Bún Riêu is a popular Vietnamese noodle soup made with a broth flavored by crab and tomato. Bún Riêu originated in northern Vietnam and is beloved for its sweet, sour and spicy flavors. The combination of crab and tomato makes the broth unique with its savory umami taste balanced by tart and tangy notes. The rice noodles soak up the flavors of the soup while the fresh herbs provide aroma. Bún Riêu is a hearty and comforting soup that is simple to make at home. Follow this guide to learn how to prepare authentic Bún Riêu.
Bún riêu is a Vietnamese noodle soup made with a crab and tomato broth. The name “bún riêu” comes from:
So the direct translation of “bún riêu” is “rice vermicelli noodle meat broth soup”. The key components that make it “bún riêu” are the rice noodles and the crab-based broth, often also containing tomatoes for sweetness and tamarind for sourness.
The “riêu” part of the name indicates it is a meat broth soup, but specifically it contains crab meat or crab paste as the key ingredient for flavoring the broth. So “bún riêu” refers to this classic Vietnamese vermicelli noodle soup made with a crab and tomato broth.
These are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make Bún Riêu:
Other ingredients like lemongrass, fish sauce, shrimp paste and chili add extra layers of flavor. To prepare the crab, remove the top shell, clean out the guts and reserve the meaty claws, legs and body. The yellow crab roe/fatty tissue is prized. If some crab ingredients are unavailable, you can substitute with extra shrimp paste or fish sauce. The noodles can be swapped for other rice noodles like bún bò huế noodles.
Follow these steps to make flavorful Bún Riêu broth:
The secret to Bún Riêu is the umami-rich crab paste made from the crab shells and legs. Here’s how to prepare it:
To cook the noodles:
Now you’re ready to assemble the Bún Riêu bowls:
Adjust the broth to your taste by adding more tamarind for sourness or fish sauce for saltiness. Let the soup simmer longer to reduce and concentrate flavors.
Popular toppings for Bún Riêu include:
Prep the toppings just before serving the soup, cooking each ingredient separately to maximize flavors.
Get creative with how you serve and enjoy Bún Riêu:
Is Bún Riêu vegetarian?
Bún Riêu is not vegetarian as it relies on crab and often shrimp paste for the signature umami flavor.
How does Bún Riêu compare to phở and bún bò huế?
While all Vietnamese noodle soups, phở focuses on beef broth, bún bò huế features spicy lemongrass, and Bún Riêu highlights crab and tomato.
Can I use shrimp paste instead of crab paste?
Substitute crab paste with a couple tablespoons of shrimp paste to mimic the sweet brininess.
What are some regional variations?
Northern Bún Riêu uses rice noodles while central Vietnam versions may use thicker noodles. Some add fried tofu or tamarind juice.
Bún Riêu is a tasty and unique Vietnamese soup that is worth trying at home. With its sweet, sour, and savory flavors and combination of noodles, crab, and fresh herbs, it’s no wonder why it’s so beloved. Mastering the technique of making the crab infused broth and properly cooking the rice noodles results in a comforting and vibrant dish to enjoy. Bún Riêu is a staple Vietnamese street food that captures the essence of the cuisine.
Serves: 4 persons
Amount Per Serving: | ||
---|---|---|
Calories | 600 | |
% Daily Value* | ||
Total Fat 20 | 30.8% | |
Saturated Fat 8 | 40% | |
Trans Fat 0 | ||
Cholesterol 150mg | 50% | |
Sodium 1200mg | 50% | |
Total Carbohydrate 50 | 16.7% | |
Dietary Fiber 3 | 12% | |
Sugars 15 | ||
Protein 30 |
Vitamin A 0 | Vitamin C 0 | |
Calcium 0 | Iron 0 |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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This post was last modified on 09/06/2024 15:16
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