Spicy Huế-Style Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò Huế)

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

A fragrant, spicy beef noodle soup from central Vietnam’s Huế region, featuring tender beef shank, lemongrass, and chili oil. This vietnamese ready in about 210 minutes pairs beef shank, sliced, pork leg bone, medium onion, halved 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: 20 min Cook: 190 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 lb pork leg bone, 12 oz sliced beef shank, 2 bruised and chopped lemongrass stalks, 1 halved onion, and 2-inch sliced ginger. Cover with 12 cups water and bring to a boil over high heat.
  2. Step 2: Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 3 hours, skimming any foam to keep the broth clear.
  3. Step 3: After simmering, remove bones and aromatics with a slotted spoon. Stir in 3 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp shrimp paste, and 2 tbsp chili oil. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, soak 12 oz bún rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes, then drain and briefly blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds until tender. Divide noodles among 4 bowls.
  5. Step 5: Ladle hot broth over noodles, add 3 tbsp sliced green onions and 1/4 cup cilantro leaves on top.
  6. Step 6: Serve with 4 lime wedges, 1 cup bean sprouts, and 1/2 cup thinly sliced banana blossoms on the side for garnish and added texture.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Huế-Style Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò Huế) take to make?

Total time is about 210 minutes (20 min prep + 190 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 Spicy Huế-Style Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò 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 beef shank, sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Huế-Style Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò 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 Spicy Huế-Style Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò 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 Spicy Huế-Style Beef Noodle Soup (Bún Bò Huế)?

Vietnamese vietnamese 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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