Braised Spicy Beef Noodles from Huế

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A spicy, aromatic beef noodle soup from central Vietnam featuring tender beef shank and rich lemongrass-infused broth with chili heat. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 135 minutes pairs cut into chunks beef shank, minced garlic cloves, thinly sliced shallots for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 120 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 3 thinly sliced shallots, sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 bruised and chopped lemongrass stalks, 1 tbsp dried chili flakes, and 1 tsp shrimp paste. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1.5 lbs beef shank chunks and sear for 5 minutes, turning occasionally until browned.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 6 cups beef broth and 3 tbsp fish sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 2 hours until beef is tender.
  5. Step 5: Cook 12 oz thick rice noodles according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
  6. Step 6: Serve noodles in bowls topped with tender beef chunks and ladle hot broth over. Garnish with 3 chopped green onions, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 cup bean sprouts, 1/4 cup fresh chili slices, and serve with 4 lime wedges on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Braised Spicy Beef Noodles from Huế take to make?

Total time is about 135 minutes (15 min prep + 120 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Braised Spicy Beef Noodles from Huế?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cut into chunks beef shank from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Spicy Beef Noodles from Huế?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Braised Spicy Beef Noodles from Huế for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Braised Spicy Beef Noodles from Huế?

Vietnamese beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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