Bun Rieu Recipe
Dive into this cozy Vietnamese bun rieu, a fragrant crab and tomato noodle soup. It’s a perfect mix of tangy, savory, and refreshing flavors that’s both comforting and easy to make at home.
Bun rieu isn’t just a soup; it’s a bowl of pure comfort with layers of savory, tangy flavors that make it a standout in Vietnamese cuisine. Imagine a rich, tomato-based broth that’s gently simmered with crab and pork, poured over delicate rice noodles, and topped with fresh herbs and a hint of lime.
Each spoonful is like a burst of flavors that combines earthy, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. If you’re ready to make something extraordinary, let’s go step-by-step into making this unique dish. You’ll be amazed at how the ingredients come together to create a dish that’s deeply satisfying and comforting.
What is Bun Rieu?
Bun rieu is a Vietnamese noodle soup known for its tangy, crab-infused broth and a flavor profile that’s both complex and refreshing. Originating from Northern Vietnam, this dish is as popular in local Vietnamese kitchens as pho, though it’s far less mainstream outside the country.
Traditional bun rieu features a broth enriched with crab, tomatoes, and a unique blend of fermented shrimp paste for that unmistakable umami depth. It’s a beloved street food in Vietnam and a comforting meal to enjoy at home with family and friends.
There are different variations of bun rieu, with some using snail, tofu, or different types of meat. But in this recipe, we’re focusing on the crab-based version, which delivers an intense and delicious seafood flavor. This soup is usually served with rice noodles and a vibrant selection of fresh herbs that add a refreshing finish to each bite.
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What Makes This Bun Rieu Recipe Special?
This recipe is all about balancing the flavors in a way that’s true to the traditional bun rieu, while also being achievable for the home cook. The broth is both light and richly layered, and the crab paste mixture adds a unique texture that makes each spoonful memorable. The tanginess from the tomatoes perfectly complements the savory notes, while the fresh herbs add a burst of freshness that elevates the dish.
What’s great about this bun rieu recipe is that it doesn’t require any specialized skills, just a little patience to let the broth simmer and the flavors meld together. It’s an ideal choice for a cozy weekend meal or for gatherings where you want to introduce guests to something beyond the typical pho.
Ingredients for Bun Rieu Recipe
Each ingredient in bun rieu plays a unique role in creating that signature balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
Broth Base
- Pork bones: The base for a rich, flavorful broth. Use pork leg or neck bones for the best results.
- Dried shrimp: Adds a deep, seafood umami note.
Crab Paste Mixture
- Canned crab paste: Essential for the authentic crab flavor.
- Ground pork: Adds extra richness and body to the soup.
- Eggs: Helps bind the crab mixture, creating the signature crab "cakes" that float in the soup.
Fresh Additions
- Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes lend a slight sweetness and acidity, balancing the seafood flavors.
- Tofu (optional): Adds a soft, sponge-like texture that absorbs the broth’s flavors.
Noodles and Garnishes
- Rice noodles (bun): Medium-width rice noodles are perfect for soaking up the broth.
- Herbs (cilantro, perilla, and green onions): Essential for freshness. Add them just before serving for maximum flavor.
- Shrimp paste or fish sauce: Intensifies the umami factor.
- Lime wedges and chili: For a refreshing, slightly spicy finish.
To complete your Vietnamese feast, consider pairing this dish with Cunetto Garlic Cheese Bread or a tangy Captain D’s Slaw.
How to Make Bun Rieu at Home
Making bun rieu from scratch is a journey worth taking. Each step brings out a layer of flavor, and the final product is incredibly rewarding.
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
Simmer the bones: Start by boiling the pork bones in water for about 10 minutes, then drain and rinse. This removes impurities and keeps the broth clear.
Simmer with aromatics: Place the cleaned bones back in the pot, cover with fresh water, and add a few slices of ginger and onion. Let it simmer for 1-2 hours.
Add dried shrimp: Soak the dried shrimp in warm water for about 15 minutes, then add to the pot. The shrimp infuses the broth with a mild seafood flavor that’s essential for bun rieu.
Step 2: Prepare the Crab Paste Mixture
Mix the crab paste: In a bowl, combine the crab paste with ground pork and eggs. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then stir until everything is well-mixed.
Drop spoonfuls into the broth: As the broth simmers, use a spoon to gently drop small portions of the crab mixture into the pot. They’ll cook in the broth, floating to the top like fluffy crab cakes.
Add tomatoes: Once the crab mixture is cooked, add the chopped tomatoes. Let them simmer until they break down slightly, releasing their tangy sweetness into the broth.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Prepare the rice noodles: Boil the noodles according to package instructions, then rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking process.
Portion into bowls: Place a serving of noodles in each bowl, ready to be topped with the flavorful broth and toppings.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Ladle over the broth: Pour the hot broth, along with the crab cakes and tomatoes, over the noodles in each bowl.
Add herbs and toppings: Sprinkle fresh cilantro, green onions, and perilla leaves over the top, and add bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili as desired.
Serve with shrimp paste: Offer a small bowl of shrimp paste or fish sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick of umami.
For a complete experience, serve your bun rieu with Apricot Jam with Bachan's BBQ Twist as a unique condiment that balances sweetness with the tanginess of the soup.
Tips for Perfect Bun Rieu
- Use fresh tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes give a brightness that canned ones can’t match.
- Balance the shrimp paste: A little goes a long way, so use it sparingly.
- Experiment with herbs: Cilantro, perilla, and even basil can add a fresh, aromatic finish.
Why Bun Rieu is Perfect for Gatherings
Bun rieu is a dish that brings people together. Its complex flavors are a conversation starter, and it’s a wonderful way to introduce people to lesser-known Vietnamese dishes. The process of making it feels almost meditative, and when you finally sit down to enjoy the meal, every spoonful is a reward.
Bun Rieu Recipe
Bun rieu is a Vietnamese crab and tomato noodle soup with a rich, tangy broth, fluffy crab cakes, and a refreshing mix of fresh herbs. This recipe delivers an authentic, vibrant flavor that's both comforting and easy to recreate at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork bones, cleaned
- 6 cups water
- 1/2 cup dried shrimp, soaked in warm water
- 3 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup canned crab paste
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 block of tofu, cubed (optional)
- 1 lb rice noodles (bun), cooked according to package instructions
- 2 tbsp fish sauce, plus extra to taste
- 1/2 tsp shrimp paste (mam ruoc)
- 1 bunch fresh herbs (cilantro, perilla leaves, green onions)
- Bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili for serving
Instructions
- Simmer the pork bones in a large pot of water for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse the bones to remove impurities.
- Add fresh water to the pot with the cleaned bones, bring to a simmer, and add the dried shrimp. Let simmer for 1.5 hours.
- Meanwhile, sauté the tomatoes in a separate pan until soft, then set aside.
- In a bowl, mix the crab paste with ground pork and beaten eggs. Stir well to combine.
- Drop spoonfuls of the crab mixture into the simmering broth, letting it cook until the "cakes" float to the top.
- Add the sautéed tomatoes to the broth, followed by tofu cubes (if using) and fish sauce. Stir gently and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add shrimp paste and taste for seasoning, adjusting with fish sauce as needed.
- To serve, place a portion of noodles in each bowl. Ladle the hot broth, crab cakes, tomatoes, and tofu over the noodles.
- Top with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lime wedges, and chili to taste.
prep time with cook time.
Serves 6 and contains approximately 450 calories per serving.
Vietnamese / Soup, Main Course
Rated 4.9 by 1786 reviewers.
Recipe Tags: bun rieu recipe, Vietnamese crab soup, crab noodle soup, bun rieu cua, Vietnamese recipes, seafood noodle soup
Published by: Show Recipe
