Bun Rieu Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

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Apr 11, 2025

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Bun Rieu Recipe: A Delicious Vietnamese Crab Soup

Bun Rieu is a rich and flavorful Vietnamese crab soup, often considered a national treasure. Its deep red color comes from the use of tomato paste and fermented shrimp paste, creating a unique and unforgettable taste. This recipe will guide you through making this delicious dish at home.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Bun Rieu

Before we begin, let's gather the essential ingredients. High-quality ingredients are crucial for achieving the best flavor in your Bun Rieu.

• Crab: Fresh crab meat is ideal, but you can also use frozen crab meat in a pinch. About 1 pound should suffice.
• Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes provide sweetness and acidity. Use about 2 large tomatoes, diced.
• Tomato Paste: This contributes to the signature red color and umami flavor. Use 2-3 tablespoons.
• Fermented Shrimp Paste (Mắm tôm): This is the key to the authentic Bun Rieu flavor. Start with a small amount (1-2 tablespoons) and adjust to your taste, as it can be quite pungent.
• Pork Bones: These add depth and richness to the broth. About 1 pound is a good starting point.
• Shrimp: Adding shrimp enhances the seafood flavor profile. Use about ½ pound of peeled and deveined shrimp.
• Vermicelli Rice Noodles: These are essential for serving the soup.
• Fresh Herbs: Cilantro, mint, and Thai basil are crucial for adding freshness and aroma.
• Other Ingredients: You'll also need onions, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, sugar, and vegetable oil.

Step-by-Step Bun Rieu Recipe

Now, let's dive into the cooking process. This recipe breaks down the preparation into manageable steps.

Preparing the Broth

1. Sauté Aromatics: Sauté chopped onions, garlic, and shallots in vegetable oil until fragrant.
2. Add Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, cooking until softened.
3. Simmer with Pork Bones: Add the pork bones and enough water to cover. Simmer for at least 2 hours, or until the broth is rich and flavorful. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
4. Incorporate Fermented Shrimp Paste: Carefully stir in the fermented shrimp paste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference. Note: The intensity of the fermented shrimp paste can vary, so proceed cautiously.

Adding the Seafood

1. Add Crab Meat: Once the broth is flavorful, gently add the crab meat. Avoid overcooking the crab, as it can become tough.
2. Add Shrimp: Stir in the shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking. Cook until the shrimp is pink and opaque.

Serving Your Bun Rieu

1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook the vermicelli rice noodles according to package instructions.
2. Assemble the Bowl: Place the cooked noodles in a bowl. Ladle the hot Bun Rieu soup over the noodles.
3. Garnish: Garnish generously with fresh herbs (cilantro, mint, Thai basil), a squeeze of lime, and a pinch of chili flakes (optional).

Tips for the Best Bun Rieu

• Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your Bun Rieu will depend heavily on the quality of your ingredients.
• Adjust seasoning to your taste: Don't be afraid to experiment with the amount of fermented shrimp paste, fish sauce, and sugar to find your perfect balance.
• Don't overcook the seafood: Overcooked seafood will be tough and rubbery.
• Serve immediately: Bun Rieu is best enjoyed fresh and hot.

Variations and Enhancements

• Add tofu: For a vegetarian option, substitute the crab and shrimp with firm tofu.
• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans or mushrooms.
• Spice it up: Add more chili flakes or a few slices of fresh chili for extra heat.

This comprehensive recipe guide should help you create a delicious and authentic bowl of Bun Rieu. Enjoy the process and the amazing flavors of this Vietnamese culinary masterpiece! Remember to share your culinary creations and tag us! Happy cooking!