Bun Rieu (Vietnamese Crab Noodle Soup)

Tomato-based noodle soup featuring crab meatballs served over vermicelli noodles garnished with herbs.

Bun Rieu is a beloved Vietnamese noodle soup that features a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a comforting and satisfying dish. This recipe serves 4 and showcases the vibrant, savory, and slightly tangy broth, enriched with crab, pork, and fresh vegetables.

A Brief History of Bun Rieu

Originating from the northern regions of Vietnam, Bun Rieu reflects the country’s culinary heritage, where fresh ingredients are at the forefront. Traditionally made in family kitchens, this dish combines the sweetness of crab, the acidity of tomatoes, and the umami of fish sauce, resulting in a unique and hearty meal. Over time, Bun Rieu has become a staple across Vietnam, enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, symbolizing warmth and togetherness.

 

Why Bun Rieu Is Healthy?

Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with fresh vegetables like tomatoes and herbs, Bun Rieu provides essential vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants.

Lean Protein: The use of crab meat and ground pork offers high-quality protein without excess fat, supporting muscle health and overall nutrition.

Low in Calories: This dish is relatively low in calories compared to other hearty noodle soups, especially when prepared with fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Hydrating Broth: The rich broth is hydrating and soothing, perfect for comforting meals, particularly in cooler weather.

 

Ingredients

For the Broth

• Pork Riblets: 4-5 lbs
• Cold Water: 8 cups (2 liters)
• Dried Shrimp: 1 cup (adds depth of flavor)
• Salt: 2 tsp (to taste)
• Rock Sugar: 1 tbsp (balances the flavors)
• Fish Sauce: 3-4 tbsp (for umami)
• Roma Tomatoes: 6 large, cut into wedges (for acidity and sweetness)
• Optional: 2 cubes Bun Rieu seasoning (for extra flavor)

For the Crab Mixture

• Lump Crab Meat: 16 oz (or 3 steamed Dungeness crabs, picked clean)
• Chopped Shrimp: 1/2 lb, ground into a paste (for texture)
• Ground Pork: 1/2 lb (adds richness)
• Crab Paste with Soybean Oil: 2 jars (7 oz each, drained)
• Eggs: 3 (binds the mixture)
• Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp (for seasoning)

For the Sautéed Tomatoes & Fried Tofu

• Oil from Crab Paste: 3 tbsp (for sautéing)
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced (aromatic)
• Shallot: 1, chopped (adds sweetness)
• Fried Tofu: 8 oz, cut into cubes (adds texture) optional
  
• Salt and Pepper: to taste

For Serving

• Rice Vermicelli Noodles (Bún): quantity as needed (for the base)
• Fresh Herbs: cilantro, perilla leaves, Thai basil (for garnishing)
• Bean Sprouts: 1 cup (adds crunch)
• Banana Blossom: thinly sliced and soaked in lime juice (optional garnish)
• Lime Wedges: for serving
• Fish Sauce and Chili Sauce: for dipping

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Broth

1. Blanch the Pork:

   • Fill a large pot with the pork riblets and cover with cold water.
   • Bring to a boil over high heat for about 5 minutes. This step helps to remove impurities and any unwanted flavors.
   • Discard the water and rinse the pork under cold water to clean.

2. Make the Broth:

   • Return the cleaned pork to the pot and add 8 cups of fresh cold water.
   • Add the dried shrimp, salt, rock sugar, and fish sauce.
   • Bring to a boil again over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface to ensure a clear broth.

3. Add Tomatoes:

   • After 1 hour, add the tomato wedges to the broth. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices, enhancing the soup’s flavor.
   • Continue to simmer for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Preparing the Crab Mixture

1. Combine Ingredients:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the lump crab meat, chopped shrimp paste, ground pork, crab paste, eggs, and black pepper.
   • Mix well using your hands or a spoon until the mixture is uniform. This will help form tender meatballs.

2. Cook Crab Mixture:

   • Form small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) using a spoon or your hands.
   • Once the broth has simmered sufficiently, gently drop the meatballs into the boiling broth one at a time. This ensures they cook evenly and retain their shape.

Sautéing Tomatoes & Tofu

1. Sauté Aromatics:

   • In a separate pan over medium heat, add the oil from the crab paste.
   • Add minced garlic and chopped shallots, sautéing until fragrant and golden brown (about 2-3 minutes).

2. Add Tofu:

   • Incorporate the fried tofu cubes into the pan. Sauté until they are golden brown and slightly crispy (about 5 minutes).
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Combine with Broth:

   • Carefully transfer the sautéed tomatoes and tofu into the soup pot with the broth. Stir gently to mix everything, allowing the flavors to blend.

Assembling Bun Rieu

1. Prepare Noodles:

   • Cook the rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Usually, this involves boiling them for about 3-5 minutes until tender.
   • Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.

2. Serve:

   • In serving bowls, place a portion of the cooked vermicelli noodles as the base.
   • Ladle hot broth over the noodles, ensuring to include several crab meatballs, sautéed tomatoes, and fried tofu in each bowl.
   • Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, banana blossom slices soaked in lime juice, and lime wedges on the side.

3. Condiments:

   • Serve with fish sauce and chili sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize their soup according to taste.
    

Tips for Perfect Bun Rieu

Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh seafood and vegetables. Avoid canned products for a more authentic flavor.

Taste and Adjust: Periodically taste the broth while cooking to adjust the seasoning with salt or fish sauce as needed. This ensures a well-balanced flavor.

Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to add other toppings such as sliced mushrooms, additional herbs, or even sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Storage: If you have leftovers, store the broth separately from the noodles and toppings to keep them fresh. Reheat the broth and serve with freshly cooked noodles.

Serving Suggestions

Bun Rieu is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, allowing you to savor the vibrant flavors and textures. This dish is perfect for family meals or gatherings, bringing people together around a warm and comforting bowl of soup.

 

Discover more about Vietnam's Noodles