the soup simmered away on the stove, Mai’s mother shared stories of how she learned to make Bun Bo Hue from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The recipe had been passed down through generations, with each family adding their own twist to make it their own.

I was fascinated by the history and tradition behind this dish, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself. Mai’s mother graciously wrote down the recipe for me, detailing each step and ingredient with care. She also gave me a small jar of her homemade chili paste to take home with me, a precious gift that I would treasure forever.

When I returned home, I wasted no time in trying out the recipe for myself. I gathered all the ingredients and set to work, following Mai’s mother’s instructions to the letter. The broth simmered on the stove, filling my kitchen with the same comforting aroma that I had experienced in Mai’s village.

As I tasted the finished soup, I was transported back to that warm summer day in Vietnam. The flavors were bold and complex, with the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and tangy. It was a masterpiece of a dish, one that I knew I would be making for years to come.

I continued to make Bun Bo Hue for my family and friends, sharing the story of how I learned the recipe and the memories that were attached to it. Each time I made the dish, I felt a connection to Mai’s village and her mother’s kitchen, a connection that transcended borders and cultures.

Over the years, I have added my own twist to the recipe, incorporating new ingredients and techniques that I have learned along the way. But the heart of the dish remains the same, a testament to the love and tradition that has been passed down through generations.

Bun Bo Hue has become a staple in my kitchen, a dish that I turn to whenever I need a taste of home. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and to the people who have shaped us into who we are today.

And so, as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of Bun Bo Hue, I am grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe and the memories that it holds. It is a dish that will always have a special place in my heart, a reminder of the bonds of family and tradition that endure through time.

Categories

| Beef Sirloin Recipes | Ham Hock Recipes | Lemongrass Recipes | Lime Recipes | Mint Recipes | Mung Bean Sprout Recipes | Pork Loin Recipes | Rice Vermicelli Recipes | Thai Chile Recipes | Thai Recipes |

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