Bun Rieu A Delicious Vietnamese Noodle Soup

Bun rieu, also known as bún riêu, is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup that is enjoyed by people all around the world. It is a flavorful and hearty dish that consists of a rich broth, fresh noodles, and various toppings. Bun rieu is a staple in many Vietnamese households and can also be found in restaurants and street food stalls. In this article, we will explore the origins of bun rieu, its different variations, and how to make it at home.

Origin of Bun Rieu

Bun rieu originated in Northern Vietnam and is believed to have been created during the 19th century. The dish was inspired by the French dish bouillabaisse, which is a seafood stew. However, bun rieu has evolved over time and now has its own unique flavors and ingredients.

The name “bun rieu” translates to “crab noodle soup” in English. This is because the key ingredient in bun rieu is crab meat, which gives the soup its distinctive flavor. However, there are variations of bun rieu that use other types of meat such as beef or pork.

Types of Bun Rieu

There are several variations of bun rieu throughout Vietnam. The most common type is bun rieu cua, which is made with crab meat and tomato broth. However, there are other types that use different types of meat and broths.

Bun Rieu Cua (Crab Noodle Soup)

As mentioned earlier, bun rieu cua is the most common type of bun rieu. It is made with a tomato-based broth, which is flavored with fish sauce, shrimp paste, and other spices. The soup is served with rice vermicelli noodles, topped with crab meat, tofu, fried tofu, and sometimes pork.

Bun Rieu Oc (Snail Noodle Soup)

Bun rieu oc is a variation of bun rieu that is popular in Southern Vietnam. Instead of using crab meat, this version uses snails as its main protein. The broth is made with snail stock, coconut milk, and various herbs and spices. This type of bun rieu is often served with puffed rice crackers on top.

Bun Rieu Bo (Beef Noodle Soup)

For those who don’t eat seafood, there is bun rieu bo, which is made with beef instead of crab or snails. This version uses beef broth for the soup and is topped with sliced beef, fried tofu, and sometimes quail eggs.

How to Make Bun Rieu at Home

While bun rieu can be easily found in Vietnamese restaurants, it is also a dish that can be made at home. Here is a simple recipe for bun rieu cua:

Ingredients:

• 1lb crab meat
• 1lb pork ribs
• 1lb pork bones
• 1 onion
• 3 tomatoes
• 2 tbsp shrimp paste
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 package rice vermicelli noodles
• 1 block fried tofu
• 1 cup chopped scallions
• ½ cup dried shrimp
• ½ cup dried squid
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, boil the pork ribs and bones with 4 quarts of water for about 30 minutes to make the broth.
2. Use a spoon to skim off any foam or impurities from the surface of the broth.
3. Add in the onion, tomatoes, shrimp paste, fish sauce, and sugar into the pot.
4. Simmer for another 10 minutes until the tomatoes are soft.
5. Remove the onion and tomatoes from the pot and blend them into a smooth paste.
6. Add the paste back into the pot and let it simmer for another 20 minutes.
7. In a separate pot, boil water and cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions.
8. Strain the noodles and set them aside.
9. In a pan, fry the dried shrimp and squid until they are crispy.
10. Add the fried tofu to the pan and fry until golden brown.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
12. In a bowl, add the cooked noodles, the fried tofu and seafood mixture, and chopped scallions.
13. Ladle the hot broth over the ingredients and top with crab meat.
14. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade bun rieu!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between bun rieu cua and pho?

Bun rieu cua and pho are both Vietnamese noodle soups, but they have different broths and toppings. Pho is made with beef broth and is topped with sliced beef, while bun rieu cua has a tomato-based broth and is topped with crab meat.

Can I make bun rieu without shrimp paste?

Yes, you can leave out the shrimp paste if you don’t have it or if you are allergic to it. However, it does add a distinct flavor to the dish, so you may want to substitute it with fish sauce or soy sauce.

Is bun rieu gluten-free?

Yes, bun rieu can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free rice noodles and checking the ingredients of the broth and toppings for any hidden sources of gluten.

Can I use canned crab meat for bun rieu?

While fresh crab meat is preferred, you can use canned crab meat if that’s all you have available. Just make sure to drain the excess liquid from the can before adding it to the soup.

How long does bun rieu last in the fridge?

Bun rieu can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container and reheat it before serving it again.

Conclusion

Bun rieu is a delicious and comforting Vietnamese noodle soup that has been enjoyed for centuries. With its rich broth, fresh noodles, and various toppings, it’s no wonder why this dish has become so popular around the world. Now that you know more about bun rieu, you can try making it at home or order it the next time you visit a Vietnamese restaurant. Bon appétit!